team
With over 20 years in operation, KNA Design has been widely recognized both locally and internationally for its’ Interior Design product.
Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, Hilton, Conrad, Wynn, Hyatt, Marriott, and MGM plus numerous others are but a few of KNA’s many repeat clients. We are retained by the world’s premier resort and entertainment entities to collaborate on an increasingly complex range of endeavors and locations.
Our success is the result of creativity, experience , attention to detail and most importantly, teamwork.
KNA design has the proven ability to cooperate as working members of the team, facilitating the coordination between the client, architect, and the entire staff. Our striking designs are augmented by an in-depth knowledge of high quality vendors and sound technical expertise. With 35 years of experience, our unmatched resources and handpicked staff of talented designers enable KNA Design to deliver a complete selection of unsurpassed design services to our discriminating clientele.
Also, we here at KNA Design seek to distinguish our work through rigorous attention to detail, high standards and meticulous follow through. Supported by our exceptional internal project management team, KNA ensures that each endeavor is completed on time and within budget to the best of our ability.
kirk nix
owner
Kirk brings an extraordinary and uncommon combination of talents to the business and artistry of design. A member of the Design Leadership Network, he has effectively established KNA Design’s reputation as one of hospitality design’s most progressive creative forces. Kirk’s work has been increasingly recognized and published for its striking interplay of classicism paired with a modern rationale that allows the result to be timeless yet relevant in a contemporary context. As a testament to his enduring relationships, Kirk has also received the extraordinary compliment of being commissioned to design the private residences for several internationally renowned hoteliers and celebrity clientele.
alisa chodos
managing principal
Alisa has continually built upon her reputation as a highly creative and service oriented leader with an outstanding track record. As a principal member of KNA Design, Alisa has been effectively leading the company’s project delivery processes and directing its growing architecture, interior design, and management staff along with a stellar client following also. She is unsurpassed in managing the complexities of time, budget, project deliverables, user expectations and creative content. Alisa brings a wealth of experience and a unique dynamic as an owner’s representative and advocate for the client as well as for the firm.
matthew carson ray
Design Director
Matthew’s primary goal at KNA Design is to develop interior experiences that exceed any and all expectations. Of course, total comfort, sensitivity , and even well placed humor prevail. Matthew knows that the greatest measure of success for any design solution is based upon the human response. Matthew has been developing successful design concepts of lasting integrity, exceptional impact, and enduring market value that always begin and end with people in mind. Matthew is diligently committed to ensuring the final design product is elevated to the magnificent result our clientele has come to expect.
lisa nepomuceno
project director
Lisa’s approach to design and project management is detailed, comprehensive and unparalleled. At the earliest phase of every project, Lisa will thoroughly review and research the owner’s and operator’s development objectives to ensure understanding of the common vision. She easily coordinates and works in tandem with the owner, project management, architect, estimator, consultancy team, and contractor to coordinate the scope of all work and ensure the highest degree of quality and ultimately excellence. Expectations must not only be met, they should be surpassed and Lisa guarantees a satisfactory outcome for KNA’s exclusive repeat clientele.
cesar ramirez
senior designer
At every phase of design development, Cesar effectively balances the importance of managing each detail with the ultimate goal of advancing towards closure on the series of complex design issues. Paralleling the up-front coordination and review of the development criteria, Cesar also initiates in-depth research and conceptualization that produces a wide range of creative content for the owner and design team to synthesize in validating the ‘big idea’. He brings to the table a complete portfolio of ideas which add further dimension to the work already established by the architect and development consultants.
kumiko matsuda
project director
Kumiko’s thorough review and assessment of any endeavor’s technical parameters define the limitations and/or areas of unlimited opportunity for the development team and ideally sets the tone for ongoing technical coordination. Her skill sets the bar for our working relationships and her reporting role between the client and KNA team is established to ensure that communication flows efficiently and productively from the beginning to the ultimate result. Kumiko’s commitment to providing stellar project support continues far beyond the final installation date to guarantee client satisfaction.
jorge villand
designer
At every phase of design development, Jorge effectively balances the importance of managing each detail with the goal of advancing towards closure on a series of complex design issues. Paralleling the up-front coordination and review of each project’s development criteria, Jorge initiates in-depth research and conceptualization that produce a wide range of creative content for the owner and design team to synthesize in validating the ‘big idea’. He brings to the table a complete portfolio of ideas which add further dimension to the work already established by the architect and development consultants. Jorge also works internally with the vendors to ensure the designers at KNA Design stay ahead of the curve with new products and technologies , ready for a new millennium and completely informed.