design guide & co-creator
Once we work together, you won’t have to figure it out alone anymore.
Hi, I'm Carrissa
and I want to help you with your home
Whenever someone shares their vision for a dream home with me and then follows up with, “but I just don’t know where to start, there are so many decisions to make that I get overwhelmed and end up selecting items that don’t truly reflect my style,” my heart sinks a little.
Your home can and SHOULD be so much more than a generic space created through exhaustion and overwhelm. It serves as a personal sanctuary, a reflection of who you are, and what you love. It’s where you experience your most comfort and create cherished memories.
I’m here to help you design and personalize your home. With my expertise and experience, I strive to create visually stunning spaces and make the entire design process a positive and enjoyable experience.
In addition to offering my interior design services, I am committed to expanding my reach beyond my usual circle of close contacts and clients. I feel that great design should be accessible to everyone. Through this platform, my goal is to inspire individuals to create beautiful homes that mirror their personal style and values, ultimately empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.
Let’s connect when you’re ready, and we can discuss how I might be the perfect fit for your project or product review. I’m eager to explore the possibilities of working together and seeing how we can achieve your goals.
a unique blend of experience
professional background
high-end architecture
Launching my career at top-tier architectural firms such as R.L. Just & Associates and Dick Busch Architects, I refined my expertise in 2D and 3D CAD drafting, design sensibility, specifications, and construction documentation. This invaluable experience sharpened my attention to detail, giving me a skillset that I still rely on today. It's been an amazing foundation that continues to drive my professional journey.
luxury Custom home building
After the 2009 housing downturn and time off to start my family, I joined a local luxury custom home builder, where I gained profound expertise in the building process by managing numerous projects from start to finish. I cultivated strong client relationships and worked closely with designers, vendors, and subcontractors. Through this experience, I learned the vital importance of budget management, maintaining open lines of communication, and the necessity of adhering to project schedules.
Residential interior design
Discovering my passion for interior design through work with spec homes and client collaborations, and the invaluable mentorship of a renowned local designer, inspired me to establish Lavish Interiors LLC in 2017, rebranded as Lavish Interiors and More in 2024. My journey has led to successfully designing several high-end custom homes from concept to completion highlighting my expertise in the field. Before earning a pivotal recommendation from one of St. Louis's leading architects, I honed my skills on various smaller projects, such as additions, renovations, and furniture updates, each contributing to the foundation of my career.
A Life Full of Family Love and Personal Evolution
Outside of my professional life, my greatest joy comes from being a mom to my three amazing children—Tommy, Kendall, and Karley—and a bonus mom to Josh, my husband John’s older son. Family is our top priority, and we cherish every moment spent together; they are my everything, my foundation, and the driving force behind my pursuit to live my best life, be my best self, and be one of the best designers around.
Beyond the joy of family moments, I find rejuvenation in hot yoga and the peacefulness of nature. For me, there’s no better way to spend a weekend than with family and friends at the lake, relaxing on the dock, or enjoying a boat ride. Watching all my kids excel in school, my son’s talent in basketball, my oldest daughter shine on the soccer field and my youngest daughter running around laughing and playing fills me with immense pride. When we’re not absorbed in their activities, I dedicate time to personal development, constantly exploring ways to grow and enrich our lives.
As I continue to nurture my passion for both my family and my business, I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether you’re seeking a designer who truly values creativity and collaboration, or you’re excited to become part of a community that celebrates the joys of home life, there’s a place for you here. Follow us on social media for the latest project updates, blog posts, and inspiration. Together, let’s create beautiful designs, meaningful connections, and valuable content —I’m thrilled to share this adventure with you.
