Husband and wife duo Darren James & Elissa Greer combine decades of design and construction expertise with a shared dedication to creating comfortable and sophisticated interiors. With our team of interior designers, administrators, project managers and on-site construction specialists, we aim to provide you with the most professional service that collectively combines the creativity, design and on site construction knowledge.
Darren James
Co-founder – Director
Darren James is our principle designer and heads the design team at Darren James Interiors overseeing all projects. Darren is involved in every aspect of his firms projects: from conceptualisation to material selections, drawing documentation right through to working with his in-house construction team and contractors, overseeing the implementation of the design, build and styling of the project. As a kitchen and bathroom specialist designer he is well known for his innovative designs and meticulous attention to detail. Having starting in the industry as a cabinetmaker, fitting out luxury yachts, Darren later moved into the residential market obtaining his interior design qualifications and builders licence.
Darren holds an accreditation as a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). He has accumulated various national design awards including the KBDi’s Certified Designer of the Year in 2010, 2014 and 2015. He is a highly respected and active member of the Australian design community, his work and advice is regularly published in design publications, journals, lifestyle magazines, newspapers and blogs. He is professional member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), the Kitchen and Bathroom Design Institute (KBDi) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Elissa Greer
Co-founder – Manager
Elissa is our dedicated Studio Manager and resident interior decorator and stylist. She is responsible for the management of the firm and overseas all the day to day running of the studio.
She is also the creative mastermind that heads up the furnishing and decorating side of the business. With a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) as well as a Dip. of Interior Design and over 10 years + experience in the industry, it goes without saying that Elissa is as passionate about design as she is about mentoring the staff and achieving 100% client satisfaction during all facets of the design and build process.
Kari Horn
Interior Designer
Kari grew up in the suburbs of Southern California, where her love for Interior Design began at the young age of 9. After moving halfway across America, she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Architecture from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2015. After graduating, Kari spent some time living in Belgium where her love for European design and architecture flourished. As a dual citizen, it was always part of her plan to move to Brisbane to pursue her dream of designing modern Australiana interiors which is what led Kari to Darren James Interiors in late 2016.
Since then Kari has worked closely with our clients to understand who they are, what they are looking for, and how they want to live, so she can create unique spaces that reflect their lifestyle and enhance their day to day life. All while designing quality interiors that stand the test of time. In any endeavour, Kari always brings a smile and laugh along for the journey.
Sarah Anderson
Project Manager
Sarah’s background in high-end residential work with a tightly focused client liaison background has provided her with extensive knowledge and experience in project management & construction.
Sarah joins us after having spent 11 years within an architectural firm. She brings comprehensive knowledge of the design & construction processes.
As our contract administrator and estimator Sarah will be responsible and work closely with you to ensure quotation and scheduling of your project will meet expectations and deadlines.
Bec Holmes
Procurement Officer
Bec has brought to our team over 15 years of experience in building and construction administration. Managing the procurement aspect of both our furnishings and construction projects, her exceptional level of organisation and multi-tasking skills facilitates the smooth running of all our projects.
Bec always has her hands full running the back end of our projects, liaising with our design team, suppliers and builders all while keeping budget and time frame in mind.
Kelly Knowles
Administration / Accounts
Kelly’s strive for perfection and efficiency makes her the perfect fit for our administration role.
She prides herself as an account professional with over 11 years experience ranging from financial and management accounting to government administration. She also has a zest for residential design, having completed a Cert III in Interior Styling and freelancing as a stylist in recent years.
Kirsty Mickelburough
Interior Designer
After graduating from a Bachelor of Interior Design at QUT in 2019, we were excited to hold onto Kirsty as a part of our Design Team after interning with us for almost 2 years prior.
She values that the spaces we inhabit have one of the biggest influences on who we are and how we feel as individuals – striving to improve clients day to day life through design.
In addition to her creativity, this is one girl that certainly thrives under pressure and has a perfectionist’s eye for detail. Kirsty’s day is always jammed packed as she handles a lot from client design work, construction documentation, back end support and a touch of social media content creation!
Claudia Thompson
Interior Design Assistant
Recently graduating with a Bachelor of Interior Design at QUT in 2020, Claudia has grown from a student intern to an interior design assistant.
Following her passion from a young age for design and the built environment, Claudia has studied, and travelled internationally eager to learn about the history and future of design around the world.
She is inspired by innovation and strives to challenge the standard perceived methods of design and think ‘outside the box’ as she works closely with the design team assisting in all tasks within a design project ranging from start to finish.
Cameron Killips
Site Supervisor
With over 25 years background in the high end custom home and renovation industry, Cam brings a ute load of experience and enthusiasm when it comes to running a professional job site and delivering a beautifully finished home.
With a hands on approach, Cam prides himself on his impeccable eye for detail, his working relationships with Sub-contractors and clients alike. He has been at the front end of delivering many award winning custom homes and renovations .
Alex Porter
Site Supervisor
Alex is our friendly, fully qualified carpenter / site supervisor with significant knowledge of construction processes. Alex is passionate about ensuring a high level of craftsmanship in all our projects. He is focused and committed to ensuring that the our team of trades are provided with regular communication and that all our job sites run smoothly and efficiently. Both Alex and Cameron have been praised by our clients for their efficiency and mannerisms to owners, neighbours, trades and suppliers during their involvement in our projects.
Our construction crews and trade network
We have an extensive team of licensed trades people who bring a wealth of expertise, experience, commitment and professionalism. At Darren James Interiors we only work with the “best of the best” and that is why we choose only to employ the services of the trades we know and trust.
