By Donna Heiderstadt

Like a champion racehorse that’s quick out of the gate, Isaac Musket didn’t hold back when it came to proving he was destined for the winner’s circle. Just over a year after completing design school and joining Portland, OR-based C&K Custom Remodeling in June 2022 as Lead Designer, Isaac had already booked $1.7 million in design business and was named “One to Watch” by Oregon Home magazine, which featured his first kitchen remodel for C&K. “Since joining the team, I have developed and overseen all aspects of the design business,” said Isaac, who was hired specifically to expand C&K beyond its construction roots. “From client questionnaires and construction documents to managing client relationships and developing designs from start to finish, I do it all.”

Prior to earning his Interior Design degree from Portland Community College, Isaac completed two years of an undergraduate pre-pharmacy program, thinking it was a good fit for his love of math and science. When he discovered his more creative side and began working full-time as a home stager, Isaac thought design school would be a walk in the park. “Boy, was I wrong! Design school was the most difficult, and most rewarding, thing I have ever accomplished,” he said.

Now 27, Isaac embraces a “fearless use of color and pattern” that gets him noticed. “My designs teeter between maximalism and eclecticism,” he explained. “If I had to pick an era, I would say I lean towards a Victorian style, but one of the things I love about design is that there aren’t necessarily any rules. I love to pull from many eras to create something entirely new and unique. I think it takes a keen eye to merge all these pieces together in a way that pleases the eye.”

His most exciting accomplishment to date? Getting his first whole-house remodel at the beginning of 2023. “To design a space and touch every single room in the home is an exhilarating process,” he said. “There are so many details to think of throughout the process, but the end result of a home that is completely reimagined by my own brain is so exciting to me.” This in-demand designer is also an active member of the NKBA Columbia River Chapter and recently took the position of Vice President of Programming. When he’s not immersed in design, Isaac spends time with his boyfriend, Chris. They enjoy traveling, hiking, kayaking and cooking together. Isaac also shares his home with his tuxedo cat, Avery. More travel, especially to countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Thailand and Japan, and a major personal design project are on the horizon. “Owning my own home has always been a dream of mine, and designing a space for myself feels like such a fun and challenging task that I look forward to taking it on one day,” he said.