By Donna Heiderstadt

If you describe yourself as “determined” does it guarantee that you are? If you’re 29-year-old Kacie Atkinson, the answer would be a resounding yes. Just five years after joining Sacramento, California-based Nar Design Group as an entry-level designer — fresh from earning a degree in Interior Design from San Diego State University — she has the title of Lead Designer. “Being a small company, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Nar and Ashlee, who are amazing designers and have been incredible mentors, which has helped propel me in my career and gain valuable knowledge as I continue to progress,” she says.

Kacie’s enthusiasm for residential design — she especially loves the opportunity to reinvent an existing space — fuels her momentum. “I hit the ground running!” says Kacie of her daily routine, which includes a mix correspondence with builders and clients, team meetings, client meetings, miscellaneous tasks, and always trying to carve out some time for design. ”There’s typically a site visit sprinkled in every so often as well!” she adds.

Her most memorable project was her first project-management job, a dining room and powder bath remodel. “The clients put their full trust in us to develop and execute,” she says. Yes, there were learning curves, but the clients were thrilled with the result and not long afterward asked the company to design their kitchen. “Getting repeat clients and another opportunity to work with great people is the most rewarding feeling,” Kacie says. But her favorite aspect of her job is when the full Nar Design Group team collaborates on a design together. “It’s a fun atmosphere where we share creative ideas and develop a space into its full potential,” she says.

As for her own design preferences, Kacie admits there are beautiful elements to love in each design style. “If I had to narrow it down, I would describe my personal aesthetic as California modern mixed with some touches of mid-century modern or art deco flare,” she says. “I love an interior that feels warm and relaxed, but with accents of color and pattern here and there. It’s fun to blend different styles and make it feel cohesive and balanced.” 

While she has outgrown her childhood passion for purple (not to mention the glow-in-the-dark peace signs she hung on her bedroom walls), Kacie retains a love for reading and live music. She’s also training for a marathon, so running is her latest hobby. When she’s not logging miles, you’ll find her hanging out with her partner, Nick, who works for a local winery, and her dog, Boots. She’s also a fan of California’s North Coast. “It offers forested areas along the coast, both of which I find to be very peaceful and a great reset,” she says. On her life’s to-do list:  “Travel — I have a long list of places I want to go!”