Thirty Under 30: Krissy Rowe

By Donna Heiderstadt

Like many kids who grow up to pursue careers in interior design, Krissy Rowe really loved to move furniture around. “Space planning was my thing before I even realized it,” she says, noting that her budding eye for decor also had a certain sophistication. “As a teen, I had a vision: light blue walls, a chandelier, white ruffled bedding, and curated vintage art,” she recalls of her bedroom design. “It was very ‘shabby chic’ — but elevated.”

Krissy, who recently turned 27, is the Founder and Principal Designer of Tacoma, WA-based Aurora Interiors, which she launched in 2021 just four years after starting her professional design career. “I knew early on that I needed something both creative and technical,” she says of her decision to pursue interior design. “Other creative paths felt too abstract and more structured ones felt repetitive. Design gave me the balance I was looking for.” In particular, Krissy appreciates how kitchens and baths “bring form and function together in a way that’s both personal and foundational to how people live.”

Opening her own design studio, she says, tops her accomplishments. “It’s not just a place to work — it’s a reflection of everything I believe in: craftsmanship, community, and care,” explains Krissy who earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design and is NCIDQ-certified. “But what means the most is building a team and helping them grow in their own careers.”

Krissy also appreciates challenging projects over easier remodels. “The ones that stand out the most aren’t the polished outcomes — they’re the moments I learned from,” she explains. “Every project teaches me something: how to lead better, how to protect my team, how to refine my process.” In fact, she says one of her favorite projects also ended up being one of her hardest: working with a vendor who went bankrupt mid-project. “That experience tested me” she admits, “but it made me a smarter business owner.”

As for her own personal design style, Krissy says it blends modern and traditional. “I’m drawn to organic textures, earth tones, and timeless details — but I also love character, charm, and a good story. I’ve always been inspired by early 1900s architecture and estate-sale finds,” she explains. Her studio, which she restored from an 1890s building, is probably the best example of her aesthetic. “It’s old meets new, with intention,” she says.

The fact that her husband, Phillip, is an outside sales rep in the building indusry, is also on point. “I love that we understand each other’s professional world and can encourage each other,” she says, although making sure that evenings and weekends remain personal time is also a priority. The couple currently share their home with Otis, a Black Lab, and cats Junebug and Sylvester. Krissy’s hobbies include reading, shopping, getting outside, and unwinding with a good TV show. “Nothing fancy,” she explains, “just the rituals that keep me grounded.” On her life’s must-do list? “Travel through Europe, start a family, and keep building a life that reflects what matters most to me.”