Interior Design Principal Bernadette Kelly has over 20 years of experience in interior and architectural design for projects all over the country and China, from commercial office tenant improvements to hospitality and residential design. She joined Weber Thompson in 2012, helping the Interior Design studio grow in size and reputation during the subsequent years. In 2016, she was promoted to Principal.

As the daughter of an architect, Bernadette has always loved design. Growing up in Chicago, she was captivated by the city’s architecture. Later, she helped build her parent’s home on their ranch in Montana, which was her first hands-on construction knowledge. This experience, and her father’s influence, inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Portland State University.

After graduation, Bernadette shifted her attention toward interiors. The direct impact she could have on people’s lives through interior design was alluring, and her architectural background gave her the technical know-how to create beautiful, yet buildable spaces. She went on to work at several architectural firms, even owning her own design firm for a number of years, splitting her time between Portland and Seattle.

Restaurants and hospitality design top her list of favorite project types, but any project with rich textures, colors and patterns is inspiring to her. For all of her projects, it is the process and collaborative nature of design that keeps her going.

After hours, she plays on the WT volleyball team, visits art galleries (look for her on First Thursday in Pioneer Square), spends two nights a week tango dancing and adores traveling. She’ll watch just about any sports game, but cheers especially loudly when either team is from Seattle or Chicago.   

Education

Portland State University, Bachelor of Science, Architecture

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