Founded by Marie Flanigan, our firm, Marie Flanigan Interiors, is a team of seasoned and talented interior designers celebrated for projects spanning across the United States. With Marie's background as a classically-trained architect, our team brings a unique perspective to each project, seamlessly integrating interiors with structure. Our holistic approach, marrying architecture and interiors, consistently delivers projects that embody timeless elegance and innovative simplicity, creating homes that captivate and inspire.
Renowned for our sophisticated color palettes, rich textures, and masterful play with light, MFI’s trademark style has been featured in premier publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and Vogue, and showcased on HGTV's Property Brothers: Brother vs. Brother.
With a thriving social media presence and an audience of over 550,000, our team engages daily with our community, sharing design insights, interior sources and lifestyle advice. Additionally, Marie has expanded her iconic aesthetic into a curated selection of goods available at MarieFlanigan.com, offering elevated pieces sourced with the same discerning eye she brings to her client projects, from rugs and bedding to furniture and one-of-a-kind items.
Principal
Marie Flanigan
TEAM
INTERIOR DESIGNER III - TEAM LEAD
INTERIOR DESIGNER III - TEAM LEAD
INTERIOR DESIGNER III- TEAM LEAD
Interior Designer II - TEAM LEAD
Director of Marketing &
Public Relations
Procurement & Logistics
PROCUREMENT & LOGISTICS
Administrative relations
Interior designer II &
Creative development
CONTENT CREATOR
Procurement & Logistics
Interior designer i
Executive Assistant
Interior Designer Ii
INterior Designer I
INterior Designer I
PROCUREMENT & LOGISTICS
Melanie Hamel
Melanie grew up in Danville, Virginia where she received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Averett University. Continuing her education, she moved to Houston to pursue her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at Rice University, with a primary focus on how the human brain processes visual information. Following graduation, her husband’s profession as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer meant Melanie would be moving to exciting new cities across the nation and overseas. These experiences fueled her interest in the many ways our environment can powerfully affect our sense of joy and happiness, and she decided to return to her studies; this time, with a focus on interiors. She earned a Master of Science in Interior and Environmental Design from Illinois State University and continued to grow in knowledge and experience through an internship at Fredman Design Group, a renowned residential design firm in Chicago. Eventually, Melanie found herself back in Houston, where she continued to hone her trade and earned her LEED Green Associate credential before joining the MFI team in 2016. With a steadfast focus on enhanced comfort and function, Melanie’s designs deliver extraordinary style and purpose while expertly sharing each client’s unique story.
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Kristin Fitzgerald
Kristin’s passion for design developed at a young age when she began collecting interior inspiration images and pinning them up around her room. Her interest eventually blossomed into a calling and Kristin pursued studies at The University of Texas where she received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Upon graduation, she accepted a position at Rottet Studio, a firm specializing in corporate and hospitality design. Kristin spent six years with Rottet assisting in the coordination and scheduling of interior projects for notable clients across varying industries nationwide. Feeling drawn to residential interiors, she joined the MFI team in 2019 bringing a fresh, sophisticated design approach. Kristin is a Texas Registered Interior Designer who creates timeless interiors with a powerful focus on the delicate balance between form and function.
Interior Designer III – Team Lead
Sydney Manning
A native Houstonian, Sydney attributes her eye for design to growing up surrounded by beautiful, well-appointed spaces. She moved east for college, attending the University of Mississippi where she initially studied psychology. While there, she felt drawn to the world of design and the power it has to enhance the human experience. That pull eventually shifted the focus of Sydney’s studies to interior design and, upon resettling in her beloved hometown, she spent seven years with a luxury residential design studio sharpening her technical knowledge and building a respected name in the local design community. Sydney joined the MFI team in 2017, bringing a passion for customer service and the boutique client experience with her. Drawn to rich, saturated colors and organic patterns, Sydney designs homes that celebrate and enhance functional luxury for the families who live within.
Interior Designer III – Team Lead
Kelsey Grant
Kelsey Grant graduated with honors from the Design, Housing, and Merchandising program at Oklahoma State University in 2011. Shortly thereafter, she and her husband moved abroad to the United Kingdom where she continued to hone her aesthetic preferences and professional skills through travel and freelance design communities. Upon settling in Houston, Kelsey served as an Assistant Designer for a local fine furnishings boutique. During this time she cultivated significant industry relationships and a keen understanding of organizational procedures. Kelsey brings a uniquely global perspective to the MFI design team, which facilitates her interaction with diverse vendors and clientele. Her precise standard of detail management makes her an asset to the completion of each project.
INTERIOR DESIGN II & CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Kandice Eiskant
With over 13 years of experience in interior design, Kandice Eiskant brings her talent and refined style to Marie Flanigan Interiors. An honors graduate in interior design from the Art Institute of Houston, Kandice spent the last decade working as a senior designer at another of Houston’s luxury interiors design firms. Growing up as one of five children, Kandice and her sister often traded rooms and rearranged furniture,
cultivating their design skills. These formative years were compounded by her father’s work flipping houses. Kandice was immediately drawn to the process of seeing projects from concept to completion. Now, MFI is thrilled to have Kandice leading some of the firm’s interior projects. Kandice lives in Houston and is married to her high school sweetheart. As a mother of three daughters, you’ll often find Kandice at competitive cheer and dance competitions on the weekend.
Interior Designer II
After graduating from Abilene Christian University in 2016, Kristin Carter and her husband Beau moved to Malibu, California. While there, Kristin worked for Pepperdine University in its Prospective Students and Events department. Inspired by classic California aesthetics and great design, Kristin knew her next career role would include interiors. In 2019, she began working as a design assistant for an Austin-based residential interiors firm. It was in this role that Kristin honed her understanding of design processes, working with clients, and handling project logistics from concept to completion. Now in Houston, Kristin brings her industry expertise to the Marie Flanigan Interiors design team. A true design enthusiast, Kristin enjoys designing, sourcing, and furnishing their new Houston home.
Interior Designer II
Kristin Carter
Julie DiPaolo
Julie graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Journalism and began her career as an event coordinator and marketing director for numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the Houston area. After taking several years off to spend quality time with her children, Julie returned to the workforce and transitioned into the accounting department at an oilfield services company where she spent three years effectively overseeing accounts payable and receivable, tracking rental equipment and expenses, and managing daily communication with vendors, customers, and bank representatives. In 2015, Julie joined the Marie Flanigan Interiors team where she puts her attention to detail and strong organizational skills to work, ensuring the effective ordering and tracking of design purchases from across the country. Our creative team works closely with Julie on a daily basis to guarantee that our clients’ furnishings, lighting, and décor are received on time and in excellent condition.
procurement and logistics
Kathleen Landry
With over a decade in marketing and public relations, Kathleen Landry is a seasoned marketer who truly enjoys the power of the written word. After graduating from Louisiana State University, Kathleen’s work took her to Paris, Washington D.C., Baton Rouge and now Houston. She’s also worked across several industries in in-house, agency and consultant marketing roles. Now a part of the Marie Flanigan Interiors marketing team, Kathleen is thrilled to write beautiful prose that is elevated by stunning design and imagery. On weekends, she loves to spend time with her husband, Thomas, and two children, Everett and Beatrice.
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Laura Wheeler
A native Houstonian, Laura graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations. She began a career in DFW in advertising and later restaurant marketing. A job offer brought her back to Houston where she met her now husband. After taking off a few years having a family, Laura joins MFI ready to do what she does best - organize, plan and project manage. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family of five, and when she can find time, running at Memorial Park.
Procurement & Logistics
Kristen Emerson
Kristen Emerson attended The University of Texas, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. After college, she lived on the East Coast while working for Shell Oil and 3M, then moved to Chicago and London, before returning home to Houston with her husband and three children. Having grown up in a creative household, where her mother was an interior designer and artist, Kristen has always had a passion for the arts. She values excellent craftsmanship and beautiful, one-of-a-kind items. Her excellent eye and love of design are valuable assets to the Marie Flanigan Interiors team. When not working, you can find her poring over coffee table design books, studying textiles, or traveling the world with family and friends
Administrative Relations
Lily Nasar
Lily Nasar is no stranger to logistics. As Sonoma, California native, Lily has spent most of her adult life traveling and moving across the globe to locations like Aberdeen, Scotland and Manila, Philippines. During her time in Manila, Lily and her husband welcomed two children into their family. Lily is also no stranger to Houston, as she received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston. She also previously worked for MFI before moving aboard and the firm is thrilled that's she's returned to both the city and our office. In her spare time, you can find Lily and her family on bike rides and playing at the park.
Procurement & Logistics
Anne Calvo
A native of Manila, Philippines, Anne graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. She worked over five years in the hospitality industry before transitioning to her current role. During her time in the industry, she had the opportunity to work with people from different walks of life and was exposed to a variety of cultures. This experience has helped her develop a strong appreciation for diversity and a desire to learn about new things. In her free time, Anne enjoys indulging in her love of movies, TV series, and music. When she isn't working, she can be found spending time with her pets, going to concerts, finding joy in the little things in life and always on the lookout for unique items to add to her different collections.
Executive Assistant
Jasmine Pachar
Finding inspiration is paramount to Jasmine Pachar’s daily routine. Whether making a cup of morning coffee or hosting her family and friends, Jasmine finds beauty and elegance in all things. As a seasoned creator, she has a strong background in fine art and graphic design. Prior to joining Marie Flanigan Interiors marketing team, Jasmine worked as a freelance content creator and photographer. Ever the artist, she also enjoying working in mediums like oil paint, clay, and graphite. Jasmine is always reaching for her camera to capture beautiful moments both at work and at home, where she spends her time with her husband and three children.
COntent creator
Adriana Vaughan
Houston native Adriana Vaughan attended Sam Houston State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and a minor in Spanish. Following graduation, she returned to her hometown joining a residential and commercial design firm. Adriana spent over a decade mastering the nuances of interior designs with a keen perspective and interest in small business ownership. Passionate about design, architecture, and fashion, Adriana brings creativity to each project, finding fulfillment in working closely with clients. Outside of work, Adriana is a mother, wife and active member of her community. Adriana finds joy in the simple moments spent with her family and treasures every milestone, from swim lessons to t-ball games.
Interior Designer I
Nora Gonzalez
On weekends, you can often find Nora Gonzales cheering at her boys' soccer games, spending quality time with family, or catching up on her favorite shows and movies. Nora is a proud graduate of Houston Community College and brings four years of design experience to the table, specializing in both new builds and remodels. When she's not immersed in design projects, Nora loves traveling, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and indulging in various craft activities. Her family keeps her busy and consists of her husband, their spirited ten-year-old son Fabian, and their lively eight-year-old twins, Damian and Anabelle. Born and raised in Houston, Nora cherishes the vibrant culture and community of her hometown.
Interior Designer I
Britian Matherne
Passionate about creativity beyond her professional work, Britian enjoys scrapbooking, painting, and cooking. She has a special fondness for exploring thrift and antique shops, making sure to carve out time for these adventures whenever she visits a new city. This exhilarating hobby is one she's cherished from childhood with her family, which sparked her enduring love for design and unique finds. Originally from
Flowood, Mississippi, with strong ties to Louisiana, Britian pursued her interior design degree at LSU and has been dedicated to the field ever since. Her early passion for design was evident in the form of constantly rearranging her room as a child. With a love for traveling, music, discovering new bars and restaurants, coffee, and fashion, Britian enjoys creating layered and collected interiors that serve as the canvas for family collections and a backdrop for cherished memories.
