top of page
Meet The Team
Tobi Wray
Owner | Founder
After over 10 years of in-house retail and hospitality concept design experience, designing for two of the world's most influential brands, Tobi Wray founded Design Well Spent Co in 2020. Tobi is a NCIDQ-certified professional, member of the IIDA, the PNW Chapter President of the Retail Design Institute, and the recipient of several design awards including design:retail magazine's 40 under 40 in 2018. Most recently, Tobi was the Senior Manager of Design for Specialty Retail at Amazon.com. She led a team of interior designers, architects, and industrial designers in coming up with new retail design concepts for the online giant - Amazon Books, Amazon 4-star, and Presented by Amazon, to name a few. Prior to Amazon, Tobi led the America's Concept Design team at Starbucks Coffee Company, developing new concepts for Starbucks and their emerging brands, including TAZO Tea and Teavana. Tobi earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA where she is currently a part-time Interior Architecture instructor.
After over 10 years of in-house retail and hospitality concept design experience, designing for two of the world's most influential brands, Tobi Wray founded Design Well Spent Co in 2020. Tobi is a NCIDQ-certified professional, member of the IIDA, the PNW Chapter President of the Retail Design Institute, and the recipient of several design awards including design:retail magazine's 40 under 40 in 2018. Most recently, Tobi was the Senior Manager of Design for Specialty Retail at Amazon.com. She led a team of interior designers, architects, and industrial designers in coming up with new retail design concepts for the online giant - Amazon Books, Amazon 4-star, and Presented by Amazon, to name a few. Prior to Amazon, Tobi led the America's Concept Design team at Starbucks Coffee Company, developing new concepts for Starbucks and their emerging brands, including TAZO Tea and Teavana. Tobi earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA where she is currently a part-time Interior Architecture instructor.
Kelsey Hanson
Executive Creative Director
Head of the Brand Studio + Marketing
Kelsey is a powerhouse creative director and designer with over 15 years of experience in developing forward-thinking brand strategies and identities across several different industries. She has worked with companies from start-ups to global, multi-channel businesses on new brands, re-brands, pivots, and initiatives. She is known for her honest approach and for being intuitive and results-driven. She ran her own agency, Vocal Design Co., for 10 years focusing on brand strategy, identity, and consumer retail experiences. She worked in-house as the SVP of Marketing & Communications for the XpresSpa Group, where she led the development and launch of an award-winning, premium health and wellness travel brand called TREAT. Prior to those roles, Kelsey worked as a designer in the Creative Studio at Starbucks Coffee Company, for over six years, where she created branded experiences, launched platforms, sub-brands, and beautiful packaging. Her client list includes: Starbucks Coffee Company, Teavana, REI, Amazon, Tilray, Fjallraven, XpresSpa, XpresCheck, TREAT, Netflix, Intel and Kleinfeld Bridal. Kelsey is also a member of Chief, a public speaker, and a mom of two.
Outside the office, you will find her traveling, painting, watching softball and baseball games, or out on the Puget Sound with her two kids.
Head of the Brand Studio + Marketing
Kelsey is a powerhouse creative director and designer with over 15 years of experience in developing forward-thinking brand strategies and identities across several different industries. She has worked with companies from start-ups to global, multi-channel businesses on new brands, re-brands, pivots, and initiatives. She is known for her honest approach and for being intuitive and results-driven. She ran her own agency, Vocal Design Co., for 10 years focusing on brand strategy, identity, and consumer retail experiences. She worked in-house as the SVP of Marketing & Communications for the XpresSpa Group, where she led the development and launch of an award-winning, premium health and wellness travel brand called TREAT. Prior to those roles, Kelsey worked as a designer in the Creative Studio at Starbucks Coffee Company, for over six years, where she created branded experiences, launched platforms, sub-brands, and beautiful packaging. Her client list includes: Starbucks Coffee Company, Teavana, REI, Amazon, Tilray, Fjallraven, XpresSpa, XpresCheck, TREAT, Netflix, Intel and Kleinfeld Bridal. Kelsey is also a member of Chief, a public speaker, and a mom of two.
Outside the office, you will find her traveling, painting, watching softball and baseball games, or out on the Puget Sound with her two kids.
Rachelle Saletto
Head of Business Development
Principal Interior Designer
Over the past decade, Rachelle has spent her career creating interiors for international brands across the globe. Most recently, she was living and working in London as a Senior Designer for WeWork's enterprise team, bringing innovative co-working design to diverse international clients. She led projects for global pharmaceutical companies, boutique social clubs, and high-growth tech companies – including work in Moscow, Tel Aviv, and London. Prior to that, she worked for Starbucks Coffee Company on the Americas Concept Design Team, where she developed custom designs for the Store Design Catalog and a new concept design for Teavana Tea. Her work has been featured in publications such as: Dezeen, Vogue UK, and Elle Decor. Rachelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Bellevue College and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
Principal Interior Designer
Over the past decade, Rachelle has spent her career creating interiors for international brands across the globe. Most recently, she was living and working in London as a Senior Designer for WeWork's enterprise team, bringing innovative co-working design to diverse international clients. She led projects for global pharmaceutical companies, boutique social clubs, and high-growth tech companies – including work in Moscow, Tel Aviv, and London. Prior to that, she worked for Starbucks Coffee Company on the Americas Concept Design Team, where she developed custom designs for the Store Design Catalog and a new concept design for Teavana Tea. Her work has been featured in publications such as: Dezeen, Vogue UK, and Elle Decor. Rachelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Bellevue College and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
Jessica Araujo
Principal Interior Designer
Jessica is a NCIDQ-certified interior designer with over 10 years experience in commercial design. Before starting at DWS Co. Jessica worked at large architecture firms, focusing on higher education, creative workplace, multi-family and hospitality projects. Most recently she was a Senior Associate Designer at Mithun, a Seattle-area firm, where she worked on and lead creative workplace projects for large tech companies. Her work has been featured in Fast Company and recognized by IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter Design INmass-Macro Award. Jessica earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Cornish College of the Arts. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from Western Washington University. Jessica lives in Seattle, WA.
Jessica is a NCIDQ-certified interior designer with over 10 years experience in commercial design. Before starting at DWS Co. Jessica worked at large architecture firms, focusing on higher education, creative workplace, multi-family and hospitality projects. Most recently she was a Senior Associate Designer at Mithun, a Seattle-area firm, where she worked on and lead creative workplace projects for large tech companies. Her work has been featured in Fast Company and recognized by IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter Design INmass-Macro Award. Jessica earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Cornish College of the Arts. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from Western Washington University. Jessica lives in Seattle, WA.
Leigh Novak
Senior Program Manager
Prior to joining DWS, Leigh held a variety of roles across her 16 years at Starbucks. She gained extensive experience in all facets of complex supply chain, retail store development for international market growth, project management and commercialization for single-use packaging innovation, as well as sourcing for store design elements such as finishes, furniture, artwork and signage.
A proud Chicagoland native, Leigh’s hands-on design industry experience began 20 years ago as a film student at Columbia College, when she worked at an interior architecture design firm as the lead designer’s assistant. In that position, she created presentation boards for luxury retail clients, managed material submittals, and learned the ropes of design; while falling in love with fabrics, finishes, glue guns and self-healing cutting mats.
Leigh is an avid outdoorswoman, cold water surfer, forager, soap-maker, crafter, writer and musician.
Prior to joining DWS, Leigh held a variety of roles across her 16 years at Starbucks. She gained extensive experience in all facets of complex supply chain, retail store development for international market growth, project management and commercialization for single-use packaging innovation, as well as sourcing for store design elements such as finishes, furniture, artwork and signage.
A proud Chicagoland native, Leigh’s hands-on design industry experience began 20 years ago as a film student at Columbia College, when she worked at an interior architecture design firm as the lead designer’s assistant. In that position, she created presentation boards for luxury retail clients, managed material submittals, and learned the ropes of design; while falling in love with fabrics, finishes, glue guns and self-healing cutting mats.
Leigh is an avid outdoorswoman, cold water surfer, forager, soap-maker, crafter, writer and musician.
Amy Bell
Senior Manager of Sourcing
Amy is a certified project manager with over 17 years of experience across diverse industries, from industrial and digital design and production, ecommerce, and public policy. Curious and outcome-focused, she is a committed team leader and problem solver. Amy works hard to create authentic connections with her clients and colleagues, continuously seeking innovative approaches to deliver quality and improve project outcomes while empowering her team.
Prior to joining DWS, Amy served as a manager at Teague, a Seattle-based design consultancy, where she focused on studio operations and led teams to deliver exceptional work for Fortune 100 companies, state governments, space agencies, and aerospace clients.
When she’s not pivoting excel tables, you can find Amy absorbed in a great movie, embarking on a long-distance walk, and spending time with her husband and two perfect cats.
Amy is a certified project manager with over 17 years of experience across diverse industries, from industrial and digital design and production, ecommerce, and public policy. Curious and outcome-focused, she is a committed team leader and problem solver. Amy works hard to create authentic connections with her clients and colleagues, continuously seeking innovative approaches to deliver quality and improve project outcomes while empowering her team.
Prior to joining DWS, Amy served as a manager at Teague, a Seattle-based design consultancy, where she focused on studio operations and led teams to deliver exceptional work for Fortune 100 companies, state governments, space agencies, and aerospace clients.
When she’s not pivoting excel tables, you can find Amy absorbed in a great movie, embarking on a long-distance walk, and spending time with her husband and two perfect cats.
Isaak Einterz
Principal Interior Designer
With a rich foundational background in industrial design and multimedia, Isaak is a seasoned interior designer with a 15-year track record of transforming retail spaces for major brands including Amazon, Microsoft, Patagonia, and Nike. He loves the challenges (as well as the liberties) of the built environment. Outside of the design studio, Isaak has a penchant for restoring old cars, music, and woodworking with an appreciation for craftsmanship that shows in his professional work. Originally from Whidbey Island, you can currently find Isaak on a Sunday in Seattle coaching his two daughters in peewee soccer.
With a rich foundational background in industrial design and multimedia, Isaak is a seasoned interior designer with a 15-year track record of transforming retail spaces for major brands including Amazon, Microsoft, Patagonia, and Nike. He loves the challenges (as well as the liberties) of the built environment. Outside of the design studio, Isaak has a penchant for restoring old cars, music, and woodworking with an appreciation for craftsmanship that shows in his professional work. Originally from Whidbey Island, you can currently find Isaak on a Sunday in Seattle coaching his two daughters in peewee soccer.
Corrie Bell
Associate Principal Interior Designer
Over the past decade, Corrie has specialized in new hospitality concept design experience and product design in collaboration with some of the world’s leading brands. Most recently, Corrie was a lead designer on the Americas Concept Design team at Starbucks Coffee Company. She designed and developed custom furniture, lighting and fixture designs for the Design Catalog as well as new concepts for; Starbucks Reserve, Cold Pop and Princi to name a few. She has collaborated with major brands such as; West Elm and Wayfair; and her work has been featured in publications such as; Business Insider and CNBC. Corrie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. Corrie currently lives in Kent, WA.
Over the past decade, Corrie has specialized in new hospitality concept design experience and product design in collaboration with some of the world’s leading brands. Most recently, Corrie was a lead designer on the Americas Concept Design team at Starbucks Coffee Company. She designed and developed custom furniture, lighting and fixture designs for the Design Catalog as well as new concepts for; Starbucks Reserve, Cold Pop and Princi to name a few. She has collaborated with major brands such as; West Elm and Wayfair; and her work has been featured in publications such as; Business Insider and CNBC. Corrie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. Corrie currently lives in Kent, WA.
Tiffany Rattray
Senior Interior Designer
Tiffany has over 12 years of experience in the design industry, with formal training in both Architecture and Construction Management. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Construction Management from the University of Washington, as well as a Master’s of Architecture from Columbia University.
While living in New York for 10 years, she had the opportunity to work at several world-renowned companies including Ennead Architects, Rockwell Group, and Post Company. At Post Company she gained vast experience in the hospitality field, leading the design of several award-winning, boutique hotel properties across the globe. Her work has been featured in publications including Wallpaper Magazine, Travel and Leisure, Hospitality Design Magazine, and Surface Magazine.
After returning to her home city of Seattle in 2019, she worked as a Senior Design Manager for a real estate developer, managing the design process for the company’s portfolio of commercial, multi-family, and hospitality development projects. Tiffany currently resides in Seattle’s Central District, where she designed and built her own home with her husband. She likes to spend time in her garden and at neighborhood playgrounds with her daughter.
Tiffany has over 12 years of experience in the design industry, with formal training in both Architecture and Construction Management. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Construction Management from the University of Washington, as well as a Master’s of Architecture from Columbia University.
While living in New York for 10 years, she had the opportunity to work at several world-renowned companies including Ennead Architects, Rockwell Group, and Post Company. At Post Company she gained vast experience in the hospitality field, leading the design of several award-winning, boutique hotel properties across the globe. Her work has been featured in publications including Wallpaper Magazine, Travel and Leisure, Hospitality Design Magazine, and Surface Magazine.
After returning to her home city of Seattle in 2019, she worked as a Senior Design Manager for a real estate developer, managing the design process for the company’s portfolio of commercial, multi-family, and hospitality development projects. Tiffany currently resides in Seattle’s Central District, where she designed and built her own home with her husband. She likes to spend time in her garden and at neighborhood playgrounds with her daughter.
Kate McQuade Nolte
Associate Interior Designer
Kate earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. While in school, Kate worked as a Designer for a Seattle-based residential design-build company. Prior to Bellevue College, Kate was an Administrative Assistant for the Fashion Office at Nordstrom which sparked her passion for retail and her pursuit of a creative career in design. Kate is a Communications Co-Chair and Board Member of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Retail Design Institute. She also volunteers for the IIDA to contribute and stay connected to the local design community. Kate loves tending to house plants, jewelry-making, our beautiful Pacific Northwest summers, and making improvements to her West Seattle home.
Kate earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. While in school, Kate worked as a Designer for a Seattle-based residential design-build company. Prior to Bellevue College, Kate was an Administrative Assistant for the Fashion Office at Nordstrom which sparked her passion for retail and her pursuit of a creative career in design. Kate is a Communications Co-Chair and Board Member of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Retail Design Institute. She also volunteers for the IIDA to contribute and stay connected to the local design community. Kate loves tending to house plants, jewelry-making, our beautiful Pacific Northwest summers, and making improvements to her West Seattle home.
Danaia Brown
Associate Interior Designer
Danaia received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture degree from Cornish College of the Arts. Prior to pursuing a career in design, Danaia worked in the hospitality industry for IHG and Marriott Hotels, inspiring her passion to pursue a career focused on hospitality and retail design. While a student, she worked as a Junior Designer at West Elm helping clients visualize their dream homes. Danaia aspires to pursue a variety of projects in the field that utilize design thinking to help enrich underrepresented communities. In her free time, Danaia enjoys spending quality time with her family and opinionated Siamese cat named Lewis.
Danaia received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture degree from Cornish College of the Arts. Prior to pursuing a career in design, Danaia worked in the hospitality industry for IHG and Marriott Hotels, inspiring her passion to pursue a career focused on hospitality and retail design. While a student, she worked as a Junior Designer at West Elm helping clients visualize their dream homes. Danaia aspires to pursue a variety of projects in the field that utilize design thinking to help enrich underrepresented communities. In her free time, Danaia enjoys spending quality time with her family and opinionated Siamese cat named Lewis.
Mary Jill Turner
Senior Construction Manager
With over 20 years of experience, Mary Jill has worked in various roles in the construction industry. She started her career as a project engineer for large commercial general contractors in Denver before moving to Seattle to work as a project manager for a global general contractor. She has experience with large and small projects, including stadiums, office tenant improvements, retail, lab research facilities and restaurants. After her time with general contractors, Mary Jill moved on to the role of third-party consultant before landing as an in-house construction manager for Amazon Books. She has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Colorado State University. Mary Jill lives in Seattle with her husband, two elementary-school-age sons and two Labrador retrievers. Having grown up in Albuquerque, she is a relentless sun-chaser especially when it includes van camping, snowboarding, or fly-fishing.
With over 20 years of experience, Mary Jill has worked in various roles in the construction industry. She started her career as a project engineer for large commercial general contractors in Denver before moving to Seattle to work as a project manager for a global general contractor. She has experience with large and small projects, including stadiums, office tenant improvements, retail, lab research facilities and restaurants. After her time with general contractors, Mary Jill moved on to the role of third-party consultant before landing as an in-house construction manager for Amazon Books. She has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Colorado State University. Mary Jill lives in Seattle with her husband, two elementary-school-age sons and two Labrador retrievers. Having grown up in Albuquerque, she is a relentless sun-chaser especially when it includes van camping, snowboarding, or fly-fishing.
Julianne Rah
Buyer
Julianne brings over 14 years of experience in supply chain, procurement and merchandising. Prior to joining DWS, Julianne worked at Zulily and Shoes.com in a wide range of roles – from studio management and content development, to project management and buying. Originally a graphic designer, Julianne enjoys working closely with designers, clients and suppliers to deliver projects on time, on budget and on value. Julianne received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Maryland Institute College of Art, and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
Julianne brings over 14 years of experience in supply chain, procurement and merchandising. Prior to joining DWS, Julianne worked at Zulily and Shoes.com in a wide range of roles – from studio management and content development, to project management and buying. Originally a graphic designer, Julianne enjoys working closely with designers, clients and suppliers to deliver projects on time, on budget and on value. Julianne received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Maryland Institute College of Art, and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
bottom of page