Design Manager

Alissa is a registered interior designer with over 15 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design from Iowa State University, is licensed through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), and registered with the state of Iowa.

As a child, Alissa was always very interested in the visual world, and planning out the space around her. So when she first discovered the field of interior design, it was a match made in heaven. After following her dream to impact interior spaces in a positive way, Alissa graduated from Iowa State University with a BFA in Interior Design in 2007. Since then she has been an active member of the International Interior Design Association, Great Plains Chapter as both a city council member, and past board member. She’s also participated on committees for the Iowa Architectural Foundation, with the primary focus of introducing the field of design to the next generation of students & mentoring.

Believing that maintaining her education & relevance within the field are key to supplying her clients with the spaces they need and want, Alissa has passionately pursued increasing her skill set, particularly after joining R&R in 2014 as their first interior designer. She accomplished her National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in 2017, and became registered with the state of Iowa that same year. . Most recently, in 2021, she also earned her WELL Accredited Professional designation. If there is a Continuing Education Class nearby that relates to design – you can bet Alissa will be at it!

Over her many years of interior design experience, she has had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of interior design projects ranging from healthcare, education, residential, aviation, and retail before finding her true passion – corporate interior design. Understanding that on average we spend over 40% of our lives within our workspaces, Alissa’s main goals with each project are to create healthy, functional, beautiful surroundings tailored to each client so they can focus on their work – not the space around them. As Design Manager for Spark, she encourages the same from her team of interior designers, and relishes each opportunity to brainstorm and mentor with her talented group.

When not working on putting together the puzzle of her latest design project, Alissa can be found traveling with her husband and two young daughters in their camper, oil painting, playing the piano, running, working at Wildcat Distilling Co, the distillery she owns with her husband & brother, or otherwise enjoying the Great Outdoors.

Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.

– Robert L. Peters

Interior Designer

Amy is a University of Northern Iowa graduate and has been practicing Interior Design since 2014. She is passionate, striving to bring new insights to projects while collaborating with the skilled team at Spark.

Aiming to produce functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, Amy is responsible for meeting with clients, interior planning, construction documents, and finish selections. She’s on her way to becoming a licensed design professional and is an active member of International Interior Design Association, Great Plains Chapter.

Amy started working with R&R Realty Group in July of 2016 and has been an active member during the launch of Spark in 2019. At Spark, Amy enjoys engaging with clients and uncovering what the functions and goals of their businesses are.

Amy believes good design begins with a company’s vision and goals and she is passionate about providing solutions that meet their needs. Give her a space planning challenge and she is ready to take it on!

Since we spend a large portion of our lives in the workplace, Amy’s main goal is to create spaces that look and function providing businesses with the best productivity and efficiency that they need to succeed.

Outside the office, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends, painting, drawing, and playing tennis.

Interior Designer

IIDA | NCIDQ #37708

Olivia graduated from Iowa State University’s Interior Design Program and brings a strong expertise in corporate and commercial design to Spark. In addition to corporate settings, Olivia also has strong experience in the world of multi-family developments, staging clubhouses and model units.

Ever since junior high, Olivia knew that she wanted to be in the field of Interior Design. She loves exploring the world around her and figuring out how to serve others. She may not be in the medical field, but helping people create a positive, encouraging, uplifting, and healthy environment is what she strives for every day.

Olivia joined R&R as an intern in March 2017 and has grown as an Interior Designer over the past 5 years. Olivia graduated from Iowa State University with a BFA in Interior Design in May 2017. Upon graduating, Olivia has background experience in home staging and residential design. These skills have come in handy for some of R&R’s multi-family projects such as clubhouse refreshes and staging model rooms. Since coming onboard with R&R, Olivia has gained a new appreciation for corporate office design and just how important it truly is.

As a designer for Spark, Olivia enjoys space planning, selecting finishes, accessorizing spaces through artwork and decorative items, and focusing on the aesthetic of the space. With spending roughly 1/3 of our day in the office, Olivia feels a strong need to create environments that are comfortable, promote creativity, productivity, and healthy living. Olivia believes it is important to use these concepts to create functional spaces for clients.

Olivia is licensed through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), and registered with the state of Iowa since passing her exam in April 2022. She is also an active member of International Interior Design Association, Great Plains Chapter.

When Olivia is not at work, you can find her at the gym, scrapbooking, being active in her local church, traveling with friends and family, and enjoying life with her husband and their two young boys.

“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1