Meet the Team
Kara Childress
Principal / Founder
Since 1984, Kara Childress has had the privilege of designing homes that serve as the backdrop for her clients' most meaningful moments. From primary estates and second homes to luxury commercial spaces, her work seamlessly blends Old World European elegance with modern livability, creating interiors that are timeless and deeply personal. Her designs honor tradition while embracing innovation, resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful but rich with meaning—places where life unfolds naturally.
Kara believes great design is a collaboration, working closely with renowned architects, artisans, and craftspeople to ensure every detail reflects the spirit of the home and its inhabitants. Her relationships with clients evolve over time, shaping the moments that matter most, including thoughtfully styling their spaces for intimate gatherings and cherished celebrations.
From serene countryside retreats to breathtaking mountain and coastal escapes, Kara’s designs reflect a profound appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship, inspiring beauty, comfort, and connection. In addition to high-end residential interiors, her portfolio includes private jet interiors and luxury properties throughout Texas, California, Colorado, Florida, the Hamptons, Montana, Wyoming, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Kara’s work has been featured by leading shelter publications, including Architectural Digest, VERANDA, Traditional Home, Mountain Living, LUXE Interiors + Design, and Southern Home, among others— a testament to her reputation for enduring style and design that resonates across generations.
Based in Houston, Texas, Kara lives with her husband, Ray Childress, where they raised their four children-- Wells, Sloan, Ford, and Knox-- alongside their three beloved Labradors. She now treasures her role as a grandmother, finding joy in every moment spent with her three (soon to be five!) grandchildren.
Caroline Wallace
Senior Interior Designer
Caroline studied Design at The University of Texas in Austin where she also interned with several local residential design firms. Each experience deepened her interest for design and eventually led her to New York City where she pursued an MFA from the New York School of Interior Design. While in NYC, she had the incredible opportunity to intern with McAlpine, working on projects in the city and in upstate New York. Upon graduation, Caroline moved to Washington, D.C. where she spent four years honing in on her craft and working on projects nationwide with Darryl Carter, Inc. At the beginning of 2022, Caroline returned to her hometown of Houston to continue her career in the great state of Texas.
Hannah Prudhomme
Senior Interior Designer, Team Lead
A native Houstonian, Hannah has always had a passion for interiors. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in finance, Hannah moved back to Houston to begin her career in banking. After working at Frost Bank for over 3 years, she was being called to a more creative pursuit and began her career in interior design. She joined KCI in 2021 where she continues to learn the ins and outs of everything interior design. Outside of the office, Hannah loves exploring the Houston restaurant scene and spending time with her Sheepadoodle, Banks.
Natalia Vazquez
Senior Interior Designer
Natalia, a Mexican national, graduated from Baylor University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. Natalia's passion for continued education and professional growth led her to become a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Texas where her career as a luxury residential designer flourished. Natalia's love for all things beautiful likes to curate elevated spaces that are functional and memorable. When Natalia is not in the office you can find her in art museums or hiking trails with her dogs.
Lauren Panus
Associate Designer
Growing up in Houston, Lauren has a true passion for art and architecture and has always gravitated towards creative interests. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a degree in Corporate Communications and a minor in Interior Design, providing her with a solid foundation for effective communication and a keen eye for design. Prior to joining the KCI team in 2022, Lauren supported design teams in the Houston and Austin areas. When she’s not in the office, Lauren enjoys watching documentaries, going to concerts with friends, and cheering on the Houston Astros!
Julia Leader
Associate Designer
Julia, from Bedford, NY, has always been surrounded by people with an appreciation for beautiful interiors. With her mom being an interior designer, Julia naturally found a love for it herself. After graduating from Providence College with her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, Julia went on to work for Charlotte Barnes Interior Design where she gained even more experience and understanding of design. Having been a fan of Kara's work for years, Julia moved to Houston, TX to continue expanding her knowledge and love for Interior Design at KCI.
Sarah Sanditen
Lead Designer
A native of Austin, Texas, Sarah joined KCI in 2025 as Lead Designer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from Colorado College, graduating in 2014. With a background in creative direction and project execution, her design sensibility is shaped by a deep appreciation for fashion, antiques, and the arts. Her work is grounded in a thoughtful and collected approach, continually inspired by her travels and the cultural landscapes she explores along the way.
Carlos Sotelo
Logistics
Having worked for the company for over two decades, Carlos is the longest-standing KCI team member. He serves as the firm’s logistics coordinator and provides outstanding support within every facet of KCI operations, including office oversight and facility management while also ensuring a positive experience for each employee. Whether it’s a technological need or the need for general supplies, Carlos makes sure that the design team is fully equipped to provide superior service and exceed every client expectation.
Wells Childress
Ops & Business Development
Wells, a Houston native, is passionate about the intersection of elevated design and technology. After graduating cum laude from Columbia University, Wells began his career in investment banking, specializing in mergers & acquisitions. Having grown up seeing the world through the eyes of his interior designer mother, Kara, Wells had a constant curiosity for improving and optimizing the end-to-end customer experience for home design. Wells is the Founder of Kermit Labs, a 3D visualization platform leveraging computer-generated imagery to allow customers to visualize and customize their products in real time.
INTERIOR ATELIER
5773 Woodway Drive,
Suite 401
Houston TX
77057
