Dani is the Owner and Principal Designer of Lauderdale, where she combines visionary leadership with extensive design expertise. Her journey with Lauderdale began in 2012 as a design intern. After gaining hands-on experience as a project designer, she transitioned to Principle Global, a brand implementation firm, where she acquired invaluable project job site experience working with high-profile international brands.

Dani’s career then led her to Cadillac’s global headquarters, where she managed their international corporate identity rebrand. Overseeing projects across seven global regions, she traveled extensively, including to Shanghai, China, to ensure seamless execution of the brand’s vision on a global scale.

In 2019, Dani returned to Lauderdale as Design Director and ultimately purchased the firm in 2022, stepping into the role of Owner and Principal Designer. Under her leadership, Lauderdale has grown significantly, both in team size and creative scope. Dani has driven the firm’s evolution, setting a new standard for innovative design and earning accolades for the firm’s work. Her commitment to excellence and collaborative leadership continues to shape Lauderdale’s success and influence in the industry. She loves spending time with family outdoors and traveling together.

Julie joined Lauderdale as Interior Design Manager in Spring 2023, bringing over thirteen years of experience with a strong focus on commercial design. Graduating with a BS in Interior Design from the University of Tennessee, her passion extends beyond design into the all-important area of project management, leading the studio with operational excellence. Julie is proactive in the local design community, currently sitting on the Board of Directors for the East Tennessee Community Design Center, where she strives to give back to the community that has shaped her. 

Highly accomplished with a diverse portfolio of projects, she is committed to excellence in every aspect of the design process. Known for her collaborative approach and dedication to creating lasting partnerships, Julie’s design expertise helps elevate each project to its fullest potential. Clients appreciate her professionalism, creativity, and genuine care for their vision from project kickoff to project completion. 

Julie’s greatest joy is being a mom to her two growing boys. Whether she's spending time  with family and friends by the pool or huddled up around the solo stove, she’s enjoying all of life’s adventures.

Taylor is a creative force who believes in the transformative power of design to elevate everyday life. With a BS in Interior Design from the University of Tennessee, she’s constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft, blending tasteful touch with timeless principles to create spaces that are both fresh and enduring.

Taylor's versatility spans a wide range of corporate projects, from smaller office spaces to sprawling 230,000-square-foot campus buildings — but her passion for high-end residential design is where she truly shines. 

When she's not designing, Taylor loves spending time with her family, exploring new places, and transforming her own home alongside her husband. She serves on the committee of IIDA’s East Tennessee chapter, where she’s dedicated to helping the design community grow and thrive. 

Nicole joined the Lauderdale team in the summer of 2019 after graduating with a degree in  Interior Design at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Immersed in the commercial and higher education sectors at the start of her career, she honed in on designing interiors that perform well and stand the test of time.  

Having gained experience in a variety of market sectors, Nicole now uses those skills in all the projects she touches. She loves diving into the details and considering important connections—both within the design, between individuals, and with our relationship to the built environment.  

Outside of the office, Nicole firmly believes in being an active member of the local design community, and she volunteers on the IIDA East Tennessee chapter’s committee. She is also an avid rock climber and enjoys quiet evenings with her husband and cats.

Makenna joined Lauderdale with a background rooted in an understanding of architecture and design principles, allowing her the ability to blend functionality with aesthetics. With a BS in Interior Architecture from the University of Tennessee, Makenna enjoys having her hands in the details and working with consultants to make sure each design is realized from concept to construction.  

She has a passion for hospitality, restaurant, and residential design and thrives in designing  inviting, memorable spaces that are deeply rooted in concept. She believes that a holistic design approach is key to every project, no matter the scope. 

When she's not designing, Makenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves a good craft night or a competitive game of pickleball. She enjoys traveling with her husband and seeking design inspiration in new places. As an advocate for the Interior Design industry, Makenna serves on the committee of IIDA’s East Tennessee chapter.

Callie is an Interior Designer with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, bringing her passion, optimism, and a healthy dose of humor to everything she does at Lauderdale. With a foundation in architecture, her background allows her to holistically approach projects with deep consideration for a building's context and place.
‍
Callie’s passion for interior architecture evolved with her belief that design should begin at the scale of the individual. She’s fascinated by the relationship between people and the spaces we create approaching every project with a deep sense of purpose and thoughtfulness.  
‍
She is an active member in the AIA East Tennessee Chapter and has continued to stay involved in the UTK School through mentorship and studio reviews. On any given day you can find Callie at hot yoga, listening to country music or chasing a sunset.

‍Olivia is from Baltimore, Maryland and a proud graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Architecture. With years of experience in FF&E across commercial, higher education, and hospitality environments, she specializes in creating functional and inspiring spaces that foster connection and community.

Her love for interior design comes from the belief in the power of space to shape human interaction. She is dedicated to designing environments that not only meet the needs of the users but also enhance their experiences, promoting relationships and well-being through thoughtful, intentional design.

When she is not working, you can find her enjoying quality time with her husband and pup, cheering on the Volunteers at UT football games, or teaching at the local Lagree studio. She is also an active committee member of the East Tennessee Chapter of IIDA.