Environments shaped with reverence for detail, craftsmanship, and individuality.
About us
Charlie Hellstern is a Seattle-based design studio dedicated to creating interiors that are at once elegant and effortless, modern yet deeply human. We believe in a refined approach—one where natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and meaningful design choices shape spaces that feel timeless and personal.
Charlie Hellstern
Owner & Creative Director
Charlie is the founder and creative director of her Seattle-based interior design practice, known for work that is quietly elegant, materially rich, and deeply attuned to the people who inhabit it. With more than 25 years of experience, she brings a calm, discerning presence to every project. Before launching her studio in 2017, Charlie spent more than a decade at Olson Kundig, where she co-led the interiors studio and played a pivotal role in the design and direction of some of the firm’s most recognized and enduring residential work. It was during this time that she developed a lasting reverence for place—a belief that design should begin with its setting, and that material and color should draw from the landscape itself.
Rather than following a fixed style, Charlie allows each space to emerge from a deep understanding of her clients—their rhythms, values, and lived experience. She layers custom furnishings, vintage elements, and thoughtfully curated art to create environments that feel both timeless and personal. Her work has been featured in leading design publications for its warmth, restraint, and enduring sense of place.
Team
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Sarah Nadolny
Managing Director
With over twenty-five years managing Seattle’s leading designer showrooms, Sarah brings seasoned leadership and a people-first approach to Charlie Hellstern. Her degree in Women Studies from the University of Washington informs a values-driven style rooted in empathy and respect. Travel, family, and connection continue to enrich her leadership.
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Tessa Hyatt
Design Director
Tessa is an NCIDQ-certified designer with over a decade of experience across residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors. Known for her rendering skills and steady leadership, she brings clarity to complex projects. Raised in Alaska, she draws inspiration from nature and enjoys painting, skiing, and time with her husband and daughter.
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Melissa Stewart
Studio & Marketing Manager
Melissa holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington and brings sharp instincts and creative discipline to support the team. Known for jumping in without hesitation, she thrives in a collaborative, detail-driven environment. A mom with an eye for beauty and order, she enjoys gardening and cooking with her husband.
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Renata Chew
Purchasing Project Manager
Renata has a degree in Art History and worked in museum collections before transitioning to the built environment. With over fifteen years’ experience in design and construction, she has a deep understanding for executing bespoke interiors. She has a keen eye for detail and enjoys keeping the project portfolio aligned and on track.
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McKenna Mulder
Interior Designer
McKenna studied interior design at the Heritage School of Interior Design in Seattle and brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to her work. As a designer, she leads with care and consistency, while also supporting studio resources behind the scenes. A Washington native, she finds joy beachcombing with her dogs.
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Hannah Pottorff
Interior Designer
An NCIDQ-certified designer, Hannah studied Interior Architecture and Design at Colorado State University. Her time abroad in Florence deepened her appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless design. She brings thoughtfulness and a process-driven mindset to each project she supports and enjoys big hikes as much as laid-back weekends with friends.
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Sara Duncan
Purchasing & Operations Coordinator
With over fifteen years of experience in project management and studio operations, Sara ensures projects are delivered smoothly and beautifully. She studied interior design and brings a deep understanding of how to support creative work with precision. Outside of work, she enjoys life in the garden with her family—and her runner ducks.
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Sophia Ullman
Junior Designer
Sophia studied interior design at Washington State University with a minor in Business Administration. She values the collaborative nature of studio work and brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to every project she supports. Outside the studio, she enjoys hiking, nature photography, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
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Milo
Chief Comfort Officer
Milo takes his role of greeting guests and napping on rug samples very seriously. With a discerning nose for rich textures and a strong commitment to hospitality, he ensures every visitor feels at home. When not lounging in sunbeams, he enjoys walks, head scratches, and spontaneous bursts of office joy.
