your ODA studio team
Debbie Stamer
senior principal, president, director of design
Philosophy: Design is in the details
Experience: 25+ years implementing projects of all sizes, for all types of workplaces and commercial buildings
Crowning moment: Designing the Baltimore Ravens training and admin facility
Secret weapon: Cool and calm personality which clients love
Favorite part of the job: Developing a relationship with the client and coming up with solutions unique to their needs
School: Bachelor of Science, Interior Design — University of Illinois
Certifications & memberships: Buildings and Barriers-Free Certification
“Life isn’t about the destination, but the journey that gets us there.”
Michelle O’Toole, IIDA, LEED AP, NCIDQ
principal
Philosophy: Making space work by putting the needs of the client first
Inspiration: People who put others first
Design edge: Design that looks effortless, functional and clear
Super power: Ability to listen to clients and create solutions
Favorite hobbies: Spending time with family and devouring a good book
School: Bachelor of Science, Interior Design — University of Missouri, Columbia
Certifications & memberships: Registered Interior Designer | Missouri, LEED AP, NCIDQ certified, IIDA Professional Member
Board Memberships: Board Member Brown Sister Foundation, Facility Member The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum, Women’s Advisory Board Member Reliance Bank
“Attitude isn’t just a little thing, it’s everything.”
Kim Johnson
senior interior designer II
Philosophy: To create a workplace that encourages energy and creativity, a place where people do their best work
Experience: 25+ years designing projects of all sizes, from complete design services and construction management for multi-million dollar facilities, to selecting simple paint colors!
Crowning moment: Project Designer for World Wide Technology’s 200,000 square foot headquarters in St. Louis and multiple global office locations
Work ethic: Develop client relationships based on respect, trust, and confidence
Secret weapon: Faith, hope, and courage
School: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Awards: 2014 Illumination Award of Merit / IES St. Louis Section
Kate Bechard
senior interior designer II
Philosophy: Less is More
Experience:15+ years of designing a wide variety of projects of all sizes.
Crowning Moment:Becoming the Jr. Designer for World Wide Technology’s St. Louis Headquarters.
Secret Weapon:Listening and Communication. Understanding the needs and wants of my client’s and translating them into design solutions.
Fun Hobbies: Cooking classes, and being with friends and family
School: Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, with a Minor in Construction Management -Missouri State University
Professional Certifications: Registered Interior Designer | Missouri, NCIDQ certified.
Favorite part of the job: Creating long lasting relationships with clients and finding solutions to fit their needs.
Tech Powers: Adobe Suite, Revit, AutoCAD
“The time is always right to do what is right.” —Martin Luther King, Jr
Morgan Mace
senior interior designer II
Philosophy: Creating spaces that are thoughtful, inclusive, and human centered. Where every detail reflects the diversity of those who use them and makes every person feel seen, welcomed, and inspired.
Experience: Over 14 years of commercial interior design experience and teaching at the collegiate level, bringing a practical expertise and a passion for mentoring the next generation of designers.
Inspiration: How design can solve real problems, shape behavior, and bring people together.
Crowning Personal Moment: Designing SRMG’s headquarters in Riyadh with Emmy-winning set designers was a career-defining moment — global teamwork, bold creativity, and high-impact design all at once.
Secret Weapon: The ability to bring clarity and structure to complex challenges, translating technical knowledge into actionable guidance that keeps projects and people moving forward with confidence.
Fun Hobbies: Cheering on the Blues and the Cardinals and perfecting the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Education: Missouri State University, M.S. Project Management, B.S. Interior Design
Professional Certifications: NCIDQ Interior Designer
Tech Powers: Revit expert and instructor with deep skills in 3D rendering, project management, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite. I’m passionate about streamlining workflows, enhancing design communication, and always finding ways to improve.
Alysa Paladino
senior interior designer
Philosophy: The smallest ideas can make the biggest impact
Inspiration: Encouraging others by showing gratitude and appreciation
Favorite Hobbies: Cooking homemade food with fresh ingredients
Favorite Part of the Job: Being able to interact with new people every day that share the same passion for design
Work Ethic: I am focused and passionate, with the ability to see beyond the surface.
Tech Powers: 3D Renderings, Photoshop, Revit, Auto-Cad
School: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design – Maryville University
Diane Drury
office administrator
Philosophy: Do the best you can do whatever you do.
Experience: Many years in administration/office management for various companies.
Crowning Moment: Having my photo taken with Willie Nelson.
Superpower: Listening.
Fun Hobbies: Swing dancing and feeding the birds.
Favorite Part of Job: The wonderful people I work with.
Work Ethic: Get it done and still have fun.
Sophie Ladendorf
Summer Intern 2025
Philosophy: “Great design is about how a space feels, not just how it looks”
Experience: Summer 2025 Intern at ODA studio
Inspiration: I am inspired by everyone around me at ODA studio, I truly admire them!
Crowning Personal Moment: Having my project be chosen to be submitted to the IIDA Design Competition
Secret Weapon: Listening
Fun Hobbies: KU Lacrosse, Trying new coffee shops, and I’m a server!
School: Junior at KU where I’m pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Architecture.
Tech Powers: Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, Enscape, SketchUp
Careers
At ODA studio, we strive to consistently produce exceptional work for our clientele. While our client’s needs are front-of-mind, we believe our biggest asset is our people. Here at ODA studio, we maintain a collaborative work environment with a positive creative energy enabling our designers to excel.
Send your resume and samples of work to info@odastudiostl.com