Our Team
Our Creative Team
Our creative team is the heart and soul of every project we undertake, bringing together diverse talents and a shared passion for all that we do. As the saying goes, it takes a village. Each member contributes their unique skills and perspectives, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. Together, we collaborate seamlessly, drawing on years of experience and a deep understanding of the design world to offer our clients the very best in workroom capabilities and design resources.
Reese Lusk & Becky Bump
Owners
The merger of two opposites has its rewards. Reese and Becky have been partners in life for over 18 years. In work, their different careers paths led them to a remarkable partnership in business. With his degree in fine arts and art history and as owner of his own studio-based art and design/build business r. LUSK Studios, Reese understands the design industry.
Meanwhile, Becky spent most of her early career with her own marketing, public relations and special events company. Special Assignment, Inc. In 2020 after a COVID induced crash to the marketing/special events business, she shifted gears deciding to bring her considerable organizational and marketing skills to bear on expanding r. LUSK Studios.
With a nationally known studio-based art line, expertise in interior design and design/build in r. LUSK Studios, the purchase of The Designer Workshop offered an avenue to expand Reese’s design aspirations. The duo felt strategically it was the perfect business partner for r. LUSK Studios. The couple now divide and conquer with Becky managing the day-to-day affairs and employees at r. LUSK and Reese at The Designer Workshop. They have consolidated the design/build and interior design work to The Designer Workshop and kept r. LUSK focused on creating its beautiful art.
Kim Montgomery
Workroom manager
Kim came to The Designer Workshop in June 2018 after running her family’s workroom for 25 years. Thelma’s, owned by Kim’s grandmother, was always a family affair. Kim’s father worked there as an installer and Kim used to walk there from her bus stop to work after school. With her skills and years of experience, she is an invaluable part of our team and TDW’s right hand (wo)man.
Monica Douglas
Resource manager and lead interior designer
Monica knows her stuff. She has an uncanny ability to guide our designer clients to exactly what they are looking for. Originally from South Central Virginia, she received her degree in Fine Arts and Fashion & Textile Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. She guides designers through our vast resources helping them select products and goods for their projects. When not supporting other designers with their sourcing needs, she actively manages the sourcing process for design clients of The Designer Workshop. Locally, regionally and as far south as Florida, her work is classic and elegant with a sophisticated use of color, texture and whimsy.
Stephanie Ailstock
Retail floor manager, stylist/designer and resident floral designer
Stephanie is a Virginia Beach native and has worked in the retail business since her high school days. She was an owner and operator of her family business for several years. She has a passion for merchandising and brings it to our retail showroom as well as for clients as a stylist/designer. Her passion for floral arranging shows in her incredible creations. Whether you have an idea for an arrangement or looking for inspiration, Stephanie will create a work of art that can be seasonal or one that lasts forever.
Sabrina Johns
Design assistant
Originally from Paris, France, Sabrina brings her unique French sensibility to The Designer Workshop. She assists with all aspects of the company from working with Monica on quotes, sourcing fabrics, trims and wallpaper, placing orders and helping our retail customers.
The Workroom
The talented workroom team is the backbone of The Designer Workshop. Their level of skill, craftsmanship and decades of experience are what makes the workroom truly exceptional. Each team member has their specialty but all work together to create the very best in custom draperies, bedding, window coverings, pillows and upholstery.
Jessica Van Nest
Office manager and bean counter
Every business has that person who handles the daily financial duties and keeps the lights on. We have Jessica who makes sure The Designer Workshop is organized, efficient and running smoothly. It takes a talented multi-tasker to manage the fast-paced office of The Designer Workshop. And that recent Instagram post? Yeah, that’s her too.