MEET CURIO
Founded in 2012 by Allison Harlow, Curio Design Studio focuses on creating distinctive interior environments for new construction, whole house renovations and kitchen + bath remodels for modern families and leading professionals. She works locally with clients in Marquette,MI and virtually with clients nationwide.
ALLISON HARLOW
Founder & Lead Interior Designer
Allison’s unique and organized approach to interior environments allows her to work with clients both locally in Marquette, MI and around the country and world. Her one of a kind virtual consulting services make Allison’s design knowledge and expertise available to a large group of people who might not otherwise have access to professional resources. Acting as a liaison between client and on-site contractors Allison guides the overall design direction of a project, ensures a cohesive end product and eliminates the overwhelm associated with making the abundance of decisions that come with designing a flawless interior.
Allison is knowledgeable about and involved in all aspects of remodeling, with both her on-site and virtual design services, including: space planning, finish and fixture selection, creating fully detailed design plans, color selections and project management. She specializes in unique visual presentation techniques to help the client clearly visualize the space and make confident decisions, and aids in completing projects on time and on budget
Allison’s CIDA accredited interior design education plus over 10 years of experience in the interior design industry allow her to look at design as more than simply a choice of aesthetics but also a way to improve efficiency and enhance function.
“What I loved about working with Curio is that I could still have a hand in the design. Allison was great in that she gave me options and I could still have the choice. It felt very personal to me.”
Marina Dupler | Crescent Street Bath
RYAN NIE
General Contractor & Carpenter
Ryan’s design focused and client-centered approach has led him to create exceptional custom work for satisfied clients who keep coming back for more. Ryan prides himself on an eye for details and finishing that other contractors may overlook. This discerning standard makes for excellence in both custom design builds for commercial projects and remodels for clients looking to make their dream home a reality.
Ryan’s passion for creation began over 15 years ago when he chose a carpentry apprenticeship in high school. While he pursued a career in professional hockey, he continued to improve and expand his hands-on skills while working for a custom home building company in the off-season, assisting with all phases of building projects from framing to finishing. As his interest in building grew, Ryan expanded his experience by working in the concrete business, primarily focusing on forming foundations. Over the past 13 years, Ryan has honed the skills of his trade and turned them into a passion, specializing in finish carpentry, tile and remodeling.
With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, Ryan has learned the importance not only of an excellent finished product but also the way skilled design and an outstanding client experience can affect the outcome of a project.
“It was so easy working with Curio Design! You went over the whole style board with her.
If there was something you didn’t like Allison would come back with a few options.
The space now kind of speaks for itself. It’s pretty incredible!
AMY LEAHY | PINE VIEW MASTER
MIRIAM ROWE
Interior Designer
Miriam joined the Curio team in 2019. For the past four years, she has worked in collaboration with lead designer, Allison Harlow. Miriam brings her detail-oriented and personalized design ethic to the Curio Design + Build team. Her non-traditional path into the design world offers her a unique approach to the work.
She pulls from her diverse skill set to local clients, and virtual clients from across the country – and across the world. Miriam begins each new project looking to get a sense of the personality and tastes of the client. She aims to create spaces that are beautifully designed, while giving a sense of belonging to those that use it.
Miriam’s passions include cooking, hosting, and renovating her turn of the century Edwardian home.
CHERYL SEWELL
Interior Designer
With over 14 years’ experience in a variety of sectors of the interior design and event design industry, Cheryl brings a well-rounded approach to design with several areas of expertise to tap into. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Western Michigan University. Her goal as a designer is creating spaces with an everlasting impression that connects people with and transforms their perception of their environment, while analyzing the client’s brand and the user’s experience.
Cheryl worked for six years as a senior designer for a commercial retail design firm which focuses on marketing and brand strategy, as well as environmental prototype design for some of the world’s top retailers. Her experience also includes the role of Design Director at Detroit’s most innovative, full-service event specialist as the lead event designer, manager of the Creative Team, and member of the company’s leadership team working on the growth of the brand.
Her favorite project types include restaurant and retail store design because it provides a unique opportunity to truly engage the user with the experience of the interior. When she is not working Cheryl spends her time developing her side hustle making and selling hand poured candles, spending quality time exploring the city with her husband and three-year-old son, and relaxing and recharging so that she can bring her best self to those in her work and life
CHRISTINA STACEY
Project Coordinator
Managing a thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing new build or renovation comes down to attention to details. Meet Christina, our Project Coordinator. Christina has Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in geology and earth sciences and six years of private consulting experience assisting clients with projects across a variety of different industries where details matter and organizational management drives project success.
Christina has a passion for interior design which was honed over a number of self-managed renovations that eventually led to her career pivot with Curio Design Studio. The creative environment at Curio is exciting and rewarding, and Christina takes pride in her role to ensure the quality is delivered for these beautiful designs while keeping contractors on track with materials and schedule.