At KARASAWA Interior Studio, we are committed to creating an empowering work environment where talented working mothers can thrive in their careers while balancing the demands of home life. We firmly believe that when a workplace fosters a culture of compassion and respect for the challenges of motherhood, it unlocks the full potential and talent of dedicated working mothers, leading to exceptional contributions and results.

Team

Midori is a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of success, having built and led an award-winning interior design firm. With over two decades of experience spearheading product creation process for Fortune 500 companies, she has honed her ability to transform consumer insights into tangible products. This deep understanding of consumer behavior informs her design philosophy, where every project begins with a keen awareness of how people live and interact with their spaces.

A native of Tokyo, Japan, now based in Northwest Portland, Oregon, Midori seamlessly weaves modern aesthetics with the rich cultural sensibilities of Japan into her designs. As a Japanese designer, the essence of clean lines, simplicity, and sophistication runs deep in her DNA, and these timeless principles are beautifully embodied in each of her projects. Her design effortlessly blend elements of Japandi, Mid-Century Modern and Minimalist Luxury, creating spaces that are both timeless and refined.

Midori is a proud mother of an active 16-year-old daughter who fills her life with joy and gratitude. She has a deep love for overseas travel, which she finds culturally enriching and a profound source of artistic inspiration. In her spare time, Midori is deeply committed to a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public on genomic-guided precision medicine. Founded by her ex-partner who passed away in 2023, the organization thrives on the unwavering dedication of Midori and a passionate group of friends, all united in their mission to make a difference.

Julia Ahlet joins our firm as a senior interior designer. With over 20+ years of interior design experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her work with Opsis Architecture, Skylab Architecture, and Cannon Design in Buffalo, New York. Her experience encompasses a wide range of projects from residential to large scale commercial developments. 

In a boutique firm like ours, we place tremendous value on professionals like Julia, who bring a diverse skill set, including interior architecture, interior design, FF&E, 3D renderings and graphic design. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to her craft are truly exceptional, and she accomplishes it all with remarkable grace! 

With Julia's impressive portfolio now part of our team, we are well-equipped to take on a diverse range of projects, including high-end residential, multi-family, and hospitality developments.

Julia is a pleasant, thoughtful, and dedicated professional as well as a wonderful mother of two children. In her spare time, she finds joy and inspiration in immersing herself in the great outdoors through hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Beyond these activities, Julia seeks personal and professional growth through her ongoing commitment to learning, exploration, and meaningful connections with others. Her love for nature enriches her life and complements her roles as a devoted mother, supportive partner, loyal friend, and cherished family member. Additionally, this deep connection with the natural world inspires her creative practice in interior design, where she integrates elements of the outdoors into her work.