Kathleen McMullen is an accomplished interior designer, artist, and founder of Tower Design. Her studio was born from her lifelong passion for the intersection of art, architecture, and design. Her work is distinguished by sophisticated, highly personalized interiors that seamlessly blend innovative contemporary design with the unique values, aspirations, and lifestyles of her clients.
Fluent in a wide range of design languages—from modern luxury and refined contemporary interiors to California Mediterranean and traditional styles—Kathleen creates spaces that are both timeless and deeply individual. Drawing upon her extensive background in art and art history, she is particularly known for thoughtfully layering contemporary design with mid-century and traditional influences, resulting in interiors that feel curated, authentic, and enduring.
Originally trained as an Art Buyer and Art Consultant, Kathleen brings a distinctive perspective to interior design. She believes every project should begin with the meaningful objects that tell her clients’ stories—the artwork, collections, heirlooms, and treasured possessions that reflect a life well lived. Whether incorporating a child’s sculpture, a significant art collection, or cherished family artifacts, her design process is guided by a curatorial sensibility that celebrates personal meaning and connection.
Kathleen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and a Bachelor of Arts in the History of Art & Design, graduating with honors in Art Conservation from the University of California, Berkeley. She pursued graduate studies at the San Francisco Art Institute and Stanford University, where she studied with renowned artist Nathan Oliveira and later taught art and design at the collegiate level. In 2008, she earned her LEED AP and ASID certifications and has contributed to numerous LEED-certified corporate projects.
Her diverse academic and professional background provides an unusually comprehensive understanding of aesthetics, design history, and material culture.
This foundation informs a thoughtful and collaborative design process through which she helps clients articulate their vision, priorities, budget, and timeline. Kathleen believes that exceptional design is both evocative and functional—it creates an emotional connection while supporting the way people live. Every Tower Design project is tailored to reflect the individuality, aspirations, and practical needs of the client, resulting in spaces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
Olivia is a second-generation interior designer and artist whose creative path began in high school, sketching hand-drawn concepts for Tower Design’s San Francisco clientele. Early exposure to the world of interiors—sourcing furniture and textiles, observing client meetings, and absorbing the rhythm of a working design studio—instilled in her a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of the business.
Olivia went on to earn dual B.A. degrees in Art History and Anthropology from the University of Southern California, deepening her understanding of visual culture, global aesthetics, and the human experience. She later earned a Doctorate in Chinese Medicine, which continues to inform her holistic, balanced approach to interior design.
Now based in Santa Monica, Olivia serves clients throughout Southern California—including the greater Los Angeles area, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Ojai, and Malibu—offering bespoke interiors marked by quiet beauty, intentional layering and soulful storytelling. Her work is guided by an intuitive design sensibility and a collaborative spirit, resulting in spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
Her aesthetic leans toward modern and mid-century modern, always with thoughtful integration of vintage finds, antique treasures, and heirlooms that add warmth and meaning. Olivia’s ability to source just the right artwork or statement piece makes every space truly one-of-a-kind. Her signature indoor/outdoor approach reflects a distinctly Californian lifestyle—effortless, elevated, and grounded in nature.
Precise in communication and deeply perceptive, Olivia brings a collaborative spirit to each project. She instinctively understands how to interpret her clients’ vision, translating it into stunning, highly livable interiors that feel both timeless and uniquely their own.
As a native Californian and longtime Los Angeles resident, Olivia holds a special place in her heart for those rebuilding after the recent wildfires. With compassion, creativity, and care, she is honored to help fire-affected homeowners and business owners reimagine their spaces and restore what was lost—with grace, integrity, and a fresh start.
