Born in the small town of Ashland, Oregon, renowned for its Shakespeare Festival, the world of theater and design was an integral part of my life from the very beginning.  My father was an interior designer and specialized in remodeling historic and mid century houses.  I spent my early years on construction sites where I developed a profound appreciation for craftsmanship and aesthetics. My mother worked in the fashion industry in NYC and and greatly influenced my sense of style.  And my grandmother, who owned an antique shop and is an avid “treasure” hunter and collector, taught me the value of identifying quality and the potential of undervalued found objects.  

 

In 2009 we moved to the Bay Area after the housing market crash. Watching my parents rebuild their lives from scratch instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. Although my parents marriage did not survive the move, both eventually found new partners who also significantly influenced my life. My stepmother was a former producer for Industrial Light & Magic who transitioned to real estate. She introduced me to the intricacies of the real estate business and the depth of managing projects. My stepfather, an architect for the City of San Francisco, taught me to view design from an architectural standpoint, offering invaluable pointers and guidance. All of these influences became the foundation of my design philosophy.

 

Surrounded by the creativity at home, I began to explore design more deeply.  In high school, I joined the board of the Conservatory Theater Ensemble, where I spearheaded production design and management. My passion for storytelling through design blossomed, leading me into my own business of furniture renovation and the creation of unique lamps fashioned from found objects. In addition to the physical elements of design, I expanded my skills into the digital realm, mastering graphic and website design. During this time my work at Pottery Barn further honed my design skills, allowing me to collaborate on high-profile projects including sourcing décor for the Lucas Ranch Bed and Breakfast. I was recognized for my exceptional customer service and design expertise, earning the Northern California Regional Spirit of Customer Service Award in 2019.

 

I was then hired by Nordstrom, where I specialized in luxury handbags and accessories, cultivating strong relationships with high-profile clients and designers. My experience in the luxury goods industry deepened my understanding of customer service and design, skills that I continue to apply in my work today.

 

In 2021, I was accepted into UCLA's prestigious School of Theater, Film, and Television, focusing on scenic/production design and management. My work at UCLA includes scenic design, prop construction and production design for short films, spanning both digital and physical mediums. I have collaborated on productions at UCLA, LMU, and USC, further refining my design and management skills.

 

Currently, I manage a historic apartment building in Westwood. I have successfully remodeled several units and common areas, increasing occupancy and enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal. 

 

My ability to connect with people, whether clients, directors, or fellow designers, is at the heart of my work. Design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating meaningful connections and ensuring every project runs smoothly from start to finish.  Dakota Blaze Fox Designs combines my passion for storytelling with my diverse design expertise. Our mission is to provide exceptional design services that reflect the unique personalities and needs of our clients. Whether transforming a space, creating a set, or crafting a digital experience, our goal is to connect with our clients and bring their visions to life. We are dedicated to excellence, creativity, and building lasting relationships through our work. Each project is an opportunity to create something meaningful and impactful, and we approach every challenge with passion and professionalism.

 

I look forward to working with you and bringing your design dreams to reality.