Modern Detroit office lobby with curved archway, burgundy chairs, and glass walls by Pophouse interior designers

We Are CuriousPurposefulAuthenticFearlessPophouse

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Who We Are

We believe that purposeful design has the ability to change the way people work, live and interact with each other.

Started in 2013, Pophouse is a full-scope WBENC certified design studio focused on the built environment. Located in Detroit, we work on commercial projects with a specialty in workplace, hospitality, and retail design. Our team of designers and strategists work to positively impact people through interior, industrial, and environmental graphic design.

Our studio is built on an interdisciplinary approach to create space that is both innovative and purposeful. We offer comprehensive design services through our team of interior, industrial, and environmental graphic designers. Our team of solution-minded project managers operates at an unmatched level of client service. We prioritize human-centric design focused on sustainability and inclusivity to create positive and impactful space for all users. 

Our Services

Pophouse provides comprehensive design services including: Interior Design, Furniture Specification + Procurement, Environmental Graphic Design and Brand Design.

3,414 HOURS VOLUNTEERED
20 ORGANIZATIONS DONATED
9 COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Community Work

We are deeply committed to the city of Detroit and utilize our time and talents to help our community.

A few of the organizations we have contributed to are Mercy Education Project, Empowerment Plan, Built for Zero, City Year, and Humble Design. In addition, we have recently established a scholarship program at CCS that helps close the financial gap for students pursuing a degree in design. Our team is active within local chapters of CREW, IIDA, Design Core, and US Green Building Council. When you work with us, you support our ongoing efforts to invest in the Detroit community.

Our People

Our team is deeply passionate about design and we believe that diversity sparks innovation.

The Pophouse team is comprised of people from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of design expertise, including interior, industrial, and environmental graphic designers, materials specialists, strategists, and project managers. Our curiosity leads us to continuously challenge and elevate our skills through travel, visiting art venues, coursework, industry events and conferences. We also like to paint in the park, do yoga, bring our dogs to work and have the occasional happy hour in Campus Martius on a sunny day. As avid Detroiters, we are focused on the city’s growth and development through organizations like City Year, Empowerment Plan and Design 139. We participate in Design Core, CREW, IIDA, AIA, and are WBENC certified. We also open our doors to school and community groups, professional organizations and local entrepreneurs to highlight the opportunity for creative careers and celebrate the importance of inclusive design.

Professional female interior designer at marble countertop in modern Detroit commercial space

Jennifer Gilbert

Founder and Principal

Jennifer Gilbert

Founder and Principal
Why design?

I love knowing that by creating environments with purpose and intention, designers have the ability to positively impact people's lives.

Favorite core value?

Authentic. Everything for me starts and ends with authenticity. Extending beyond design to other areas of my life, authenticity is what I strive for. I am at my absolute best, when staying true to myself as a designer, a business person, a colleague, a mother, a wife and a friend.

Professional interior designer in modern Detroit office with white geometric wall panels and contemporary design

Jennifer Janus

President

Jennifer Janus

President
Why design?

As a writer, turned creative leader, turned leader of a design studio, I feel incredibly privileged to work in a field where we have the ability to improve the way people work, live, and interact with their environment. For me, design is all about understanding people, solving problems, and leaving a lasting positive impact, one space at a time.

Favorite core value?

Fearless. It's the challenges that push us outside of our comfort zone that help us grow the most. I want to be the best version of myself and encourage our team to do the same. That road requires a fearless mindset. It's those times when I feel my heart racing and get butterflies that I know I am headed in the right direction.

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Professional woman in modern commercial office interior with neutral tones and contemporary design elements in Detroit

Anna Okerhjelm

Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Assoc.Studio Director

Anna Okerhjelm

Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Assoc.Studio Director
Why design?

As designers, the environments we create matter immensely—they shape who we are, how we feel, and how we interact with others. The opportunity to curate space that is strategic, inclusive, and human-centric is a huge responsibility and one I have always been passionate about. Design has always been a part of who I am and how I approach the world around me—the chance to change for the better.

Favorite core value?

Purposeful. Always leading with why, crafting a thoughtful narrative to guide the design and strategy, and building meaningful relationships along the way speaks to who we are and why we value design and our clients. This core value sets the foundation for all we do at Pophouse.

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Detroit interior designer in modern commercial office with geometric wall design and marble conference table

Jordan Wills

Director of Client Services

Jordan Wills

Director of Client Services
Why design?

I have always been drawn to the industry—drawing plans and sketching renderings for my dream house as a kid, looking for a career that would fuse both my love for art and logic as a teenager and being continually inspired by the dramatic effects of the built environment on the quality of life for those who occupy it as an adult.

Favorite core value?

Authentic. Empathy is fundamental in building healthy personal relationships and physical spaces.

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Pophouse | Detroit Interior Design Firm

Shelby Reno

Director, Strategic Partnerships

Shelby Reno

Director, Strategic Partnerships
Favorite Core Value?

Fearless is my favorite core value because it perfectly captures the mindset required in business development. Every day involves stepping into the unknown; pitching new ideas, navigating change, and facing potential rejection. What I love most is that it reframes "no" not as defeat but as part of failing forward.

Why Design?

I'm passionate about design through the lens of someone who loves both fashion and commercial real estate. I see interiors as the perfect fusion of style, brand storytelling, and smart real estate. I'm thrilled to drive business development in a new market for a leading-edge firm that brings those elements to life.

Professional woman in black blazer sitting in modern office lounge area with neutral furniture and clean design

Lauren Minch

NCIDQSenior Interior Designer

Lauren Minch

NCIDQSenior Interior Designer
Why design?

I love the combination of art and science to solve the evolving issues of user experience, universal design and sustainability. My favorite part of interior design is creating unique designs for every client, by analyzing the context of space, social engagement, and human behavior.

Favorite project?

Chase Tower Refresh. This project reflects a community of space that supports the holistic well-being of its diverse team members through ample amenity space, integrated technology, and functionality while providing a sense of belonging and familiarity.

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Professional interior designer in modern Detroit office space with contemporary furnishings and artistic wall display

Brandon Bartel

Senior Environmental Graphic Designer

Brandon Bartel

Senior Environmental Graphic Designer
Why design?

From an early age I have always had a strong connection and passion for art and design. As a professional, I enjoy the challenge of working through large scale projects and creating memorable art pieces for clients that transform their space and impact the culture and team members

What is your work philosophy?

Holding oneself to high standards, seeing all details through to the end, and being open to feedback. I enjoy the challenge of the entire design process: Creating a narrative with my client, understanding the ‘why’; developing the idea from sketch to installation. Creating meaningful installations that inspire team members is extremely rewarding.

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Commercial interior designer sitting in modern office space with clean lines and natural lighting in Detroit

Jon Moses

Design Director, Environmental Graphic Design

Jon Moses

Design Director, Environmental Graphic Design
Why design?

I’m drawn to design because it’s ultimately about people. Through environmental graphic design, we shape spaces that are intuitive, meaningful, and connected to a larger story—improving how people experience a place.

Favorite core value?

I love starting a project with a blank slate and watching the solution come to life through discovery. Curiosity drives the process—asking how people should feel in the space, what the design needs to achieve, and what story we’re helping to tell.

Professional woman in beige dress at modern Detroit restaurant with vibrant abstract wall art and dark booth seating

Monica Pace

NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+CProject Director

Monica Pace

NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+CProject Director
Why design?

Because we, as designers, have the ability to create unique physical environments conceived largely by information, inspiration and imagination. Seeing a space come to fruition after months or years of planning is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Favorite core value?

Fearless. It's an important reminder to constantly push outside of your comfort zone and to not be afraid to fail. Even a failure is worthy of the educational experience gained.

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Professional woman in burgundy dress at modern marble conference table in Detroit commercial office space

Leticia Ferreira

Executive Assistant

Leticia Ferreira

Executive Assistant
Favorite core value and why?

Fearless because when we push ourselves out of our comfort zones we can reach new levels of success.

What is your work philosophy?

We can always be 1% better.

Professional woman in modern Detroit office interior with contemporary furniture and artistic wall display

Abby Kieltyka

Senior Purchasing Specialist

Abby Kieltyka

Senior Purchasing Specialist
Why design?

I have always been creative and appreciated architecture and design, but I really fell in love with the process and business side of interior design after pursuing an interior design degree and working in the field for several years. I found my niche in purchasing, but still get to be around the creative process and contribute to beautiful projects, so it's the best of both worlds.

What is your work philosophy?

Embracing the challenge of finding a solution when we run into an issue on a project. I enjoy the rush of multi-tasking to meet deadlines and ensuring everything is accurate which requires great attention to detail.

Commercial interior designer at marble conference table in modern Detroit office with textured wall panels

Anthony Morasso

Client Service Manager

Anthony Morasso

Client Service Manager
Why design?

I didn't choose design, design chose me. What drew me to Pophouse was the fact that we have the ability to affect so many people's day to day through our work and interactions. Having the power to improve our clients’ lives through a thoughtfully designed environment is a powerful thing.

Favorite core value?

Authentic. It's the value that precedes the rest-- being genuine, humbly confident, and trustworthy creates the solid foundation needed to build purposeful relationships.

Professional woman with red hair in brown blazer sitting at white desk in modern Detroit commercial office interior

Nicole LaFernier

Senior Furniture Specialist

Nicole LaFernier

Senior Furniture Specialist
Why design?

Design allows me to utilize both my analytical and creative sides, while helping improve the lives of others by solving real-world problems.

Favorite core value?

Curious. Successful design solutions require challenging the status quo, along with an element of adventure, inspiration, and inquisitiveness. When facing a design challenge, it's important to ask questions and never to assume that something is "right" just because it's been done a certain way in the past.

Pophouse interior designer at Detroit office workspace with textured white wall panels and contemporary design elements

Sydney Tocco

Interior Designer

Sydney Tocco

Interior Designer
Why design?

Design allows me to tie my creative ability and close attention to detail together and work the two into something purposeful and functional that leaves a lasting impact.

What is your work philosophy?

Sweat the small stuff. The details are just as important as the bigger picture!

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Detroit interior designer in modern office space with contemporary artwork and sleek furniture design

Colleen Hosler

NCIDQSenior Project Manager

Colleen Hosler

NCIDQSenior Project Manager
Why design?

Design can profoundly impact people's everyday lives. Crafted spaces that blend thought of function through form, material, and reason is what emotionally connects people and places.

What is your work philosophy?

Do good. Work hard. Be nice.

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Professional designer in modern office lounge area with contemporary furniture in Detroit commercial space

Waseem Alqaifi

Accounting Manager

Waseem Alqaifi

Accounting Manager
Why design?

As my line of work is needed in every industry, I didn't necessarily choose design although it is a perk. I was initially drawn to Pophouse for the people and culture.

What is your work philosophy?

Helping everyone around me achieve a common goal that leads to success.

Professional designer at Pophouse commercial interior design firm in Detroit workspace with artistic wall display

Logan Ziegler

Senior Project Manager

Logan Ziegler

Senior Project Manager
Why design?

Drawn to the transformative power of design, I chose this career path to merge my innate creativity with a purposeful vision, applying my learned skills in a team setting that focuses on creating emotion-evoking, human-centric spaces.

What is your work philosophy?

Approaching every challenge with authenticity and humility to do whatever it takes to help the team.

Professional woman with red hair smiling at white table in modern commercial office space designed by Detroit interior firm

Phyllis Maierle

NCIDQ, WELL APInterior Designer

Phyllis Maierle

NCIDQ, WELL APInterior Designer
Why design?

It's the perfect mix of the technical and creative skills that come together to problem solve in 3D. Truly good design can transform people's lives for the better and when done well the end result is a space that functions well, looks beautiful, and creates a sense belonging.

What is your work philosophy?

Everything comes back to integrity. It allows me to be a better person while staying true to the design in all aspects ranging from client's needs, materiality, detail development, and beyond.

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Professional woman in modern commercial interior space with warm lighting and contemporary design elements Detroit

Olivia Maldonado

Senior Brand Designer

Olivia Maldonado

Senior Brand Designer
Why design?

Design speaks a language that transcends words. It shows in the most fundamental way what you represent.

What is your work philosophy?

It's much better to stumble into action than to be paralyzed by self doubt.

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Commercial interior designer at Pophouse in Detroit presenting modern office design concepts at marble conference table

Hannah DiNardo

Interior Designer

Hannah DiNardo

Interior Designer
Why design?

Design is empowering to me, as it allows me to harmoniously blend my technical spirit and creative passion.

What is your work philosophy?

Design must be rooted in reality.

Professional woman in modern office chair showcasing Detroit commercial interior design consultation

Rachel Isaacson

Associate Interior Designer

Rachel Isaacson

Associate Interior Designer
Why design?

Curiosity drives my process. I approach each project as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and create something meaningful.

What is your work philosophy?

What excites me most about design is its ability to tell a story - where every detail works together to create a narrative that connects people to places in a meaningful way.

male interior designer smiling at modern office desk in Detroit commercial design studio

Brenden Bagnall

Accounting Intern

Brenden Bagnall

Accounting Intern
Why Design?

I think that design allows people to express their creativity and bring their ideas into something real. It's a new subject for me as a someone with an accounting background and I am excited to learn, grow, and see how design impacts projects.

Favorite Core Value?

Authenticity, it stands out with me because being yourself with others helps build strong genuine relationships.

Our Clients

We create transformational spaces for a variety of clients focused in the workplace, hospitality, and retail industries.

Careers

If you are curious, purposeful, authentic, and fearless about your love of design, this is the place for you.

Let's chat.