Firm

Rush Jenkins has worked in the design industry for over 30 years, but his aesthetic was formed much earlier. Growing up in Idaho, Rush’s palette was informed by the natural environment of the nearby Teton Mountain range and the rolling acreage of his family’s farmland. After obtaining his undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly, Rush set his sights across the Atlantic where he refined his expertise through studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. Rush’s association with Sotheby’s continued when he became the Director of Design for their New York auction house. While at Sotheby’s, he had the privilege of leading the design of exhibitions for the collections of many American luminaries.

Following his dual passions for interior design and the American West, Rush moved to Jackson Hole, WY, where he and his partner, Klaus Baer, established the headquarters of WRJ Design. Rush guides the vision for WRJ’s talented team of designers who have combined expertise in conceptualization, technical planning, and creative execution of projects for the firm’s clients.

Rush’s knowledge of interiors, art, architecture, and landscape architecture is the foundation of his singular talent creating unique and beautiful retreats in harmony with their surroundings.

Klaus Baer has channeled his decades-plus experience managing international production teams for investment banking firms into overseeing all operational and technological aspects of WRJ. Klaus firmly believes that well-run processes translate into seamless experiences for clients as well as the internal team. At WRJ, he has developed the systems on which the company stands and that support the design team to achieve their goals: homes that are harmonious, welcoming, and completely realized to the most exacting details.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Klaus segued from banking to design, earning a graduate degree in Interior Design from Parsons, The New School for Design in Manhattan. Klaus donates his time and talents to various non-profit organizations in Jackson Hole and revels in the mountains surrounding his home.

Arianne left her Georgia roots behind and headed west to study at BYU-Idaho where she graduated with a BS in Interior Design. In her professional life, she’s guided by the design elements of pattern, texture, and color, while in her personal life, her love of family, outdoor pursuits, and nature serve as Arianne’s touchstones and inspire her daily. At WRJ, Arianne brings a passion for organization and enthusiasm for fine details to each and every project.

A Wyoming native, Sabrina pursued her studies at Colorado State University. She graduated cum laude with a degree in Interior Design and Construction Management and concurrently earned her LEED accreditation. Before joining WRJ, Sabrina worked on a wide range of projects, both residential and commercial, stateside and abroad. Wherever she calls home, Sabrina is inspired by the natural beauty around her which reflects in her designs.

Zack grew up in Ogden, UT, and earned his degree in Interior Design at Weber State University. His work experience took him east to Manhattan and west to Las Vegas before bringing him to Jackson Hole and WRJ. Zack is a movie buff and violin player, but he also enjoys being outdoors and pursuing his passions for downhill skiing and hiking. Catching sight of him on a hike usually means also catching sight of his two dedicated hiking partners, his dogs Koda and Nala.

Stephanie is an Idaho native and earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from BYU-Idaho, moving to the Jackson Hole area in 2005. She refined her focus on beautiful, functional interiors and is an active member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Stephanie brings more than a decade’s worth of experience designing those crucial spaces to WRJ’s clients. Her own time in the Tetons finds Stephanie outdoors—snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, backpacking, and running half-marathons.

Sammy is a graduate of the University of Idaho and holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a minor in Architecture. Nature has always been Sammy‘s passion, and her ongoing interest in the cohesive and harmonious merging of indoor and outdoor brought her to WRJ. Sammy’s love for and belief in the beauty and benefits of nature is what informs her work. Sammy’s strongest memories of childhood in Idaho Falls involve being outdoors and as an adult that has not changed. Given the choice and the chance, Sammy always will be outside.

Ashton holds a BFA from Savannah College of Art in Sound Design. Drawn to the potential to create moods and experiences, she started her career as the head of Visual Display at Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage and Antiques in Portland, OR. This naturally led to a career in home staging and styling for photoshoots and videos, which inspired Ashton to go back to school for Interior Design. Ashton appreciates thoughtful and unexpected design unique to the individual and loves helping people realize a vision they cannot always articulate on their own.

A Wyoming native, Patience earned a BA of Fine Arts in Interior Design in San Antonio, TX, but her love of the field started at an early age. She tagged along with her father who owned a flooring company, learning about the newest products and application processes. Her passion for the evolving world of design and architecture led her to pursue a career in Interior Design, starting with WRJ as a Design Assistant upon graduation. Patience has a strong wanderlust and a craving for adventure that includes skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.

Carlisle earned her degree in Interior Design from the University of Alabama, specializing in Commercial Design. Before joining the WRJ team, she worked at a residential interior design firm in Atlanta, GA, and has retail and showroom experience from a firm in Charlotte, NC. Part of what she loves about the industry is creating and building relationships with clients, vendors, craftspeople, and co-workers. She’s passionate about creating inviting spaces for people to congregate and spend time together. When she’s not working, Carlisle enjoys yoga, hiking, and riding horses.

Growing up between the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest, Katie found herself at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. She graduated with a degree in Art, specializing in painting. Katie is currently planning to go back to school for a more specialized focus in Interior Design. She finds inspiration in both the ocean and mountains, having split time between Dana Point, CA, and Boise, ID. When she isn’t working, you can find Katie skiing, running, or painting.

Born in Albany, GA, Margaret graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in Business. She started a jewelry business at the age of 13, selling to clients from Atlanta to Jackson Hole and discovering a love of design and creativity. Margaret interned at WRJ in 2022 and, upon graduation, returned to Jackson Hole and WRJ full-time. Quality time with family and friends, traveling, and being outdoors are Margaret’s inspirations.

Annie grew up in Fairfield, CT, spending many winters skiing in Vermont and summers at the beach in Rhode Island. After completing her Bachelor of Science at the University of Vermont in 2006, she moved to Jackson and during this time completed a Master of Accounting and Financial Management at the Keller Graduate School of Management. Annie has worked in the accounting and finance business specializing in interior design for over seven years. Annie spends most of her free time with family enjoying the outdoors.

Erin grew up in New Orleans before moving West for her studies. She attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, as well as the University of Denver graduating with a degree in Business. After college, she moved to Jackson Hole working in the hospitality and senior care industries before pivoting to join WRJ in the Accounting department. In her free time, you will find Erin in the Tetons taking big hikes or runs, and snowboarding.

Jamie is a Wyoming native and grew up in Jackson Hole. He graduated from Montana State University, Bozeman where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Prior to joining WRJ, Jamie worked with various firms in the hospitality and property management industries. He is an avid mountain biker and skier (and was a ski instructor) and in his free time Jamie can be found enjoying the outdoors.

Lexi is a Wyoming native born and raised in Jackson Hole, graduating from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Art in Anthropology. At college, she spent a significant amount of time working with ancient and prehistoric textiles through experimental archaeology, which led her to WRJ. Lexi spends her free time outdoors with her dog Sego Lily, crafting, and creating art.

Shelly graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in International Relations. Growing up in the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin, the birthplace of Frank Lloyd Wright and home to Taliesin, Shelly gained an appreciation for wide-open spaces and the influence the natural environment has on design. She has channeled her lifelong passion for well thought-out spaces into helping others achieve that goal. With a keen eye for detail, Shelly uses her innate talent for bringing together all the elements of a project into harmony for the total WRJ experience.

Growing up in Chicago, Pam was influenced by the city’s strong architectural history and developed a personal interest in architecture, history, and design. She earned her BA in Political Science and International Relations from DePaul University. Pam went on to have a successful management career in the finance industry where she led business operations for wealth management organizations. She resided in the San Francisco Bay Area and picturesque Stowe, VT, before making Jackson Hole her home. She brings her passion for strong client relationships and operational efficiencies to the WRJ team. When not in the office, Pam relishes being inspired through travel and partaking in the multitude of outdoor activities Jackson Hole has to offer.

Dawn has lived in the Jackson valley off and on since 1991. Her background includes working in the fields of construction, banking, and real estate. Her international exposure to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East has provided her with diverse experiences that come into play when helping to balance the CEO’s schedule. When not outside enjoying the Jackson area, she donates her time and recently served on an Owner’s Residential Association Board.

Kimberly spent 25 years as a producer in a photography studio at a large high-tech ad agency before moving to New Hampshire with her husband, where as innkeepers they were named into Trip Advisor’s Hall of Fame. She is a nationally ranked swimmer and record holder was on Ski Patrol for the 2020 Winter Olympics, and has over 10,000 hours of volunteer work including Tsunami relief in Indonesia and Japan. She brings a multitude of skills to WRJ and is the right hand of the firm’s COO.

Barbara visited a dude ranch in Jackson Hole in 2001 and left her home in Atlanta less than four months later to move here to the mountains. She joined WRJ in 2022 and loves bringing her years of experience in business development and event planning to the team. And, as a metal artist, she is thrilled to be around such creative minds and beautiful surroundings each day. In her free time, Barbara enjoys hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, cooking, and exploring this idyllic region.

Originally from the East Coast, Amanda received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography at the Maine College of Art. Inspired by the advice of a mentor who said, “Whenever possible, go to the original source to do your research,” Amanda moved to Italy where she studied leather handbag craftsmanship and pattern making at the Scuola del Cuoio in Florence. Her passion for travel informs her appetite for the history of craft and culture in fashion, design, and the pattern of beauty in all things.

Growing up a dancer, Sydney was always drawn to every aspect of design that went into the production of a performance. This led her to majoring in scenic design with a double minor in Graphic Design and French at Washington University in St. Louis where she received a Bachelor of arts in Theater Production. She’s always been passionate about dance and learning about different cultures. She worked for an event planning company for her college internship that always talked about “creating moments of impact.” This stuck with her as she’s always seeking to put a smile on someone’s face and doing what she truly loves in a place she loves.

Dutchie is one of WRJ’s Newfoundland mascots and became part of the team in 2018, along with her brother Wolfie. Most days, she is snoozing in the office hallways and shadowing our CEO in meetings. Dutchie always greets guests at the door with a smile, as long as visitors pay the treat tax.

Wolfie is our other Newfoundland mascot, and he takes his job very seriously. The team can often catch Wolfie having one-on-one meetings with employees and ensuring everyone stays on top of the belly rub quota.