Lisa Kells began her career over 30 years ago when she joined CDC as a young designer. Through her dedication and commitment, she advanced to Creative Director and ultimately became a Partner and Vice President of Design. With decades of experience and a reputation for creative excellence, Lisa brings heart, humor, and innovation to every project she touches.
She plays a hands-on role throughout CDC’s design process—from contract development and negotiations, through early visioning, to design execution and final installation. Known for her strong instincts, collaborative spirit, and eye for quality at every price point, Lisa leads with purpose and delivers with precision.
Lisa’s portfolio spans hundreds of projects, providing leadership across multi-family communities, model homes, sales environments, clubhouses, and commercial spaces—covering all design levels from affordable to luxury. Along with the talented team she leads, Lisa has been recognized with numerous industry awards for design excellence. She is widely respected by clients and colleagues alike and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of design talent.
A member of ASID, IIDA, and both the Northern and Southern California BIAs, Lisa is actively engaged in advancing the interior design profession. She lives near the coast in Huntington Beach, drawing inspiration from her travels and deep dives into style and design platforms. Lisa and her husband enjoy coastal living with their two young adult sons—often biking to the beach and making the most of their time together.
