Kelsey’s journey into the world of design began at just seven years old, with an early fascination for creativity, architecture, and the way thoughtfully designed spaces can shape how we experience our surroundings.

Following high school, she dedicated nearly 10 years to education within the design and building industry, with studies encompassing Fine Arts, Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Architectural Science, Building Envelope Design, Structural Design, Building Codes, LEED and the Living Building Challenge, Psychology, Marketing, and Business. Her multidisciplinary education provides the technical and creative foundation behind Mintaka’s approach to both residential and commercial design.

Early in her education, Kelsey had the privilege of interning with esteemed Hawaiʻi interior designer and past ASID President Valorie Spence, a multi-award-winning designer who would become a longtime mentor and cherished friend. Through this mentorship and many years spent returning to Hawaiʻi, Kelsey developed a deep appreciation for tropical design, island architecture, natural materials, and spaces that respond thoughtfully to their surroundings.

Kelsey later founded Mintaka Design in Canada, building the company over more than a decade into an award-winning design practice. During this time, Mintaka developed an extensive portfolio of custom homes, renovations, and residential and commercial projects while collaborating with talented builders, developers, trades, and industry professionals.

Building upon that established foundation, Mintaka Design has now expanded to Hawaiʻi, bringing the experience, creativity, and design philosophy developed through its Canadian origins to the islands. The Hawaiʻi studio is welcoming new residential design projects, including custom homes, renovations, interior design, and exterior design.

Kelsey’s creative inspiration extends far beyond the studio. Having travelled independently to more than 46 countries, she has immersed herself in architecture, history, culture, and design around the world—from ancient civilizations and centuries-old European architecture to tropical vernacular and contemporary luxury homes. Over the years, she has filled countless sketchbooks and documented more than 52,000 photographs, creating a personal archive of inspiration that continues to influence Mintaka’s work today.

Outside of design, Kelsey has an equally strong connection to the natural world—particularly the ocean. She is a Rescue Diver and Master Scuba Diver, enjoys freediving, collecting shells, gardening, cooking, and spending quiet afternoons reading beside the ocean on Hawaiʻi’s lava rock. Her appreciation for the natural landscape, ocean, and slower rhythms of island life is an extension of the same curiosity and connection to place that has shaped her design perspective throughout her life.

The expansion of Mintaka Design into Hawaiʻi represents a meaningful new chapter in a story that began in Canada more than a decade ago—bringing together a lifelong love of design, extensive international inspiration, and a longstanding connection to the islands.

Mintaka Design is proud to welcome new projects throughout Hawaiʻi and looks forward to creating thoughtful, timeless spaces inspired by each client, their surroundings, and the unique beauty of island living.