Testimonials
Jim Olson
Principal/Owner | Olson Kundig
“I’ve enjoyed working closely with Charlie Hellstern at Olson Kundig for thirteen years. She has consistently had an upbeat attitude and a sensitivity to our clients’ needs, desires and also their aesthetic tastes. Because of that, every project Charlie works on is unique in that the result is special to each client. However, what all her projects have in common is that they are beautifully done.
Charlie and I both have roots in the legacy of the soft and natural Northwest design tradition, so we became natural collaborators during her time at Olson Kundig. Charlie also played a strong leadership role in our firm, and was key in creating our Interiors Studio. She mentored many people at our firm – interior designers as well as architects.
Charlie’s friendly personality also takes her out in to the community where she is well-liked and admired. She is one of those people who is a positive force wherever she goes. I’m a big fan of Charlie’s and I know she will always be a great asset to those who are lucky enough to work with her.”
Loom House
Client
“Charlie Hellstern combines her two chief passions — design and psychology — to create timeless expressions of her clients' personal style. We've worked with Charlie on three projects and come to trust her implicitly. Her respect for craftsmanship and the craftsman inspires all of her work, and it inspires us too.”
Ben Thorn
Estate Manager
"I’ve worked with Charlie Hellstern and her team over the last 9 years and have found them to be highly personable, conscientious, and very responsive at all times. The results of their work is always impressive and the path to get those results is enjoyable from start to finish. Charlie’s team confidently bring their knowledge and experience on every occasion while also concentrating intently on the client’s wants and needs."
Lake Reflection House
Client
“Charlie instills confidence in the process and I trust her judgment completely. It was just a complete pleasure to work with her and her team.”
Brett Baba
Principal, AIA | Graham Baba Architects
“I’ve worked with Charlie Hellstern for many years. She has always been a delight to team up with, being extremely talented, creative and fun. On our more recent collaborations, we have found Charlie Hellstern Interior Design to be responsive, professional, and trustworthy. We worked together on the Alaska Airlines flagship lounge which has been a terrific success. It showcases the firm’s proficiencies with finishes, furnishings and details.
I value the fact that we share sensibilities toward design and craftsmanship and look forward to our next collaboration.”
Briarcliff Beach House
Client
“After seeing Charlie Hellstern's Interior Design work in a magazine for a project being done on San Juan Island, I knew she would be perfect for remodeling my 1920's Briarcliff Beach Cottage. She and her team were so accommodating and wonderful to work with. They thought of every detail needed. My home is now elegant, comfortable and functional in a way I would never have imagined. The antique crystal chandelier and an original design of chain artwork is hanging in front of a glossy painted wall. It reflects the light off the water as we look out over the Bay. Just a few examples of her creativity throughout the entire house. I highly recommend her talent and expertise to others that are imagining a new vision in their home and in their lives. My sincere appreciation gratitude to all of you for a job well done.”
Madison Park Remodel
Client
“Charlie Hellstern and her team come to the job prepared to make miracles happen. Charlie’s design knowledge and professionalism instantly make you feel at ease. Charlie definitely does what the client wants but I appreciate it so much that she also offers unique and bold ideas that hadn’t even crossed my mind! I’ve been so happy with their work. The communication from Charlie and team is timely and friendly. Thank you so much for transforming our indoor and outdoor living spaces!”
Paul Schlachter
Principal, AIA | Apollo Design Studio
“Charlie Hellstern is the rare designer who thinks on her feet, designs with her hands and performs with abundant heart and humor. You feel listened to and inspired with every encounter and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
Laurelhurst Refresh
Client
“We learned of Charlie Hellstern after she was recommended to us by our builder and a couple of trusted architects for a major refresh of our house. She and her staff have made the process so smooth and pleasurable and we are ecstatic as we see the end result coming together. One thing I appreciate is her creative use of unused spaces and ability to create special areas for our family to work and gather. It was unexpected that her redesign would not only be beautiful but also have such a positive effect on our family.”
Tim Campbell
Principal/Senior Project Manager | GLY Construction
“While partnering with Charlie Hellstern and her team on a very complex estate residential project, I was impressed with how prepared Charlie, Karen, and Tessa were for every meeting and challenge. Charlie’s team not only listened to our mutual client’s feedback and ideas, but demonstrated the vision through extraordinary material selection and design. During final installations, Charlie’s team was always present to ensure everything went as planned. From the contractor’s perspective, Charlie was very accessible and willing to take a team approach to resolving technical challenges while keeping the client’s design goals at the forefront.”
Georgian Renovation
Client
“Charlie transformed our century-old Georgian with its timeworn mish-mash of interior details into a gracious, elegant and comfortable home that functions beautifully for our family. Working with Charlie and her team was a complete pleasure. Their artistry, responsiveness and extraordinary attention to detail kept our project on track and elevated the outcome in ways we could not have imagined.”
Tim Farrell
Project Principal | Dowbuilt
“We are so privileged to collaborate on many incredible projects. With the Charlie Hellstern team, we know we will also get an incredible partnership and process. They are detailed, responsive, and positive.”