Meet the Area Team

We are a small tight-knit crew of awesome individuals who like to create, give back, and have fun!

Amy Jo Fuller

Returning to design after a four-year hiatus in the bike industry felt like coming home to Amy Jo. She was especially thrilled to be joining the Area team, as wallpaper is in her blood: growing up with a British mum, Amy Jo helped her mother change and install new wallpaper many times. She gives her mother credit for sparking her interest in design: “She would rearrange rooms in our house – furniture and artwork – and I could feel the impact that would have.”

Originally educated in the field of higher education, Amy Jo pursued a certificate in interior design while working for an online university. From there she took a position at Holly Hunt in the textile department of its Minneapolis showroom. After several years, she moved to Chicago, home to Holly Hunt's corporate office. Overall, she spent nearly 10 years at the eponymous design house.

As part of Area, Amy Jo brings a passion for design and a sales philosophy focused on customer service and building relationships.

Favorite Designs: GF-2 Mile 23

Laura Knutson

Laura started her career in the A & D community by way of an art and framing gallery, she was particularly interested in how to build the gallery's business. The gallery fueled her interest in interior design and her eventual direction into some of the best showrooms of luxury furnishings. Laura created an amazing career by cultivating relationships with the Architects and Designers for both the Holly Hunt and Donghia showrooms where she worked, collectively, for the last 20 years.

Always curious about how things are made, she never passes up an opportunity for a factory tour or to flood a maker with questions.

"Working with nice people that create beautiful art and get it out into the world for others to enjoy, is the best."

Naturally curious with the creation process, Laura is happy to make her way to the manufacturing side of the industry here at Area Environments. With so much experience behind her belt, she is the perfect fit for our customers and showrooms.

Laura likes gardening with native plants for the butterflies, working with her neighborhood to restore their local pond, visiting museums and galleries, iced coffee, and dark chocolate.

Favorite Designs: Picking a favorite is like trying to pick a favorite chocolate truffle out of a lovely assortment. My favorite artist/work is the one I am working on in the moment to bring in the sale 😉

Abi Prado

Abi is originally from Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Minnesota. She dreams of one day living in a warmer climate (preferably Mexico).

Having spent the last 10 years working in healthcare administration, Abi is new to the design field.

“I am so excited to be a part of the industry and to be surrounded by these beautiful pieces of art.”

When she’s not at work, Abi is probably planning a trip somewhere (she loves to travel), cooking (or scoping out new recipes), listening to music, salsa dancing with her husband or working on items for her Etsy shop

Karin Anderson

Karin earned a BA degree in Art and Business and she chose perfectly. She has a mind for business, and her hands and heart are always busy with artistic projects. With over 30 years’ experience in Store Design and Visual Merchandising, she has dressed mannequins, Christmas trees, beds and every inch of many 35,000 square foot furniture showrooms. She’s excited to be out of the “big box” world and focused on dressing only walls. And herself, of course, as she has a closet to envy and a flair for fun, easy fashion.

Away from work, Karin keeps all the plates spinning. She shares her home in NE Minneapolis with two teens, 2 Yorkies, 2 cats, a snake and a hamster. She is constantly immersed in home improvement projects, inside and out. When she needs a break from the chaos, she escapes to her backyard oasis with a cup of coffee (or white wine) and some chill music. There, she sits poolside and dreams of the day her youngest will be old enough to drive, plans for a life with her fiancé, and mentally choses yarn combinations for her next knitted hat to post in her ETSY shop.

Ben Johnson, Shop Assistant

Ben Johnson

Jacob Leyhe

I spent my 20s in the world of commercial photography and traversing the United states in a van with 6 different cameras. My favorite photo makers are Gregory Crewdson, Matthew Brandt, Donald Weber and John Baldasari. Occasionally I say quotable things. I prefer speakers and records over headphones and MP3s. I often think about climbing Kilimanjaro and exploring caves. I prefer old buildings to new, and George Mulhauser to Charles Eams. I'm told that I can become obnoxious if I haven't traveled someplace in the last few months. I am grateful for spell check and to have a place here at Area.

Jacob Leyhe - Print Specialist

Mateo Mitchell - Design Manager

Mateo Mitchell

Mateo moved to Minneapolis to attend the Minneapolis College of Art and Design after High School. After taking a short break from school to freelance he finished his Graphic Design degree at Dunwoody College of Technology.

Mateo blends his graphic design skills with his love of the outdoors to create 'Up North', a zine that introduces readers (both beginners and experts) to the many outdoor activities that Minnesota and the surrounding area has to offer. When he isn't working on the next issue of Up North, he can be found mountain biking, camping, or kicking it in the hammock with a cold brewski.

He's excited by his work with Area Environments, blending everything he's learned from his work and discipline as a creative in the world of print and design.

Alex Dietz - Marketing Prepress

Alex Dietz

Red Kuehn

Born and raised in the suburbs of the twin cities, Red is a now a die-hard city girl living in Minneapolis. As an artist, they are captivated by strong shapes, bright colors, and the art of letterforms. When not at work, they enjoy video games, sleeping in, indoor rock climbing, and exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of the city.

Red Kuehn - Prepress Design

Kayleigh kapishkowit

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kayleigh may seem shy at first, but don't be misled, she is finding her voice. In standing up for herself and finding her voice, bravery has led her to a deep appreciation for cultural dance. She often travels around Minnesota and Wisconsin to perform, especially enjoying the dance that mirrors the quick flapping and unique flying pattern of a butterfly. This dance, one of the fastest in her culture, showcases her agility and grace.

Her dream vacation destinations are Japan, inspired by her fascination with its unique architecture, and South Korea, where she hopes to experience the vibrant food culture someday soon. A big fan of KPop, Kayleigh hopes to see Enhypen live, or at least hopes to encourage the band to make a stop in the twin cities on their next tour.

A true creative at heart, Kayleigh loves to sew beautiful ribbon skirts. She would also like to learn the art of beading, adding another dimension to her creative pursuits. Her hair is not left out when the creative spark hits, currently giving her hair a break, Kayleigh promises a new color soon—so don't be surprised.

Kayleigh Kapishkowit - Prepress Design

Jennifer Norman - Project Manager

Jennifer Norman

Meet Jen, back for round two here at Area, our former librarian is reorganizing and on a mission to have everything as aesthetically pleasing as a perfectly shelved book. Jen mentions how nice it is to be back by saying, "It's nice to be appreciated for my insight and skills that I bring to the team. It is like coming back home, it feels like family."

Most people don't know that Jen grew up in a musical environment, playing piano and flute for 8 years and also learning percussion. Needless to say, she now has a very diverse musical listening palate. She admits that she has seen Howard Jones live more than any other musician and admits missing out on never seeing the soulful magic that was Amy Winehouse.

In Jen's spare time she has been developing her art with collage work and fiber art. We are certainly glad to have her sense of humor and playful demanor back in the building.

Shannon Bayless - Studio Assistant

Shannon BAyless

Originally hailing from the windy city, Shannon traded Chicago's skyline for the serene lakes of Minnesota while pursuing her dreams at St. Olaf College. Though she initially envisioned herself stepping into her mother's teaching shoes, a penchant for numbers soon took center stage, and math became her major.

Shannon's travels took her to Budapest, a city she insists is highly underrated—think stunning architecture without the hefty price tag! Her bucket list destination adventures include Iceland, Italy, and Japan.

When she is not at her evening gig of bouncer at the local music venue, First Avenue, you can find Shannon sipping artisanal coffee at a local café, strolling around the nearest lake (and let's be honest, we have plenty to choose from!), or enjoying a slice of heaven a Punch Pizza. She is also a fan of brainy podcasts like Ologies, proving that her curiosity knows no bounds.

Diane Perry

Diane came to Area with an impressively multidimensional background: a talented photographer and graphic designer, she initially went to school for fashion design, then had her own photography business for 20 years while simultaneously working in retail management. What started as a graphic design intern position at Area blossomed into a bold and wonderful career as Operations Manager, and Diane was appointed President of Area in May 2018. Building on Area's forward-thinking culture, lighthearted atmosphere, and the high standard of customer service the company has become renowned for, Diane is planning for worldwide coverage of Area’s products. As Area continues to grow, she’s looking forward to expanding its offerings of new, cutting-edge materials for the architectural and design community.

“I have obtained bliss! I am so lucky to be able to work for a really cool company that values art and the creative process.”

Originally from Colorado, Diane moved to Minnesota in 2012 to attend the graphic design program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Charmed by the concept of Area, she jumped on board and set sail on what has become an incredible journey. Her life beyond work includes being the mother of two young men who have inherited her adventurous spirit. She frequently uses a sketchbook to document her journeys, which allows her to slow down, absorb details, and observe the world from a completely different point of view than behind a camera’s lens. Dedicating her time to family, friends, volunteering, design, travel, and art of all mediums, Diane enjoys a very full life.

Jamie Reich

From studying both art and theater at the University of Buffalo to working as the prop master at the famed Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Jamie Reich – the owner and founder of both Apropos Painting Studio, Area Environments, and 5th & Malcolm – has a long, illustrious history as an artistic innovator. Apropos Painting Studio has been in business for over 35 years and has evolved into a booming art, fabrication, and print business that employs a growing number of artists and tradespeople. Apropos has created sets for numerous film projects and produces ongoing interior projects for hundreds of retail stores worldwide.