Kristin Haase, NCIDQ, WELL AP, CID
Kristin Haase, NCIDQ, WELL AP, CID, is a Senior Interior Designer at DRG Architects, where she has been shaping dynamic and functional spaces since January 2025. With extensive experience in commercial, corporate, and hospitality design, Kristin brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to every project. Her work on the WebMD Corporate Headquarters was featured in Interior Design magazine, and she has previously earned accolades for projects at TPG Architecture, recognized in Billboard and Interior Design. Passionate about delivering design solutions that balance aesthetics with functionality, she ensures every space supports the people who inhabit it.
Kristin’s career spans over a decade of progressively responsible roles, including senior positions at DMR Architects, Ware Malcomb, and Thom Filicia Inc. She is skilled in project management, team mentorship, and business development, actively contributing to growing client relationships and bringing innovative design concepts to life. Beyond her technical expertise, Kristin is committed to nurturing junior staff and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams. Her holistic approach ensures that both design quality and team development are central to her work.
Outside the office, Kristin draws inspiration from travel, music, and creative pursuits, including painting and writing novels in romance, drama, and mystery genres. She also embraces spirituality through crystal work and enjoys exploring new restaurants with her two beloved cats. Kristin’s vision extends beyond individual projects; she is invested in shaping DRG Architects’ design direction, expanding into hospitality design, and mentoring the next generation of designers to lead with creativity, purpose, and impact.
• NCIDQ Certificate
• WELL AP Certificate
• New York State Licensed Interior Designer
• CID (Certified Interior Designer)
• Drexel University – Bachelor of Science (BS), Interior Design
• Work on WebMD Corporate Headquarters featured in Interior Design magazine
• Awards for two projects at TPG Architecture featured in Billboard and Interior Design magazines
• The Somerset County Business Partnership
• NEWH
• America Grow a Row
• Center of Great Expectations
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to passion, perseverance, and a steadfast focus on my goals. These qualities have guided me through demanding projects, long hours, and the ever-evolving challenges of the design industry, allowing me to consistently deliver high-quality results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most valuable advice I’ve received is that success in design requires time, patience, and a deep technical understanding. Mastery comes not only from creativity but also from learning the intricacies of construction, architecture, and building systems.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to explore every facet of the design and construction fields—from technical roles to sales and architecture—while remaining curious and open to different specialties. Embracing sustainability, understanding the technical side of design, and developing resilience are essential to thriving in this industry.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges include tight project schedules, budget constraints, rising material costs, and the pressure to deliver immediate results. At the same time, I see exciting opportunities in sustainability, adaptive reuse, and supporting the growth of carbon-neutral companies—areas where the industry can have a significant and lasting impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value integrity, continuous professional growth, and creating meaningful impact through my work. Mentorship and guiding the design direction of my firm are also priorities for me, ensuring that our projects feel both innovative and timeless.