ABOUT US

Maison Birmingham is a Michigan-based custom cabinetry design studio specializing in kitchens and baths: the rooms that so often start as the focal point for many of the projects we design and manage. We are a full-service design build firm offering everything from interior architecture, to custom cabinetry, interior design, construction, and project management. We pride ourselves on creating timeless interiors that reflect our client’s lifestyle and needs. We focus on fabricating versatile spaces that can grow with our clients, while maintaining a strong balance that can make both a formal space inviting and a casual space practical.

Our firm works on all scales of projects, and we enjoy working with different styles as well, whether that be creating new modern spaces, or working with older homes that want an updated look while holding true to the historical integrity of the home. We also collaborate with architects, builders and designers on additions, renovations and custom homes.

LAUREN TOLLES, ASID, founder

Inspired by her mother’s constant redesigning of their family homes, Lauren grew up following her mother around the San Francisco Design center. She developed a passion for all things design, and went on to pursue a career in both architecture and interior design. By establishing Maison Birmingham, Lauren is able to fully engage both of these interests as she utilizes her technical expertise as an architect to take her innovative designs to the next level, making each space truly unique.

Lauren’s architectural background also gives her the unique ability to completely understand the entire home, ensuring the interior design is consistent and harmonious with the exterior. She believes every project should represent a successful collaboration of the entire team – designers, architects, and contractors.  It all begins with the clients, and making their visions come to life. 

Prior to starting Maison Birmingham, Lauren operated her own interior design studio, and also worked with local architecture firms HF:architecture and McIntosh Poris Associates. Today, in addition to Maison Birmingham, Lauren and her husband, Bryan, own KSI Kitchen & Bath, Reimer Floors, Henderson Glass, as well as Cabinets Express. Maison is still Lauren’s “pet” and allows her to pursue her passion for a high level of detailed and technical design achieved in custom kitchens.

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University, and her Master of Architecture degree from The University of Michigan. Lauren and Bryan live with their two young children and two little dogs in Birmingham where they recently finished building their own home [featured on the cover of Detroit Home Oct 2019]

Lauren was named one of the Top 50 Innovators by Kitchen & Bath Design News, and named the Brian Killian Rising Star by Detroit Design Magazine back in 2017. She has since served as a judge on a number of regional and national design competitions, and serves as a product development advisor for a number of our vendors. She is also is NCIDQ certified, a member of ASID, and recently served as a member of The City of Birmingham's Design Review Board.

TORI OLIJAR, designer

Tori joined Maison in 2019, just after college. She has learned and taken on so much in the past few years that Tori is now the lead on most Maison projects! Tori graduated from Adrian College with a double major in Interior Design and Business Management. She also minored in Photography (watch for substantial Instagram improvements in the near future). Tori fell in love with kitchen and bath design during her college internship, and particularly enjoys the space planning aspect of projects. She loves the dichotomy of creative yet functional, and enjoys implementing artful, unique concepts in a useful manner. She excels at computer design software, and utilizing it to bring projects to life.

Originally from Ohio (just outside of downtown Cleveland), Tori is new to Michigan and enjoying exploring her new home. When she’s not drafting up stellar designs, she can be found outdoors camping, skiing, hiking, or boating. She also loves traveling, and incorporating inspiration from her travels into her designs.

KELSEY POWELL, designer

Kelsey graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Michigan State University and focused on commercial office design for the first two years of her professional design career. Following her commercial design experience, she moved on to pursue her career as a Kitchen and Bath Designer, which is where her passion lies. Kelsey continues her education through regular training opportunities with local and national industry associations. She is an active member in many organizations, including NKBA, HBA of Southeastern Michigan, and NAHB Professional Women in Business. In October 2023, Kelsey was named one of the Top Innovators by Kitchen & Bath Design News.

“My design process focuses heavily on collaboration with clients, as well as other design professionals such as architects, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors, and other interior designers. I find the most rewarding part of my job is watching the transformation of a space, or the development of a new space, and seeing how it refines the quality of life for those who work, play, and live in it.”

When she’s not working, you’ll most likely be able to find Kelsey at the yoga studio (or Orange Theory), brunching with friends, or playing at home with my family. “I am a Certified Yoga Instructor, which is my second passion. I believe the skills learned from the yoga practice - physically, mentally, and intellectually - not only benefit my personal life, but my professional life as well.”

Kelsey also works with our sister company, KSI Kitchen & Bath. You can find her portfolio here.

DUKE, greeter & security

Duke can often be found sleeping under Lauren & Tori’s desk. He loves to hop up and greet guests coming in, and will likely become their BFF shortly after. You may also see him gazing longingly out the windows on a nice day.