Meet Arlene

Shopping in Paris

Arlene in Paris shopping for art for a client.

Living In Europe

Arlene and Ed took some time to travel while living in Europe. Rome Italy was one of the stops.

On the Radio

Arlene was invited to be on a radio show to give interior design tips to callers.

Meeting the Mayor

Arlene opens up her home several times a year to co-host networking events. At this Leawood Chamber of Commerce event, Peggy Dunn, the Mayor of Leawood, KS came to mingle.

College Son

Arlene with her son Mathew in Washington State, where her son attends Evergreen College in Olympia Washington. He is studying sustainable farming.

California Family

Arlene grew up in California and enjoys going back to visit her family Here is a great recent shot of the family clan including kids and grandkids.

Team Vacation

The Design Connection Inc team works hard, but we also take some time to enjoy life. Here we took a mini vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks, and of course we all took our dogs.

Friends

The Design Connection Inc team works together at the office, and we are all friends outside the office. Here is our group with our supportive hubbies.

Rotary Club

Being an active member of Rotary has been a part of Arlene’s life. For many years she was a member of Leawood Rotary Club, and later Overland Park Rotary Club.

Hobbies

Arlene loves to garden, go boating, and spend time with her 2 Cocker Spaniels, and her husband Ed, and grandkids.

Favorite Music

Beatles, Beach Boys, James Taylor and Carole King, Whitney Houston

Favorite Reads

Sue Grafton, Joel Goldman, historical biography, Architectural Digest, Economist, Newsweek.

Favorite Eats

Axouis, American Restaurant, Lidia’s, Arthur Bryants

Favorite Movies

Dirty Dancing, Devil Wears Prada, anything with Michael Douglas

Arlene's Life Story...

Born and raised in Los Angeles California (San Fernando Valley)
Stevens College in Columbia, Missouri
University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Started Design Connection in Calabases California specializing in residential interior design
Lived and worked in the French speaking part of Switzerland
Membership in IIDA (International Interior Design Association), London UK Chapter
Continuing education Study of Architecture in Paris, France
Attained California Certification in Interior Design (CCIDC) while living abroad
Relocated to Kansas City and re-established Design Connection Inc.
Became member and Board Member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Active member of Leawood Chamber of Commerce for 13 years
Active member of Leawood Rotary Club, and later Overland Park Rotary Club
Member of Central Exchange
Member of National Association for the Remodeling Industry (NARI)