After training at Napier University in Edinburgh, UK, Karen spent a few years designing and creating theatre sets, elbows deep in paint and latex and armed with tools. Today, she remains hands on with the projects she leads.

Karen relocated to Hong Kong in 1994 and became Group Director of CL3 Architects, a medium-sized Architecture and Interior Design company with regional offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok.

Following a 10-year stint in Asia, Karen moved to Dubai in 2004 where she helped establish dwp UAE as Managing Director. With the team she built the office from nil projects to an annual turnover of AED 40 million in project value within two years.

Karen established Stickman in early 2009 with business partner Marcos Cain. Stickman is an international Dubai based boutique style interior design consultancy dedicated to the hospitality & leisure industry. Pre-qualified to tender for projects with more than twenty of the world’s leading hospitality and leisure organizations, Stickman specializes in interior design and brand development for hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and spas.

Stickman has opened its second office in Hong Kong, catering to Asian clients and projects including the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Nadaman Shangri-La hotel Singapore, the Solaire Resort & Casino in the Philippines, the Shangri-La Nanjing Spa and Health Club, the Langham Hotel Hong Kong, and the Kerry Hotel in Hangzhou. Karen relocated back to Hong Kong in 2012 to manage the set up and operations in Asia.

The Stickman tribe in Dubai and Hong Kong is a melting pot of 18 individuals coming from a wide range of different cultures and nationalities.

After many years in the design business and having been honoured with several design awards including the American Institute of Architect’s (Hong Kong Chapter) Honour Award, Asia Pacific Interior Design Award, Chartered Society of Designers Award and the Hong Kong Design Award, Karen understands the importance of not only unique design but quality service and expertise, and balancing her life with her best two awards to date are her sons Reuben and Zachary.