When you embark on the process of remodeling your home or building a new one, there are a myriad of decisions that need to be made. We make sense of the madness with our thoughtful and systematic approach, so that you can breathe easier, knowing all those little details are taken care of. Our first focus is always to create a functional and livable space plan, which we bring to life with architectural detailing and thoughtfully considered finishes.
Morris Lare is the only award winning, Central Iowa interior design firm lead by two seasoned interior designers with over twenty-five years of combined industry experience, who both hold Masters of Arts degrees in interior design.
Jillian and Alicia met during their first semester of graduate school at Iowa State’s College of Design and became fast friends, bonding quickly over their shared passions for design, history, travel, art, music, and more. From their first studio project in 2011 to designing new construction homes from start to finish, they have been collaborating ever since.
In 2021, they formalized a dream they’d been harboring for over a decade and launched their namesake firm and brand Morris Lare.
Alicia brings over a decade of experience in residential and light commercial interior design to her role as Co-Founder and Creative Director of Morris Lare. Before launching Morris Lare, she spent the last five years as a lead interior designer – designing high-end, custom interiors for homes in Iowa and across the U.S. She holds a Master’s Degree in Interior Design from Iowa State University.
Before returning to Iowa to complete her education in interior design, Alicia lived in Tucson, Arizona and New York City, studying art photography at the University of Arizona and Pratt Institute. During that time, she also completed studies in drawing, sculpture, color theory, art history and graphic design. New York offered exposure to numerous museums, art galleries, antique stores and design shops, providing an informal education in art and decorative art history, design trends, and the world of luxury interiors. Additional travels throughout Europe – and many afternoons spent in castles and art museums – provided further education in world interiors and design history.
Alicia has a passion for the constantly evolving world of interior design, analyzing and applying relevant design trends into her work to meet the needs of her clients. She loves collaborating with clients to create thoughtful interiors and believes strongly in designing spaces that blend comfort, practicality and beauty. She strives to create interiors that are timeless in style, and equal parts chic and comfortable. Her attention to detail and obsession with fine-tuning elements that make good design make her a strong partner in the design process.
A native of Eastern Iowa, Alicia resides in Windsor Heights in a beloved midcentury brick ranch (an ongoing design project) with her husband Ryan, children Henry and Louisa, and destructive but adorable golden doodle Jack.
Jillian Lare is a native of northeastern Pennsylvania. She achieved a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and spent her early career with Intel Corporation. During her time as an engineer, she honed the invaluable skills of critical thinking, project management, leadership, and effective communication, which she applies every day as an interior designer and entrepreneur.
Jillian made the switch from engineering to design in 2007 when she apprenticed with a local designer. Upon relocating to Des Moines, she enrolled in the MA of Interior Design program at Iowa State and graduated in 2013. She joined the faculty shortly after and served as an instructor for five years, specializing in residential design and visual and graphic communication. While teaching, she continued to design for clients. After the birth of her son in 2017, she launched Jillian Lare Interior Design, her eponymous firm focused on residential new construction and remodeling.
Jillian enjoys working on a variety of residential projects including new construction, kitchen remodels, decorating, and furnishings throughout the Des Moines area and with clients coast to coast. She resides in West Des Moines with her husband Keegan, a registered landscape architect, their son Ashton, and two dogs Booker and Arlo.
Dara is a loyal central Iowa native. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa State University, in Interior Design. She has professional experience in retail and visual design and as a seasoned Buyer. Before she joined the Morris Lare team, she was responsible for purchasing for many categories including dining room, home office, pool tables, and rugs. As the Morris Lare Procurement Manager, she handles many logistical, and behind the scene details, including pricing selections, placing orders, working with our vendors, managing client’s orders, scheduling, implementing deliveries, and client reports.
She studied abroad in Rome. In picturesque Italy, Dara’s interest for photography was sparked as she travelled to Venice, Pisa, Milan, and Cinque Terre. She really enjoys landscape and portrait photography. She loves to travel, whether that be internationally or in the States, but is always up for a good road trip, capturing the scenic adventures along the way.
Dara grew up in the country, and has an acreage of her own. She loves being outside and has many interests including camping, gardening, kayaking, spending time with her family, dinner with friends, and enjoying time with her dogs and cats.
Our clients deserve a custom service and design experience rooted in collaboration, kindness, and creativity. We develop relationships with our clients through thoughtful conversations that build trust, understanding, and a shared vision in order to create beautiful, intentional, complete spaces that are a true reflection of our client’s style.
Great interiors begin with a strong vision. We approach our projects holistically – creating a foundational concept of materials, mood, and story for every project we begin – and using that concept as a guide throughout the design process. We carefully consider every detail of a client’s home, in order to create cohesive, special spaces that are unique to each person. In our world, design is in the details, and the “details” mean the difference between good design and great design.
Design is personal. Your home should tell the story of your life. It should be filled with things that matter to you – that enhance your life. A sense of belonging and contentment in one’s home leads to better physical and mental health and a more productive life. We want you to love the spaces you live in. Our goal is to create refined, soulful interiors that are the ultimate happy place for our clients.
It’s not our home…it’s yours.
Morris Lare is a Des Moines, Iowa, residential interior design firm that designs and executes turn key projects from start to finish, from space planning to construction oversight to custom furnishings and styling.
We serve the Des Moines Metro including South of Grand, Waterbury, Beaverdale, Windsor Heights, Clive, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, and Cumming.
The Morris Lare team has designed projects from coast to coast and works with clients from across the country.
501 5th Street | West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Sign up to receive regular updates on blog posts, new projects, and more.
