Who We Are
JESSICA RISKO SMITH ASID, LEED AP, NCIDQ
Jessica Risko Smith, ASID, LEED AP, NCIDQ, is the founder and principal of Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design (JRS ID), a Santa Barbara–based studio known for refined, livable interiors grounded in creativity, collaboration and construction expertise.
She discovered her passion early, growing up on Florida’s Northwest coast and constantly reimagining her own bedroom—an early glimpse of the design curiosity that became her career. After earning her degree in Interior Design from Auburn University, she spent nearly a decade with Gensler designing interior projects for corporate and Fortune 500 clients across law, finance, retail, and entertainment. That experience shaped her understanding of design and construction and her enduring love of the creative process, now central to her firm’s approach.
At JRS ID, Jessica leads a collaborative, detail-oriented team known for its creative vision and backed by a structured design process that keeps contractors informed, timelines on track, and clients confident. The studio’s technical expertise—particularly in kitchen and bath design, custom millwork, and construction documentation—ensures that creative concepts are executed with precision and ease. Strong trade relationships and curated resources further support the studio’s commitment to craftsmanship and individuality in every project.
Jessica and her team also maintain strong trade relationships and curated resources for high-quality furnishings, lighting, and materials, allowing each space to reflect a sense of comfort, craftsmanship, and individuality.
A LEED Accredited Professional and longtime ASID member, Jessica brings a thoughtful, architectural eye to each project, pairing California’s relaxed sensibility with a deep respect for structure, proportion, and function. The JRS ID studio is located in the historic Julia Building, designed by architect Julia Morgan, where the team collaborates closely with clients, architects, and builders on projects that balance beauty, performance, and authenticity.
Beyond the studio, Jessica enjoys life with her two kids—her daughter, a student at SCAD, and her son, a soon-to-be high school graduate—and continues to find inspiration in California’s coastal landscape and the ever-evolving rhythm of home.
JESSICA RISKO SMITH ASID, LEED AP, NCIDQ
Jessica Risko Smith, ASID, LEED AP, NCIDQ, is the founder and principal of Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design (JRS ID), a Santa Barbara–based studio known for refined, livable interiors grounded in creativity, collaboration and construction expertise.
She discovered her passion early, growing up on Florida’s Northwest coast and constantly reimagining her own bedroom—an early glimpse of the design curiosity that became her career. After earning her degree in Interior Design from Auburn University, she spent nearly a decade with Gensler designing interior projects for corporate and Fortune 500 clients across law, finance, retail, and entertainment. That experience shaped her understanding of design and construction and her enduring love of the creative process, now central to her firm’s approach.
At JRS ID, Jessica leads a collaborative, detail-oriented team known for its creative vision and backed by a structured design process that keeps contractors informed, timelines on track, and clients confident. The studio’s technical expertise—particularly in kitchen and bath design, custom millwork, and construction documentation—ensures that creative concepts are executed with precision and ease. Strong trade relationships and curated resources further support the studio’s commitment to craftsmanship and individuality in every project.
Jessica and her team also maintain strong trade relationships and curated resources for high-quality furnishings, lighting, and materials, allowing each space to reflect a sense of comfort, craftsmanship, and individuality.
A LEED Accredited Professional and longtime ASID member, Jessica brings a thoughtful, architectural eye to each project, pairing California’s relaxed sensibility with a deep respect for structure, proportion, and function. The JRS ID studio is located in the historic Julia Building, designed by architect Julia Morgan, where the team collaborates closely with clients, architects, and builders on projects that balance beauty, performance, and authenticity.
Beyond the studio, Jessica enjoys life with her two kids—her daughter, a student at SCAD, and her son, a soon-to-be high school graduate—and continues to find inspiration in California’s coastal landscape and the ever-evolving rhythm of home.
REBECCA WALDERN Lead Interior Designer
Becca brings a global perspective and an intuitive sense of artistry to her work at JRS ID. Born in England and raised in California, she discovered her love of design early on, inspired by the interplay between culture, craft, and place. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the Art Institute of California – San Francisco and spent more than a decade designing for highly regarded residential, hospitality, and real estate development firms across the West Coast. Her portfolio includes bespoke homes, restaurants, wineries, and large-scale multifamily communities—each defined by thoughtful detail and a refined design sensibility.
As a certified interior designer, Becca approaches every project with a balance of functionality and beauty, creating spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal. She leads projects from concept through completion, guiding clients through the process with clarity, creativity, and care.
Outside the studio, Becca finds inspiration through drawing, piano, tennis, and horseback riding—pursuits that keep her connected to creativity and movement.
REBECCA WALDERN Lead Interior Designer
Becca brings a global perspective and an intuitive sense of artistry to her work at JRS ID. Born in England and raised in California, she discovered her love of design early on, inspired by the interplay between culture, craft, and place. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the Art Institute of California – San Francisco and spent more than a decade designing for highly regarded residential, hospitality, and real estate development firms across the West Coast. Her portfolio includes bespoke homes, restaurants, wineries, and large-scale multifamily communities—each defined by thoughtful detail and a refined design sensibility.
As a certified interior designer, Becca approaches every project with a balance of functionality and beauty, creating spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal. She leads projects from concept through completion, guiding clients through the process with clarity, creativity, and care.
Outside the studio, Becca finds inspiration through drawing, piano, tennis, and horseback riding—pursuits that keep her connected to creativity and movement.
RACHEL WILLIAMS Interior Designer, Furniture Lead
A California native, Rachel brings an effortless West Coast sensibility to her work, enriched by inspiration from her travels abroad. She earned her B.A. in Interior Design from California State University, Chico, and a minor in Spanish at El Universidad del País Vasco in San Sebastián, Spain—where her time immersed in European design and culture sparked a lifelong appreciation for global art and architecture.
Rachel’s background in luxury design showrooms gives her an expert eye for quality and detail. At JRS ID, she helps guide each project from concept to completion, developing furniture plans and specifications, curating materials and furnishings, managing installations, and ensuring every space reflects the client’s vision with beauty and intention.
After living throughout Northern and Southern California, Rachel made Santa Barbara her home in 2014. The region’s natural beauty, layered textures, and architectural history continually shape her design approach—one that values comfort, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place.
Beyond her role at JRS ID, Rachel enjoys yoga, time with friends, and the relaxed pace of life in Santa Ynez with her family.
ALLISON KAPPLER Interior Designer, Technical Lead
Allison brings a rare balance of creativity and technical precision to her work at JRS ID. With over a decade of experience across residential, commercial, and retail projects, she helps translate the firm’s design vision into detailed drawings and construction documents that ensure each concept is executed flawlessly and communication is consistent and timely.
She holds an M.S. in Interior Architecture from Drexel University and plays a key role in coordinating between the studio, architects, and contractors—bridging design intent with buildable solutions. Allison also contributes to sourcing, 3D modeling, and developing JRS ID’s technical standards to enhance the client and contractor experience.
Outside the studio, she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband, their son Jack, and their dog, Penny.
ALLISON KAPPLER Interior Designer, Technical Lead
Allison brings a rare balance of creativity and technical precision to her work at JRS ID. With over a decade of experience across residential, commercial, and retail projects, she helps translate the firm’s design vision into detailed drawings and construction documents that ensure each concept is executed flawlessly and communication is consistent and timely.
She holds an M.S. in Interior Architecture from Drexel University and plays a key role in coordinating between the studio, architects, and contractors—bridging design intent with buildable solutions. Allison also contributes to sourcing, 3D modeling, and developing JRS ID’s technical standards to enhance the client and contractor experience.
Outside the studio, she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband, their son Jack, and their dog, Penny.
NINA OSUCH Procurement Manager
Nina’s background in operations and systems development brings clarity and structure to JRS ID’s procurement workflows. With years of hands-on experience empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs across various industries, she’s dedicated to refining processes, creating scalable systems, and driving projects forward with precision and purpose.
At JRS ID, Nina manages purchasing and logistics, ensuring every detail is executed with accuracy while balancing efficiency and budget. Her problem-solving mindset and keen eye for detail allow her to streamline workflows and facilitate seamless communication among designers, vendors, clients, and construction teams.
When Nina’s not perfecting processes or crafting solutions, she indulges her creative side through product photography, creative writing, skiing, and travel. She’s also an avid explorer of food and everyday experiences that spark fresh ideas, bringing that same curiosity and enthusiasm into her work.
JULENE CASTILLO Design Assistant, Office Library Manager
Born and raised in California, Julene brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to interior design, drawing on 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator. After completing the Interior Design program at Santa Barbara City College, she transitioned her passion for creating nurturing environments from the classroom to the home.
A Santa Barbara resident for 13 years, Julene loves being part of a collaborative design team and enjoys curating beautiful materials with vendors to keep the office library inspired and fresh. Her background in education has instilled a strong sense of organization, creativity, and attention to detail—all qualities she now applies to every design project.
When she’s not supporting the team, you’ll find Julene gardening, reading, hiking, or camping with her husband and their two dogs.
JULENE CASTILLO Design Assistant, Office Library Manager
Born and raised in California, Julene brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to interior design, drawing on 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator. After completing the Interior Design program at Santa Barbara City College, she transitioned her passion for creating nurturing environments from the classroom to the home.
A Santa Barbara resident for 13 years, Julene loves being part of a collaborative design team and enjoys curating beautiful materials with vendors to keep the office library inspired and fresh. Her background in education has instilled a strong sense of organization, creativity, and attention to detail—all qualities she now applies to every design project.
When she’s not supporting the team, you’ll find Julene gardening, reading, hiking, or camping with her husband and their two dogs.
DANIELLE FRASER Executive Assistant
As Jessica’s Executive Assistant, Danielle is often the first point of contact for clients and collaborators at JRS ID. With a strong background in corporate fashion retail, she spent years managing complex projects and cultivating efficient operational systems. Danielle joined Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design to bring her organizational expertise into a creative, intentional environment, supporting both the studio’s operations and client experience. She helps keep projects and communication flowing seamlessly across the team.
Away from work, Danielle enjoys teaching yoga, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring Seattle’s vibrant arts scene with her husband—whether it’s a new concert venue or a local playhouse performance.
