Who We Are | Leah Dunne
I grew up far from any obvious design, fine art, or significant architecture, in a little farming town off Highway 61 called Miesville. I had a free, outdoorsy, 1990’s childhood with my three sisters, and spending time there with my family is still my most happy place.
Even though I had no formal introduction, I’ve always gravitated towards art. In the beginning, there were lots of craft kits (Sand art! Paint spinners! Cross stitch!) and notebooks full of doodles. I loved finding ditch flowers and making them into centerpieces or finding “special” driveway rocks to make into jewelry.
In high school, I gravitated towards visual art. I was fascinated by the story a painting can tell, and how often art is a truer expression of culture than what is in history books. I didn’t know where it would lead me yet, but I discovered that I liked studying art, I had an eye for design, and I had a passion for art’s connection to history.
Instead of going to college for Interior Design or Architecture, I ended up taking the long way around and went to school for English and Art at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. I loved it there and, in contrast to my childhood, I was surrounded by amazing architecture, art, and classes that fed my interests. (I also met my husband, Alex, there, so it turns out the detour was well worth it!)
After a slew of unrelated but totally educational jobs, I finally found my way to design in 2016. I completed Century College’s Kitchen and Bath Design program to get my foot in the door… and here I am! Almost ten years in the design industry, and I love the work I get to do every day. It’s the cherry on top that I am surrounded by a team of talented, fun, and supportive women here at KRD.
My husband, Alex and I now live in St. Louis Park, and have been married eleven years! We have three kids – Norah (7), Eddie (4), and Nina (1.5). Our kids are a little sweet and a little spicy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! We are deep into hockey practices, swimming lessons, and birthday parties. We recently bought a new house with a few acres of land, and I’m excited to see my kiddos running wild and free, just like I did! Every time my daughter collects buckets of rocks and wildflowers is a true full-circle moment.