Faculty & Staff
Co-owner/Co-Founder
Karie Calhoun, instructor and professional, brings a wealth of experience and talent to each of her jobs and classroom. Karie has over 25 years of commercial, residential, healthcare and government design experience. Her career took off after she graduated with her Interior Design BA degree from Anderson University. After working in a professional design studio for a few short years she took the NCIDQ exam (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) and holds the NCIDQ certificate. Karie has had numerous jobs published in magazines and interior design books and has won several ASID design awards for her projects.
She has been teaching design courses for sixteen years and treasures her time with her students. There is no greater joy for Karie than to share her knowledge of interior design with future designers.
Cindy Grosso
Co-owner/Co-Founder
Cynthia R. Grosso is an award winning speaker, columnist, and author who focuses on personal and professional image. She is also the founder of the Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette.
Ms. Grosso has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, Oprah, and other national TV shows, written about in Woman’s Day Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, Esquire Magazine, Working Woman Magazine, Women’s World Magazine as well as many others. She has been published well over 100 times and is the author of several books.
Ms. Grosso is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and is an award-winning adjunct professor at several local colleges.
Through the years she has purchased, restored, redesigned and sold many properties. She is the co-owner of DesignRefined, an interior design business.
Ms. Grosso has received several awards to include the prestigious “Business Person of the Year” award given by the Chamber of Commerce in her area. She has also received the Outstanding American Award for outstanding community service given by the United States Jaycees.
Ms. Grosso loves to help people with their personal image to include their personal space.
Jamie Werner
Instructor
Jamie Werner, instructor and professional, brings a fresh perspective to each of her jobs and classroom. Jamie has over 8 years of commercial, residential, healthcare and government design experience.
Jamie graduated Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 2011. She started taking classes at a tech school where she met Karie. From that point she started working at a commercial furniture dealer and eventually moved to an architecture firm.
She holds the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certificate.
Jamie enjoys working the architectural interior side of mostly commercial projects.
She has been teaching design courses for five years and enjoys the classroom and the fresh energy the design students bring to the design field.
Rhiannon Esposito
Instructor
Instructor and professional, Rhiannon Esposito, has been in the industry for 15 years having worked for builders, interior designers, and architects. Beginning her career in New York and Pennsylvania, she relocated to Charleston SC in 2010.
Her professional experience has concentrated on residential and hospitality projects. For the past eight years, Rhiannon has been managing a high end flooring showroom as well as recently becoming the owner of Ivory Home Studio, a consulting firm and design studio.
Rhiannon has found a new love as an Instructor at Charleston School of Interior Design where she enjoys interacting with the students and sharing her passion for the profession.
Malone Taylor
Instructor
Originally from South Georgia, Malone Taylor is a dedicated interior design professional and educator with a passion for inspiring the next generation of designers. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Auburn University, home to one of the top ten public interior design programs in the country at the time of her graduation. Now based in the Charleston area, where she relocated two years ago, she brings over five years of professional experience in high-end residential design to her teaching practice.
Before transitioning into education, Malone began her career at a luxury residential design firm, where she refined her expertise in interior detailing, space planning, and the design/build process. Her work focused on creating elevated, highly personalized interiors that blend functionality with refined aesthetics. This real-world experience provided her with a strong foundation in project management, client relations, and construction coordination—insights she now brings into the classroom to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
In addition to her role as a professor, Malone is the founder of her own full-service residential interior design firm, allowing her to remain actively engaged in the industry. She is passionate about mentoring students, fostering creativity, and encouraging critical thinking in both design theory and application. Outside the studio and classroom, she enjoys reading, fitness, beach days, and spending time with her husband and their two goldendoodles, Cami and Teddy.
Becky Ness
Instructor
Becky Ness is a talented designer and entrepreneur based in Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Charleston and holds an interior design certification from the Charleston School of Interior Design. Becky’s passion for space planning and design ignited during her first role as an event planner, where she discovered her knack for creating beautiful, functional environments.
Becky’s career journey led her to become the Visual Manager for Anthropologie, where she excelled in California and Florida, honing her skills in visual merchandising and design. After returning to Charleston, she took on the roles of architectural and design representative for a prominent tile company, further refining her expertise in materials and design specifications.
Transitioning into the furniture dealership arena, Becky initially served as an Account Manager and Design Consultant before advancing to the position of Vice President of Market Development for the Charleston market division. This role allowed her to merge her design prowess with business acumen, driving growth and innovation within the company.
Currently, Becky has moved into owning and operating a design studio that collaborates closely with her husband, who specializes in the construction industry. Together, they balance their professional lives while embracing family adventures with their 5-year-old daughter and two beloved dogs. Additionally, Becky enjoys celebrating her two stepchildren as they flourish into amazing adults. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys creating art with her daughter, traveling, reading, and exploring astrology. Additionally, she is fascinated by the Enneagram and the ways it enhances communication and understanding in her personal and professional relationships.
Becky’s diverse experiences and creative insights make her a dynamic force in the design world, dedicated to transforming spaces and nurturing meaningful connections.