Lisa Yates doesn’t just design homes—she transforms them. As Design Director at Collective Design, Lisa is known for her ability to balance timeless elegance with bold, out-of-the-box thinking. Her approach is equal parts intuitive and intentional, with every decision rooted in who the client is and how they want to live.
Her recent recognition at the Parade of Homes is a testament to her exceptional vision. Her award-winning project, a full-service design from the ground up, earned accolades for Best Interior Finishes, Best Furnishings, and the Mountain Living Peak Award—a reflection of the seamless integration between architecture, function, and curated beauty.
We sat down with Lisa to explore her design process, personal style, and how she helps clients bring their dream spaces to life.
I always start by getting to know my clients on a personal level. The more I understand about their goals, routines, and preferences, the more tailored the design becomes. Even small insights—like a favorite color or how they plan to use the home—can steer major design decisions.
Every client is different, so I adapt to their style and personality. It’s a collaborative journey, and I find that the deeper our connection, the more refined and personalized the outcome.
Trust your gut. Often, the first piece you fall in love with is the right one. Design is about what speaks to you—that instinctive reaction is usually the most honest and impactful. And enjoy the process. We handle the behind-the-scenes so you can focus on the creative side.
When the final space not only meets but exceeds a client’s expectations—that’s success. Whether it’s a full-scale build or a furnishing refresh, the goal is always a cohesive, thoughtful space that feels like home. Every project comes with challenges, but those fall away when the client feels deeply connected to the result.
My personal style leans minimal and intentional, but I’m here to elevate my clients’ visions—not impose my own. I see myself as a design chameleon. My role is to listen closely, guide decisions, and bring a refined, expert lens to the table.
We explore together—finish by finish, piece by piece. I ask clients to save inspiration and talk through why they love certain images. Patterns emerge. From there, I help them refine and unify their preferences into a clear, cohesive vision.
It’s a mix of comfort and restraint. I bring in natural textures and elements from my travels—stones, feathers, worn woods. I buy with intention and gravitate toward pieces with meaning. My home is a reflection of my "less is more" mindset, where every item has a story.
The main living area always sets the tone. It tells the story of the home. And I love when the design bridges indoors and outdoors—especially here in the mountains. The exterior should influence what you feel inside.
We’re seeing a return to warmth—rich browns, beiges, soft blacks and earthy greens. There’s a shift away from cool grays and a renewed interest in organic palettes. Finishes like hardwood carried throughout the home bring warmth and texture that feel grounded and timeless.
I love both—especially when we get to do it all. That full-service approach lets everything align beautifully. When finishes and furnishings are thoughtfully connected, the home feels curated, not pieced together.
There’s a new line of ottomans upholstered in one-of-a-kind Turkish rugs that I’m obsessed with—each one is completely unique. I also love a pair of contemporary chairs with sculptural wood frames and subtle metal details. And we just brought in a low-profile sectional with a single cushion design that’s equal parts form and function.
I’m also looking forward to the holiday collection—it leans natural and organic, so it works well beyond the season. Pieces you can enjoy all winter long.
We have a wide mix right now, but one standout is a modern 9,000-square-foot new build. It’s our fourth project with this client, so there’s a strong foundation of trust. They’ve let us fully take the lead, and the result will be a warm, contemporary home that reflects their lifestyle.
That award-winning Parade of Homes project will always stand out. It was a full-service transformation—from traditional plans to a mountain-modern dream home. The clients trusted us to push the boundaries while staying true to their comfort zone. That kind of collaboration is what makes the work so rewarding.
Durability doesn’t have to mean compromise. We source beautiful, high-quality pieces—from performance fabrics to tailored upholstery—that are built for real life. You should be able to sit down in ski pants and not worry. Our goal is to create luxury that lives as beautifully as it looks.
Every client, every project is a new story. That variety fuels creativity. I love helping people bring their vision to life—and then take it one step further. When someone says, “This is more than I imagined,” that’s everything.
Sustainability is becoming non-negotiable. We’re seeing more interest in locally made, thoughtfully sourced pieces—and that’s a direction we’re excited about. Our retail shop reflects that. Many of our pieces are crafted in the U.S., often right here in Colorado. When you shop with us, you know where it came from and who made it.
Connect with our team to explore how Lisa and our designers can help bring your vision to life.
