ABOUT US
Behind every Makehouse project is a team that believes thoughtful design starts with listening, collaboration, and a clear vision. Led by Katelyn De Spain, we partner closely with our clients, architects, builders, and craftsmen to create homes that feel considered from the very beginning. Get to know the people behind the studio and the perspective that shapes our work.
KATELYN DE SPAIN
Katelyn De Spain is the founder and principal designer of Makehouse Design Studio, a San Diego-based interior design firm specializing in custom homes and transformative renovations. A Southern California native, she’s built her career around creating homes that feel deeply connected to the people who live in them, leading projects from the earliest architectural decisions through the final layers that make a house feel complete. When she’s not on a job site or sourcing materials, Katelyn is at home with her husband and their two young children, who continue to shape the way she thinks about how families truly live in their homes. That perspective informs every project, balancing thoughtful design with spaces that are meant to be lived in, gathered in, and enjoyed for years to come.
HANNAH HALTER
Hannah is a Junior Designer at Makehouse with roots in Texas, Hawai‘i, and California, places that continue to shape her appreciation for natural materials, coastal landscapes, and spaces with a strong sense of place. With experience in full-service residential design and renovation, she has worked across projects from early concept through final installation.
Her perspective is shaped by travel, art, and a curiosity for the unexpected, from found objects and natural textures to pieces that carry a story. She is especially drawn to interiors that feel expressive and personal, reflecting the people who live in them rather than following a prescribed style.
ITZELLE CASTRO
Itzelle is a Junior Designer at Makehouse with a background in high-end residential design and a particular focus on 3D modeling, visualization, and construction documentation. After moving to San Diego in 2021, she began building experience across both the creative and technical sides of the design process.
She enjoys being involved from early concepts through construction, helping translate design ideas into clear, buildable information and seeing those decisions take shape on site. At Makehouse, Itzelle supports the team across each phase of a project, helping carry the design from concept through execution.