--- title: "About Our Commercial Interior Design Team | Banko Design" url: https://bankodesign.com/team description: "Meet the Banko Bunch: the designers and interior architects of Banko Design, the Marietta, GA commercial interior design studio founded by Melissa Banko." --- ![Three members of the Banko Design team in the studio hallway, in black and white](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/about-hero-team-hallway-bw.BavY139w_y6HNE.webp) Our team # The Banko Bunch ![Banko Design team members at work in the studio](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/about-who-we-are-studio.US2KeGz-_ZXQ8YV.webp) ## Who We Are Our culture is rooted in our passion for what we do. We are full of designers, interior architects, and more with a wide range of skills and specialties — a team that shares its insights to make everyone here smarter and more versatile. We're all about fostering creativity and inclusivity, serving our communities and creating Better Living for Everyone. [Work with us](https://bankodesign.com/contact) ## Our team ![Portrait of Melissa Banko, Founder & Visionary at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/melissa-banko.t-q7bF3P_Z1YmFpw.webp) “The best advice I've received is: don't follow the masses because sometimes the 'm' is silent. I strive to do things differently, not for the sake of being different, but to be innovative.” Melissa Banko Founder & Visionary ![Portrait of Betsy Distler, Principal at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/betsy-distler.02huwzqS_Z1d9lxR.webp) “If I had a superpower, it would be to give our staff the tricks, tools and knowledge to make them into designer superheroes!” Betsy Distler Principal ![Portrait of Jan Reynolds, FF&E Specialist at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/jan-reynolds.C98WUBGh_ZDjzm9.webp) “I once zip-lined in the Dry Forest in Costa Rica. I was scared to death until I realized that the only other way down was walking past a coral snake!” Jan Reynolds FF&E Specialist ![Portrait of Brittany Panachida, Director of Business Development at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/brittany-panachida.LoWhQOfv_Z2uuKs6.webp) “If I had a warning label, it would definitely say: Warning! Personality May Be Larger Than It Appears!” Brittany Panachida Director of Business Development ![Portrait of Eden York, Business Development at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/eden-york.6TdCFNq-_1nH6cD.webp) “I would love to have a cup of coffee with Nancy Meyers because of her timeless films & classic interiors. They always inspire me!” Eden York Business Development ![Portrait of Kala Shaver, Interior Designer at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/kala-shaver.BIpC7LE2_1xve69.webp) “If I could have an endless supply of anything, it would undoubtedly be crab rangoons!” Kala Shaver Interior Designer ![Portrait of Hannah Burks, Interior Designer at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/hannah-burks.DTrqQup7_17OWQl.webp) “If I was an inanimate object, I'd be an embroidered pillow. Definitely something frilly with a sweet Southern saying on it.” Hannah Burks Interior Designer ![Portrait of Jessica Ybarra, Interior Designer at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/jessica-ybarra.DE-JsZvM_2vpVnd.webp) “If I could live anywhere in the world, I'd choose a little house along the river in Avignon in the South of France. I'd spend my days riding my bike and enjoying the scenery.” Jessica Ybarra Interior Designer ![Portrait of MJ Catalano, Interior Designer at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/mj-catalano.DRybCbLj_Z1jE5Xu.webp) “Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. There's nothing cozier than relaxing by the Christmas tree under a pile of blankets watching Home Alone.” MJ Catalano Interior Designer ![Portrait of Baleigh Pritchard, Interior Designer at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/baleigh-pritchard.BGrV7PW2_1SE5qg.webp) “If I could win an Olympic medal it would be for folding a fitted sheet insanely fast.” Baleigh Pritchard Interior Designer ![Portrait of Kassidy Butler, Interior Designer at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/kassidy-butler.CElOGlBk_1D60yf.webp) “If I was on a deserted island, I wouldn't be able to live without my dog Ollie, my skincare routine, and reality TV!” Kassidy Butler Interior Designer ![Portrait of Mackenzie Fuller, Office Manager at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/mackenzie-fuller.DwXmfJzj_rn8RS.webp) “If I could live in any movie, I would live in Star Wars and have a quiet life on Naboo.” Mackenzie Fuller Office Manager ![Portrait of Ollie Butler, In-House Therapist at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/ollie-butler.CgziwAaA_Z26NOsv.webp) Ollie Butler In-House Therapist ![Portrait of Mac Catalano, Head of Security at Banko Design](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/mac-catalano.2_zwMr4o_UqaAe.webp) Mac Catalano Head of Security Our mission ## Better living for everyone. All people deserve great design at any budget. Banko Design got its start in the senior housing market, where we saw an abundance of design that neither met the aging demographic's needs nor treated them with the dignity they deserve — so we pledged to be different. That commitment to quality caught on, helping us expand into multifamily and private club work. No matter what level of the market we're designing for, we aim to positively impact lives through our work. 33,000+ lives impacted to date — goal: 50,000 by 2035 ## Our core values The principles that shape how we design, collaborate, and create better living experiences. 1. ### Spark Inspire possibility We bring energy, creativity, and optimism to every experience we shape. Through thoughtful design, we create experiences that spark connection, elevate living, and leave a lasting impression. 2. ### Tenacious Driven to deliver Ambition drives us, but execution defines us. We approach every project with determination, resilience, and purpose. Our commitment to quality drives us to move beyond obstacles, refine every detail, and deliver meaningful results, every time. 3. ### Unmatched The strength behind the standard What sets us apart is not just what we do, but who we are. We believe excellence starts from within. Our culture brings together talented, driven individuals who challenge, support, and inspire one another, enabling us to deliver a level of quality that is truly unmatched. 4. ### Driven Never settle Drive is more than motivation. It's the energy that fuels our work. With curiosity, ambition, and a future-focused mindset, our passion for excellence inspires us to push boundaries, pursue growth, and continuously raise the bar for ourselves, our partners, and our industry. 5. ### Innovative Design the future thoughtfully Innovation is more than creating something new. It is finding smarter, more intentional ways to enhance how people live, connect, and experience the world around them. 6. ### Outstanding Above the bar We don't measure success by meeting expectations. We measure it by surpassing them. From the clients we serve to the work we deliver, we are committed to a level of excellence that sets us apart and defines our reputation. 7. ### Service Serve with purpose We believe meaningful impact extends beyond the spaces we create. Through generosity, partnership, and community engagement, we contribute to a better future and advance our mission of Better Living for Everyone. ## Philanthropic impact ![A child in a red tracksuit crouching at a new concrete water standpipe in a Cameroon village, filling a yellow jerrycan from the tap while another child and a woman look on](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/about-philanthropy-cdvta-water-tap-cameroon.BNKJFB8M_6rfoN.webp) ### Rooted in service Service is a virtue — and our core value. We're on a mission to give back to the communities that have served and supported us. Our company participates in quarterly Service Days, where our employees pick an organization of their choosing to volunteer for the day. Banko Design's philanthropic work stretches far and wide, from working with organizations that provide opportunities to neurodiverse individuals to helping build wells to provide clean drinking water to vulnerable populations. Our fundraising for various charities is done through our own nonprofit, Core 3:9. [Get involved](mailto:nicole@1core39.com) ![Autism Speaks and Extra Special People logo](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/partners-esp-logo.BQi-o6PV_Z17VUr9.webp) Autism Speaks and Extra Special People (ESP) seek to support and create transformative experiences for those with autism, people with disabilities, and their families. ![Erin's Hope for Friends logo](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/partners-erins-hope-logo.DEKG-4sI_1ljhJY.webp) Erin's Hope for Friends is on a mission to create lasting relationships through joyful interactions for autism spectrum teens and young adults. ![CDVTA Cameroon logo](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/partners-cdvta-logo.CxVmj4a-_Z26yh4E.webp) CDVTA Cameroon focuses on providing basic services for disadvantaged children, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly in hard-to-reach communities in Cameroon. ![Studio moodboard wall of fabric, tile and tear-sheet samples, with two designers pinning up material options](https://bankodesign.com/_astro/contact-cta-team-moodboard.CQTbEUL5_1pgQu5.webp) Let's begin! ## Ready To Get Started? Every project starts with a conversation. Share your vision, and let's create something meaningful together. [Contact us](https://bankodesign.com/contact)