Owner and principal designer of CeTerra Accents & Interiors has spent the tenure of her career working in many facets of the design industry including small and large-scale residential and commercial projects. While Katherine’s experience encompasses many design styles, she exhibits a specialty in an organic, contemporary southwest aesthetic.
Katherine, a native of Arizona, was born and raised in Flagstaff. During her adolescence, she spent her time hiking and biking in the beautiful mountainous surroundings as well as many weekends at Lake Powell with her family.
Katherine is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where she obtained her Bachelors of Art in Art History and Bachelors of Science in Interior Design with a minor in French. While at NAU, she served as president of the Beta Omega Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority and participated in multiple campus organizations. To expand her knowledge in French studies, Katherine attended Institute de Touraine, in Tour, France, Laval University, in Quebec, Canada, and University of Lyon, in Lyon, France. Her final year at NAU included a summer in China where she studied culture and art history at Nanjing, Qufu, and Xi’an Universities.
She is also a graduate of Arizona State University where she completed her Masters of Science in Design with a Certificate in Museum Studies. During her time at ASU, she interned at the Phoenix Art Museum, and published her master’s thesis, Riordan Mansion: An Arts and Crafts Duplex, 2010. As a result of her passion for higher education, Katherine regularly instructs design classes at local colleges.
Katherine is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), is NCIDQ certified (No. 28198), and active among many local and regional professional and academic interior design networks. Her award winning work has been featured in Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine, Luxe Magazine and Interior’s Scottsdale.
In addition to her work in Arizona, Katherine has traveled extensively throughout Africa, Asia, Western Europe, and the United Kingdom, which is evident in her ability to reference and incorporate multiple design elements into her vision. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys traveling, museums, cycling, reading, and spending time with her husband, Aaron, son, Weslee, her daughter Emilee, and miniature dachshunds, Lola and Ollie.
Aaron Mueller
Co-Owner & Director of Operations
Aaron has a very diverse background working in agriculture, automotive, commercial construction, photovoltaics, and franchising. He brings with him 15 years of commercial construction experience at a management level providing a solid understanding of the construction industry along with skills to support Katherine Mueller Design and its growth.
Aaron grew up working on a small date farm in Southern California where he became a mechanic and heavy equipment operator by the time he was 18 years of age. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with degrees in Construction Management and Business Administration, he began his career working for a commercial general contractor in Flagstaff and eventually transferred to Phoenix as the company expanded. In 2011 Aaron acquired his LEED AP BD+C certification furthering his understanding of sustainable construction practices. He’s worked in many different aspects of the construction industry from the director of design and construction for a national franchise to managing the design of utility-scale photovoltaic projects constructed throughout Arizona. He is a very process-driven individual that takes pride in everything he does.
Aaron is the father of Weslee and Emilee Mueller, and Katherine Mueller’s husband. As a child, he helped his father work on cars and farm equipment and developed a passion for anything with an engine. In 2015 he obtained his Airman’s Certificate and looks forward to getting in the air any chance he gets. You’ll typically catch him at a local car show on the weekends if he’s not with his family
Michele Puchi
Showroom Manager
Michele was born in a western suburb of Chicago and moved to Arizona to attend ASU. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art.
Michele has worked in various creative fields over the past thirty-five years, including as a gallery assistant at a contemporary art gallery in Los Angeles and as a visual merchandiser for a large furniture chain in Chicago. In Sedona, she was involved in many philanthropic endeavors, such as volunteering for the local school district, garden societies, and the Chamber of Commerce. As a result of working in many different retail environments, providing excellent customer service is in Michele’s DNA.
Ever since she took her first photography class in high school, Michele has always had a passion for art and design. She continues to pursue creative endeavors as it is her happy place! At Ceterra, Michele enjoys merchandising the showroom so our guests can experience a unique shopping experience. She loves connecting with our guests to assist them in finding the perfect accessory for their homes. Michele also enjoys creating custom floral arrangements for our customers.
When not at work, Michele enjoys spending time with her son, Jeremy, and her daughter, Jillian, traveling, creating DIY projects, exercising, and dog-sitting her granddog, Eleanor.
Kiersten Varga
Visual Stylist
Kiersten, originally from Florida, relocated to Arizona in 2017 to attend Grand Canyon University. She graduated with honors, completing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management.
Kiersten holds a real estate license, and it was through her work in real estate that she developed her passion for design. As a visual stylist at CeTerra Accents, she combines this passion with a commitment to creating welcoming, beautiful environments that make people feel truly at home. Her customer-focused approach ensures that each space is not only stylish but also comfortable and perfectly tailored to each client’s needs.
Outside of work, Kiersten enjoys spending time outdoors, wine tasting, and making lasting memories with her friends and family.
Kathy Mazur
Visual Stylist
Originally from the Midwest, Kathy began her professional journey in Tucson, AZ after college, working as an educator. Four years later she made the move to Phoenix and it was there she met her husband, Greg, and they welcomed their first two children. Twenty-eight years ago, they relocated to the Boston, Massachusetts area, where they raised their three children and Kathy launched a successful women’s clothing boutique.
Style has always been a passion of Kathy’s-whether expressed through fashion or home design. The move back to the valley in August 2024 marked a new chapter, as she sold her boutique and found a place at CeTerra. That transition from clothing to home fashion has felt completely natural, as both worlds share the same principles of style ,creativity, and personal expression.
As a visual stylist, she loves connecting with our customers and helping them find pieces that bring joy and beauty into their homes. Seeing their excitement and satisfaction with their purchases is truly the most rewarding part of what Kathy likes to do.
Bridget Calzada
Bridget’s lifelong passion for interior design and her innate talent for accessorizing has shaped her creative journey from a young age. She excelled academically, graduating with honors from Arizona State University, where she pursued a degree in Sociology and Business. Bridget’s dedication to her craft extended beyond her formal education, as she also undertook additional coursework in interior design to deepen her expertise.
At CeTerra, Bridget’s creative and technical skills shine as she spearheads creating and managing captivating content for our CeTerra and KMD social media platforms and keeping our website current. Moreover, Bridget actively contributes her expertise in accessory selection to serve our valued KMD Clients.
Bridget finds solace and inspiration through her love for travel during her leisure time. Exploring new places fuels her creativity and expands her design perspectives. Equally important to her is spending quality time with her husband and two children, cherishing precious moments, and creating beautiful memories together.
