James Fung & Whitney Maehara Principals | Interior Designers
James Fung and Whitney Maehara have led NB Design Group since 2017 with a distinctive vision and extensive experience in luxury interior design and architecture. Their highly complementary partnership is rooted in powerful collaboration, and it is the cornerstone of the NB Design Group experience.
On every project, they empower each other and their clients to reach defining moments, bringing exquisite interior visions to life. James’ and Whitney’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Luxe, Dwell, House Beautiful, The New York Times, and others, but people are especially drawn to them for their personal rapport, unassuming empathy, client advocacy, and creative design adaptability. Their dedication to seeking human-inspired elements for every space result in a truly custom approach and offers the most refined designs.
James Fung
Principal | Interior Designer
From penthouse apartments and country estates to private aviation and yacht interiors, James’s work is generously diverse and is admired by many. James received his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Washington and completed his post-bachelor program in Interior Design at the New York School of Interior Design in Manhattan. After working at a boutique design firm in New York City specializing in high-end residential and small-scale retail, James returned to Seattle and joined NB Design Group.
James' interdisciplinary approach to design allows him to collaborate with notable Seattle architects and craftspeople on all aspects of the creatively built interior environment, including high-end custom textiles and furniture collections.
Whitney Maehara
Principal | Interior Designer
With specialized experience in new residential construction, renovation projects, and custom furniture, textiles, and interior lighting, Whitney makes every design project truly unique for her clients. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College while working as an interior designer for several prominent high-end residential design firms. As a Seattle native, Whitney ultimately chose to move back home to join NB Design Group.
The interplay of an architectural education matched with luxury interior design experience provides Whitney with a well-rounded background to understand how the two disciplines work together to create aesthetic harmony between interiors and exteriors.
Nadya Arnan
Project Designer
Nadya holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration in Interior Design with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Seattle Pacific University. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nadya moved to Seattle to advance her education and career in design. Throughout her educational and professional experience, she has worked on a variety of projects in both residential and commercial spaces.
Nadya’s Design Philosophy is to create spaces that are engaging, creative and purposeful, embodying her dedication to meaningful and functional design.
Shay’Zia Wells
Staff Designer
Born and raised in Tacoma, WA, Shay’Zia started her career studying real estate before realizing she enjoyed the design side more. Shay’Zia graduated from the Heritage School of Interior Design in Seattle, with an Interior design certificate and is currently pursuing her Master Certificate. Shay’Zia’s design career started in a high end showroom at the Seattle Design center selling luxury textiles and custom furniture to designers and architects.
Shay’Zia’s passion for design started at a young age, helping her grandmother create custom pillows, blankets, apparel, and furniture upholstery for sale. This background has now grown into a love of helping people to create spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing and unique to the individual.
Marnie Olsen
Accounting Manager
Marnie earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Washington University. She has worked in a variety of industries including non-profit, biotech and private security. Cost analysis, financial reporting and benefit administration are some of her specialties. Prior to her career in corporate accounting, Marnie studied Interior Design at Bellevue College and worked as a commercial space planner. Joining NB Design Group allows her to meld all her skills and experience.
Marnie has a love of traveling and learning about other cultures. She lived overseas growing up in Malawi, Manila, and Guatemala. There are still many places on her travel bucket list.
Nancy Burfiend
Founder
Nancy Burfiend received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the University of Washington, before establishing NB Design Group in 1988. In 2015, Nancy was named as the IIDA INawards Professional Honoree for her significant contributions to the profession of interior design.
Nancy's broad range of experience includes high-end residential, commercial, and public sector projects.
