The SFS interior design team is made up of three members – Laura Burkhalter, Bonnie Limbird, and Angelina Rinella. Laura is a Senior Interior Designer and Associate; she brings 25 years of experience and has been at SFS for 10 years. Bonnie is a Senior Interior Designer; she brings 28 years of experience and has been at SFS for 12 years. Angelina is a Intern Interior Designer and the newest member of our team. Angelina graduated last year and started working at SFS in March.
We took some time to talk to each of them, learn more about each team member below!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues?
"What I enjoy most about my colleagues is how everyone works to support and lift each other up. Every single person is always willing to jump in and help with deadlines, important project needs, or even personal needs as well. We are a close-knit team here, we truly enjoy each others company, and we work hard. We also play hard too! I love how there is always a fun event going on and opportunities to connect with our community and the design world." - Angelina Rinella
Q: What is a recent project or achievement you are particularly proud of?
"Leading the interior design for the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment has been the most meaningful milestone of my career. This project enabled our team to collaborate with top autism design researchers, allowing us to advance material research that is often overlooked in our industry.
The core philosophy—that spaces designed for neurodivergent individuals become more welcoming and functional for everyone—has fundamentally shifted my approach to interior design. Beyond technical rigor, this work was personal. Growing up in central Missouri and as a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, contributing to a flagship MU Health facility at my alma mater felt like a full-circle moment.
The knowledge gained about sensory-friendly and inclusive design is not just a one-time success; it is a standard I now bring to every project. I am proud that this facility will help make our future work more empathetic, accessible, and impactful for every community we serve." - Laura Burkhalter
Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received?
"Persistence pays off. Never give up." - Laura Burkhalter
Q: How do you stay motivated and connected with your colleagues?
"Getting to know your colleagues on a personal, outside-of-the-office level is the best way to solidify a teamwork mindset. When you know who you're working with, you never want to let them down and it pushes you to your best day after day. I like to engage with my co-workers passions outside of the office where we have commonality, and even where we may not, and support them in those endeavors in whatever ways I can." - Bonnie Limbird
