Karl Utzman, Design Manager

Karl leads our Design Division with a fresh perspective and a passion for creating spaces that truly work for the people who use them. His path into design wasn’t traditional—starting with international studies, product development, and a stint in real estate and finance—but each step added to the creative problem-solving and big-picture thinking he brings to every project.

After graduating at the top of his class from the Design Institute of San Diego, Karl found his home in kitchen and bath design right here at Design Studio West. His ability to combine functionality, beauty, and budget-savvy solutions has made him a trusted guide for clients taking on everything from small home offices to full-scale renovations.

“There’s something incredibly rewarding about designing the heart of a home,” Karl says. He believes great design is all about the connection between space and the person living in it.

When he’s not leading design projects, Karl is out soaking up the Southern California lifestyle with his family—hiking the coast, exploring new restaurants, and finding inspiration in everyday moments.

Fun Fact: When Karl is not designing kitchens he can often be found in the kitchen, working on creating his own portfolio of amazing cookie recipes!