CIRCLE Design Studio

John Dorlini

Principal Architect AIA, CID, LEED BD+C Class A Contractor

“What’s the big idea? How do we get it done?” Many designers stop after the first question but I am specifically interested in seeing our vision come to life in the construction process. We started CIRCLE in 2005 with the goal of building a multi-disciplinary firm, thinking through every aspect of every project, both residential and commercial. While we find the greatest efficiency and fulfillment from assembling our own team, we enjoy the collaborative efforts of consulting with other firms. I hold professional licenses as a Certified Interior Designer, Class A Contractor, and Architect in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Those qualifications combined with my background in design and construction administration for large-scale public projects, ensure a thorough drawing set that leads to accurate bidding and execution. You’ll find me on the weekends recording hip-hop music and cheering for the Oakland Raiders. Master of Architecture, Arizona State University, 2004 Bachelor of Art, James Madison University, 2000 (emph. Interior Design)

Theresa Dorlini

Principal Interior Designer | Creative Director CID, ASID, NCIDQ

As co-founder of CIRCLE Design Studio my strength is seeing the “big picture”. I have 20 years of interior design experience practicing in Arizona, Florida, and Virginia, and I work closely with all our clients, both residential and commercial, to develop a cohesive design concept that reflects their personal style or branding. I was born in New Delhi and raised in the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand, so much of my design sensibility comes from Asia, simple, elegant, timeless. My design interests include architectural acoustics, custom furniture, fabrication, art and all media of fashion. I am passionate about design education and have taught at James Madison University, Virginia Tech, and my alma mater Arizona State University. When I am not pursuing design interests and running the business, I am busy running after my four children. Bachelor of Science in Design, Arizona State University, 2001 (emph. Interior Architecture)

Emily Borg

Junior Designer

I joined CIRCLE after graduating from Virginia Tech in 2018 with my BS in Interior Design. As a Junior Designer, I assist our team in various ways – that includes modeling project spaces in 3D, putting together moodboards, and furniture procurement. When I’m not at CIRCLE, I’m usually hanging out with friends, watching a good movie, and perfecting my skincare regiment!

Casey Speck

Junior Designer

I joined the CIRCLE team in November of 2019 just before graduating from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design with a BFA in Interior Design. I contribute to the team by generating construction drawings. I am our cabinet, counter top, and window shade expert, and have recently taken on the role of coordinator of our CIRCLE by Signature custom cabinet line. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family (including my two chihuahuas) and spending time outdoors.

Brittany Newman

Junior Designer

After earning my BFA in Interior Architecture from James Madison University, I gained experience in project management and residential remodeling. Later, I transitioned into commercial work as a CAD/engineering draftsman before joining CIRCLE My role on the team is creating 3D models and construction drawings! When I am not at work I enjoy game nights with friends, family (or my cats) and reading a good fiction novel (to my cats.)

Bekah Moore

Office Assistant

I became a part of the CIRCLE team in 2020, a year after graduation from Virginia Western Community College with a degree in Communication Design, but spent a decade participating in musical theatre prior to college. If there's one thing my theatre days taught me, it's that there's always so much happening behind the curtains, whether at a show, or maybe even in our studio! As Office Assistant, I am the woman behind the curtains: I run errands, place orders, greet our in studio guests, and manage our social media platforms. Outside of work I spend most of my time baking, visiting coffee shops, and spoiling my cat!

Cathy Keith

Bookkeeper

I've been with CIRCLE since 2014! Before starting my own accounting and bookkeeping service, I studied Business Administration at the University of Alabama and spent several years in retail and banking management. I’m an avid University of Alabama football fan- Roll Tide! I love to read, camp, and vacation at the beach with my husband and child.