KAREN GREINER
A sailor, downhill skier and certified pilot – you might call Karen an adventurer. And, even though this proud Midwesterner runs her own orchard, interior design is the apple of her eye, guiding each project from concept to finishing touches with creative elegance.
How did you decide on your career path?
I am very analytical and love solving spatial challenges. I initially wanted to be an architect, but I love how an interior designer touches people and projects in such a beautiful way through every large and small detail. I still have a love for architecture, but am glad I found my passion in design.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I really enjoy the initial phases: developing a solution and space planning.
How are you creating vibrant communities through design?
I’ve worked on many different types of buildings over the years, but there’s something extra special about public libraries. They touch more people in a community than any other building type, because it’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come, learn and grow.
What makes Dubuque a great place to live?
I love living in the Dubuque Tri-State area. The Driftless Area offers many outdoor activities and scenic surroundings. It’s the perfect place to grow a family – and a business. In fact, our family runs an apple orchard with 1400 dwarf trees and 13 varieties of apples!
Where is your favorite place to visit in the Midwest?
Lake Michigan.
Dubuque Office
951 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Family: Husband Nathan and Two Boys.
Pet: Goldendoodle Lucy.
Drink: Rum Daiquiri (Shaken).
Karaoke: Picture by Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow.
Binge: Yellowstone.
Music: Anything Live!
Irrational Fear: Knives.
Breakfast: Eggs Benedict Florentine & Bloody Mary.
First Car: Ford Bronco.
States Visited: Twenty-nine.
Celebrity Twin: Amy Adams.
April 2021: The board of directors of FEH Design promoted Karen Greiner, IIDA to associate principal.
Greiner, who joined FEH in 2016, is a registered interior designer in the firm’s Dubuque office. As associate principal, Greiner’s role will expand to include leadership in business actions. She will continue to be an interior designer for the firm.
Greiner graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design 1995. After college, she worked for architecture firms in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Greiner has been involved in many impactful projects in the Dubuque area including the design and construction of the Dubuque County Roads Shop, Dubuque County Courtroom, Dubuque Veteran Affairs Clinic, Rite Hite, DeWitt Community Library, and Marshalltown High School Roundhouse.
Greiner is a community advocate for the city of Galena, Illinois serving on the Galena Foundation Board, project committee for the Galena & Jo Daviess County Historical Society, and a past Host Family for the Galena Rotary. She is also an apple farmer and beekeeper at their orchard in rural Galena.
“I truly enjoy coming to work! Our group works well together. We communicate well, and we have a lot of fun!” said Greiner. “Having worked in other firms around the country, I really appreciate the management style, not only in our office, but throughout the firm.”
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