Kelly Trotz
UDCP
Senior Designer
Kelly is an NKBA-recognized designer transforming kitchens and baths with smart function + fearless style. She talks about design inspiration, favorite projects and more in this new blog profile.
With over 10 years of experience and a national design award under her belt, Kelly Trotz solves the real problems homeowners don’t even know they have. Her secret? Listening first—then crafting spaces that work harder (and look bolder) than clients imagined. Whether it’s an award-winning powder room or a kitchen packed with hidden storage, Kelly’s designs balance precision with personality.
A former architectural drafter, Kelly brings a builder’s mindset to every project, ensuring intuitive layouts and crisp, clean execution. She obsesses over the details that elevate daily life: pull-out pantries that feel like they were always meant to be there, lighting that layers function with ambiance, and finishes that reflect the client’s taste—not just the latest trend. “A timeless space isn’t about playing it safe,” she says. “It’s about blending what works with what makes you smile every time you walk in.”
Now at Drury, Kelly thrives on collaboration, pairing her problem-solving rigor with a knack for putting clients at ease. When she’s not designing, she’s shaping the next generation of talent as an adjunct instructor at College of DuPage—proving that great design is equal parts creativity, craftsmanship, and care.