Hey there, I’m Steph
Founder & PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
A creative at heart, Steph has mastered the art of elevated yet approachable design. Her journey began at Michigan State University, where she went on to spend the first decade of her design career working for commercial and residential firms, including a nationally recognized luxury interior design studio that has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest. During those early years, Steph cultivated an appreciation for original art and an ability to seamlessly mix functionality and personality into a space.
Eager to create something of her own, Steph founded North + Birch in 2017 with the goal of designing spaces that embraced the concept of making you love where you live. The name, which stems from her love of Northern Michigan and high regard for the environment and outdoors, serves as a northern star for the brand which aims to source sustainable products and support local artists and trades people at every chance they get. North + Birch’s signature style is equally a reflection of Steph’s personality – bright, approachable, and timeless.
Steph lives in Clarkston, MI with her husband, two kids, golden retriever and a couple of cats. She has a special spot in her heart for helping turtles cross the road, trying to convince her husband to ease up on his two cat maximum and is easily peer pressured by her friends to sign-up for endurance trail runs and triathlons.
Carolyn Sauber
LEAD Designer
Carolyn grew up in Macomb, MI but had her sights set on city life early on. After high school she left the mitten state to attend The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Fashion Design. Upon graduating, she went on to work as an accessory designer for several well-known brands in NYC. The city fostered her love for culture, variety, and innovation in a way that no other place had. She cherishes her years in New York and attributes much of her professional savviness to her experiences there.
Shortly after moving back to Detroit in 2018, Carolyn found herself at a creative crossroads and turned to interior design to re-inspire her career. Her technical skillset, combined with her knowledge of textiles and product design, made for a seamless transition to the industry. She joined North + Birch in 2020 and has been Steph’s right-hand woman ever since. Carolyn plays a big part in the pulse of the brand, contributing to all aspects of the design process. She curates a mean material palette and finds great joy in seeing sketches go from concept to reality while collaborating closely with clients every step of the way.
Carolyn feels most inspired when she’s experiencing something new – be it a city or cuisine. She enjoys cooking as a creative outlet and jumps at every opportunity to travel. She thrives when presented with a challenge and champions the idea that our best work happens when we step outside our comfort zone, allow ourselves to be vulnerable and embrace the bumpy road that often leads to the most rewarding view.
Brittany Morris
Procurement Coordinator
Brittany is the newest member of N+B, having joined the team in early 2022. After earning her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, Brittany went on to pursue a career in sales and marketing for several years. When she saw an opportunity to marry her appreciation for interior design with her business savviness, she jumped at the prospect!
Intermixed in the home building/renovation process several times, Brittany not only can draw from personal experiences, but knows the value of great communication and organization that pairs with a home project. She is committed to providing an exceptional customer service experience to every client. A homebody at heart, Brittany knows the importance of a functional and personable home environment. When she’s not busy chasing after her four kids you can expect to find her attending a fitness class or deep diving into a good podcast!