Christine Everett, founder of Studio CME, has long been drawn to the visual arts. Growing up, she often exhibited her artwork and dreamed of turning her passion for clothing and garment construction into a career in fashion. After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology for a time, she ultimately changed course, choosing to pursue interior design instead.
“There are some aspects of fashion design and interior design that overlap,” Christine explains. “The use of textiles, color theory, and pattern techniques. But the interplay of textiles and the more tactile aspects always pulled me back to interiors.”
Earning a degree in interior design, Christine went on to receive her NCIDQ certification (National Council for Interior Design Qualification), and, eager to deepen her expertise, she obtained a second degree in architecture.
“My first love was interiors, so I always describe myself as an interior architect,” she tells us. “An interiors project often requires an extra level of expertise… and architectural projects often benefit from a more intuitive understanding of interior space. So they both inform each other.”
Christine has cultivated a wide-ranging career across nearly every facet of the design industry. She began by working for renowned architects such as William Rawn, building wood models and contributing to theater and cultural projects. In New York City, she was introduced to the world of corporate real estate, joining a team focused on high-rise commercial buildings while expanding her expertise into corporate interiors, hospitality, healthcare, and retail design.
Later, Christine worked in the office of César Pelli—best known for designing the iconic Petronas Towers—where she focused on the interior design of hotels and universities both in the U.S. and abroad. Throughout her career, Christine has also taken on a variety of residential projects, adding even more depth and versatility to her portfolio.
Christine met Peter Pesce—an accomplished architect in his own right—while working at a firm in New York City. The two eventually married and, in 2017, moved to Ridgefield with their son. Christine found an opportunity to leverage her corporate interiors experience in Connecticut, joining Boehringer Ingelheim where she managed complex commercial projects and further honed her ability to balance aesthetics, budgets, and functionality.
She later took on a leadership role at Travelers Insurance, directing workplace and design standards across the company’s national portfolio. But with a long commute and a son entering middle school, Christine decided it was time for a change.
In June 2024, she launched her own firm: Studio CME.
“It’s a bit of a change of pace, but it’s great to bring all of my experience and insight to a different scale of work,” she says.
This past June, Peter—also disenchanted with his long commute—joined Studio CME full-time. A member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and the U.S. Green Building Council, he brings more than 35 years of experience in residential, large-scale, and institutional architecture.
“I was working for a large architectural firm in New York City,” he tells us. “The projects were incredible and intellectually stimulating, but eventually I got to the same point as Christine.”
Together, Christine and Peter offer clients a seamless blend of interior design and architectural expertise.
“We’ve collaborated and helped each other out on outside projects, but this is a whole new adventure,” Peter says. “We each bring different strengths to the table. Christine has a strong sense for interiors, I bring the architectural structure. Together, it’s a symbiotic relationship—a full-circle approach.”
From kitchen renovations to complex ground-up builds, Studio CME approaches each project as a shared narrative between client, space, and purpose. The process begins with a simple question: What are your goals? That clarity of vision anchors every design decision.So even if it’s just five words—colorful, calming, moody, subtle, clean, for example—every choice moving forward must align with those five words.
“I’ve learned so much about the business side of things in my career—managing projects, working with clients, helping them stay within budget,” Christine says. “Wearing both hats—as a designer and in my corporate roles—really showed me how important it is to understand a project’s parameters.”
In the golden age of HGTV and Pinterest, clients are more design-savvy than ever—but that also means they’re often overwhelmed by too many options.
“If someone wants something clean and simple but falls in love with a trendy light fixture, I try to steer them back to their original goals,” Christine tells us. She goes on to liken the Studio CME approach to branding.
“A lot of times, corporate design is an extension of a company’s brand. I think residential design, for many people, is an extension of their personal brand. How do you want to present yourself? How do you want to live? It always comes back to your goals.”
Once the plans are in place, Studio CME brings a unique service not commonly offered by interior designers in the area. They work hand in hand with furniture dealers, who purchase all furniture and store it until everything is ready to install.
“Projects are stressful,” Christine admits. “They take forever, things are late, there are people working in your house. It’s hard! So the furniture managers are just another partner in the process.”
The combined expertise of Christine and Peter adds an extra layer of flexibility to any project. An interiors project may require architectural insight. Likewise, an architectural project may benefit from an intuitive interior touch. For example, a kitchen renovation might evolve into moving a window—just to better catch the sunset.
“My philosophy about design in general is that it’s all interconnected,” Christine says. “Even with nature. I really try to infuse that in my practice. I’m always thinking about the views, the light.”
“I try to bring a thoughtful, client-centered approach to my work,” Peter adds. “Whether designing a cultural institution or a private home, I enjoy working with clients who are personally invested in their spaces.”
From a kitchen remodel to a whole-house gut renovation, a doctor’s office makeover to a brand-new theater, Studio CME’s mission is to transform your living and working spaces into havens of style and functionality.
“We’d love to support local shops, restaurants, or offices with quick refreshes,” Christine tells us. “Just a few key changes can make a big difference. Sometimes, you stop seeing what’s right in front of you. A little outside perspective can really transform a space.”
With shared values, complementary skills, and a passion for connecting with their community, Christine and Peter are building more than a design practice—they’re helping redefine what integrated design can look like in Ridgefield.
“We love Ridgefield,” Peter says. “We’re really looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the community on all different levels and help people enjoy the place that we’ve enjoyed as a home so much.”
Please visit studio-cme.com to learn more and follow along on Instagram @studiocme for design advice and to see recent projects.
My first love was interiors, so I always describe myself as an interior architect