Who We Are

Our story started in 2009 with a vision to change the conversation around the built environment. Our founder believed that design can be better and that it can be as simple as seeking to understand. We study emerging demands and their impact on performance to deliver intentional, effective and curated design experiences. After all, design challenges shouldn’t be hard. They should be fun.

We believe in a simple philosophy that successful placemaking is shaped by three influences: space, culture and brand. They are interconnected: each inspires, motivates and persuades the others. To function under the impression that these can operate independently is status quo and Verve exists to disrupt the status quo.

Erin Deason

As a Senior Associate, Erin is a project manager, is an NCIDQ qualified interior designer, as well as LEED AP BD+C, and has since become a licensed interior designer with the state of Maryland. With 9 years of design and project management experience in healthcare, higher education and corporate office design, Erin excels in her ability to connect with clients and carry a project from conception through completion. She graduated from Western Michigan University and relocated to Baltimore to continue practicing interior design.

In addition to design and project management at the Verve Partnership, Erin can always be found in the company of friends or working on renovating her Highlandtown home with her husband, John. The Baltimore food scene provides many opportunities for socializing and her vision for giving old things new life creates a never ending list of things to do and places to be!

Abi Knipscher

Abi returned to Baltimore to join the Verve Partnership after completing her Interior Design degree at the University of Cincinnati. She is a Designer and LEED Green Associate with experience in branded environments and commercial interiors. Her education included two funded studio courses that produced designs for One Sight (Luxottica) and Hampton Inn. She is a long-term member of IIDA and is pursuing NCIDQ qualification.

Outside the Verve Partnership Abi enjoys traveling with her husband William, a fine art photographer. They have one fur-baby: a rescue “chorkie” named Stella.

Kelly Ennis

Founder and Managing Principal of The Verve Partnership, Kelly leads the vision of the firm, aligning business objectives with award winning design and strategy solutions. Twenty+ years of experience has taught her the value of a trust-based and team-focused management approach. She has established alliances with leaders in complementary industries, and forms tailored teams of hand-picked experts for every project.

Leading an exceptional team of rock star designers, planners, researchers and strategists, The Verve Partnership is a leader in innovative design for the built environment in varying project types including: Commercial, Innovation, Professional Services, and Retail.

The Verve Partnership is set apart because of our deep commitment to the holistic user experience. It’s no wonder that our approach to every project is unique and strategic.