Misty Brookson and Christine Bonk have joined Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln team as lead designers, while Lauren Hawkins and Lauren Burkhardt have been promoted to associate designers II in Battle Creek, and Amie Jensen has been promoted to lead designer in Provo.

The continued growth of the design team strengthens the full-service support available to customers planning an aircraft refurbishment. From the earliest conversations through project completion, the designers help customers transform their ideas, preferences and operational needs into a cohesive design that is attractive, functional and appropriate for the aircraft environment.

An aviation designer brings specialised knowledge to the refurbishment process. In addition to understanding colour, texture, proportion and current design trends, they consider durability, weight, materials, certification requirements, cabin dimensions, maintainability and how each selection will be produced and installed.

Duncan’s designers work closely with customers to understand how they use their aircraft and what they want the completed cabin to feel like. They then help guide decisions involving seating, cabinetry, flooring, sidewalls, headliners, lighting, fixtures, fabrics, leathers, finishes and other details that contribute to the overall cabin experience.

Because the designers are part of Duncan’s integrated refurbishment teams, they can collaborate directly with sales representatives, project managers, engineers, technicians and production teams throughout the project. This coordination helps customers make informed decisions while keeping the overall design, project scope, aircraft requirements and production process aligned.

Misty Brookson earned a degree in interior design from Scottsdale Community College in Arizona and previously worked in kitchen and bath design. She sees her role as a bridge between inspiration and execution, helping translate a customer’s ideas into a design that can be successfully completed and enjoyed for years to come.

Christine Bonk earned a BSc in design with a major in interior design from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and brings experience in high-end residential design, primarily supporting remodels and new construction. This helps her create aircraft interiors that feel comfortable, inviting and personal. She approaches each project as though she were designing her own aircraft and strives to provide every customer with the same level of care and attention she would expect herself.

Lauren Hawkins began her Duncan career in 2021 as a parts runner in the Battle Creek warehouse. She later advanced to a warehouse/burn cage specialist position before transitioning to the design team as a design assistant and eventually being promoted to associate designer II. She earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and media arts from Southern New Hampshire University, and has experience in graphic design and traditional art, including creating album artwork for local bands and completing commissioned paintings.

Lauren Burkhardt earned a BSc in fashion design from Western Michigan University. She enjoys guiding customers through the design process and helping bring their ideas together into a cohesive interior that reflects their individual style and vision.

Amie Jensen began her career as a finish/cabinet assistant and discovered a passion for the creative side of the industry. She developed her design knowledge through onsite experience and her education at the Interior Design Institute. Her experience on the shop floor gives her a valuable perspective as a lead designer, combining an understanding of the creative vision with firsthand knowledge of the craftsmanship required to bring each design to life.

To complement these appointments, four design assistants have also joined the aircraft interior design teams: Tara Schamehorn in Battle Creek, Michigan; Halle Russell and Schyler Hoberty in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Taelyn Fauset in Provo, Utah.

They will provide added support for the important behind-the-scenes work that shapes the customer experience throughout an aircraft refurbishment.

When customers begin planning a new aircraft interior, the most visible decisions often involve colours, materials, patterns and finishes. Behind each of those selections, however, are many details that must be researched, organised, documented, communicated and carried forward throughout the project.

Design assistants work alongside the designers to help prepare material samples and presentations, research options, organise customer selections, maintain design documentation and support communication with the teams responsible for bringing each concept to life. As selections evolve, they help ensure the most current information remains organised and accessible throughout the project.

This additional support allows designers to remain focused on listening to customers, understanding how they use their aircraft and developing interiors that reflect their preferences. It also helps create continuity between the design presented to the customer and the details ultimately executed by the production teams.

Tara Schamehorn earned a BSc in fashion merchandising from Western Michigan University and spent five years as a bridal consultant, where she developed a strong understanding of how fabrics, colours, textures and other materials work together.

Halle Russell earned an associate's degree in architectural design from Southeast Community College. Her design interests centre on creating spaces that feel comfortable, inviting and personal. She also enjoys incorporating colour, intricate patterns and distinctive details that give an aircraft its own recognisable personality.

Schyler Hoberty graduated from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, with a BA in fine arts in interior design. She believes interior design involves more than creating an attractive space. Her approach balances creativity with functionality, comfort and purpose while keeping the experience of the person using the space at the centre of the process.

Taelyn Fauset has long been interested in the process of bringing different elements together to create intentional, cohesive spaces. Design courses helped her strengthen her skills, and working as a design assistant on residential and commercial projects taught her the importance of balancing visual appeal with functionality while listening closely to each client's needs and preferences.