ROSEMARY RARIDEN COTTER

Rosemary Rariden Cotter co-founder and senior partner, comes to the interior design business with approaching 20 years experience in residential and commercial design. An Oakland County native, Rosemary was raised in the country with antiques and an emphasis on decorative arts. Rosemary’s beginning as a 19 year old newlywed was relegated to stripping wallpaper and painting their honeymoon cottage. After two sons born in the 70’s and a career in real estate management, Rosemary brought her interests in interior design and decorative arts full circle. After an apprenticeship she founded the design firm of Jones-Keena. In the late 90’s the firm was sold and Rosemary continued as chairman emeritus. Within 18 months Rariden-Schumacher was formulated and launched with Jill Schumacher and followed by Michelle Mio within the year. The firm has grown, matured and completed a number of world class assignments. Rosemary has worked in both Southern and Northern Michigan, the Rocky Mountains and South Florida on a routine basis. Rosemary’s proclivity and her strength lies in timeless traditional work accented with fine art and antiques to which she has had considerable training. She is regarded as an expert on color and texture, her color sense is legendary. Her work has been published yet she maintains a high level of privacy which manifests in time spent with her family and charitable pursuits. Rosemary, her husband Michael a local real estate broker and their 3 dogs divide their time between Bloomfield Hills, Harbor Springs, Michigan and Naples, Florida.

JILL SCHUMACHER

Jill Schumacher is one of the founding partners of Rariden Schumacher Mio. Her work as one of the principal designers at the firm, along with partners Rosemary Rariden-Cotter and Michelle Mio, is inspired by her appreciation for exquisite materials and furnishings. Jill’s extensive experience in interior design and demand for outstanding craftsmanship is juxtaposed with her eye for unconventional accents, creating the exceptional aesthetic sensitivity she brings to each design project. Prior to forming Rariden-Schumacher-Mio, Jill managed the Rozmallin showroom in the Michigan Design Center, and spent two years as an associate designer and project manager with a design firm in Birmingham, Michigan. Jill has completed projects as far reaching as Paris, Chicago and New York City. She loves the challenges that completing a project off her home turf brings and the excitement of learning the different personalities of a new city. Jill is honored to be involved with many local charities that she feels truly benefit the Detroit area. Former member of the Karmanos Partners board, Jill participated for years in their largest annual event, both as a board chair and sponsorship from RSM Interiors. Jill is a volunteer committee member, as well as, an Executive Board member at The Children’s Center of Wayne County. Jill considers being involved with The Children’s Center a great honor as their work with families and children in need is unsurpassed in Detroit! RSM also participates with The Children’s Center as a member of the Village of Giving.

Jill is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she studied Visual Arts. Jill lives in Ferndale with her husband David and rescue dog number two, a grateful German Shepard named Fritz Pancake.

They entertain often in their home sharing the aesthetic of cozy, fine living that Jill brings into her client’s homes.

MICHELLE MIO

Growing up in California, Michelle’s parents always knew she would work in a field where her creativity would be put to good use. They never knew that passion would take their daughter across the country to Michigan! An accomplished collegiate golfer and student, Michelle had to decide whether golf or interior design would be her life’s path. Hands down, Michelle chose interior design! After graduating from Texas Christian University with a B.S. in Interior Design and a minor in Japanese, Michelle began working at a design firm in Fort Worth, Texas-an established company servicing some of the metroplex’s most prestigious clientele. After several years of designing in Texas, the winds of change brought Michelle to Michigan. She updated her winter wardrobe and accepted a senior design position at a local firm in Birmingham, Michigan. After spending four years with the firm, Michelle decided to open her own firm-Mio & Co., Inc. Working on multiple residential, corporate and hospitality projects, Michelle enjoyed the entrepreneurial aspect of being “her own boss.” Exactly one year later, designers, business owners and friends, Rosemary Cotter and Jill Schumacher invited Michelle to combine her experience and talent with theirs and Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co. was born. Since then, the firm has had the opportunity to design homes from coast to coast, as well as in Europe and the Island of St. John. Michelle’s work has also been featured on Detroit Fox News, HGTV and the cover of Décor Magazine. Michelle is proud to be involved with her community. She is former member of the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Partners Committee, serving as President and Executive Committee Co-Chair. Michelle has also been involved with the Restore Foundation and proudly supports the Michigan Humane Society and Detroit Children’s Fund. Currently she is an affiliate of The Children’s Center Village of Giving and enjoys volunteering in the many events The Children’s Center has throughout the year. Michelle can often be found walking her French Bulldogs, Gus and Gertie, through downtown Birmingham. If you happen to see them, the dogs love having their bellies rubbed!

ERIN PARKER

Erin Parker is a Associate Designer at Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co. Erin was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University’s CIDA accredited Interior Design program. Prior to working at Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co., Erin gained professional experience from her internships at Jack Fhillips Design, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida, F. Schumacher and Co. showroom at the Michigan Design Center, and as an intern at Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co. Erin began working as a Design Associate at Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co. directly after graduation. Erin’s passion for design stems from her love for beautiful architecture and stunning interiors. She has always had a unique design aesthetic from an early age. Perhaps it runs in the family, as her great grandfather was a designer. Erin prides herself on her attention to detail and the functionality of a space. Working closely with clients, and creative problem solving makes every day a new and exciting experience.

KIRSTEN ROBY

Kirsten is an Associate Designer at Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co. Her interest in interior design began at an early age when she enjoyed frequently redecorating her bedroom and helping her parents with home renovations. Coupled with her love for other creative outlets, she knew a career in the field was a natural fit. Kirsten graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in interior design from Michigan State University in 2009. Wanting to further her knowledge and experience in the field, she completed her Masters in Interior Design from Lawrence Technological University in 2011. In addition to her design education, Kirsten has a variety of work experience interning with residential design firms, including a summer in New York City, as well as years working in the retail industry as a visual stylist for Saks Fifth Avenue. All opportunities encouraged Kirsten to push her creativity, attention to detail and strengthen client relationships. Kirsten enjoys working on projects that can reflect client’s individual style. She loves architectural details, rich materials and mixing patterns. Born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan, Kirsten now lives with her husband, Tony, their fun-loving toddler, Rose, sweet baby boy, Sidney and Pomeranian, Furby in Franklin.

ANDREA COTTER

Andrea is an Associate Designer at Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co. Born and raised in Michigan, Andrea was surrounded by a family of avid antique collectors and dealers. She developed an appreciation for art & interiors at a young age. From early on, Andrea knew that textiles inspired her, and an understanding of color and texture came naturally. Andrea received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from CIDA accredited Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With Kendall Colleges’ collection of period furniture, textile classes and a community of artists and designers, Andrea flourished. An interdisciplinary design school sharpened her technical and creative skills, but her real world learning experience began after graduation while interning at Rariden Schumacher Mio Interiors. Andrea’s career then took her from living in New York City to Saint Louis, then Los Angeles. Each city inspired her and influenced her eclectic style. Eventually she landed right back in Michigan, as a designer at Rariden Schumacher Mio Interiors. Andrea enjoys working with clients to help them express their personal style, and believes that your home is an extension of who you are and should reflect your chosen lifestyle. Andrea has two cats and enjoys sipping tea, practicing yoga, collecting vintage clothing & organizing things neatly.