Alissa’s love for history started well before she studied it formally at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Raised by parents who valued craftsmanship and a good antique hunt, she grew up wandering markets and estate sales, learning to recognize quality by touch, weight, and finish. Those early experiences shaped her eye and sparked a lasting interest in objects with substance and story.

At St Andrews, her academic focus deepened her appreciation for how materials, form, and design eras reflect the people who made them. That perspective carried naturally into interiors, where she gained early experience working with respected dealers and galleries at the Mart, including Mike Bell and Richard Norton. The exposure helped refine her understanding of provenance, scale, and the balance between old and new.

Even with this foundation, Alissa is most energized by the hunt. She enjoys getting in the truck, keeping an open mind, and finding exceptional pieces in barns, small-town shops, and private collections. She has a trained instinct for identifying items with potential and seeing how they can be revived for contemporary living.