I have had the pleasure to work alongside Zarah in a professional capacity since 2010 and during that time I have been most impressed with the passion she has for her clients.  Zarah enthusiastic approach to creative problem solving results in s a high level of quality in design, project management and client service. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for an interior designer that they can trust to serve their best interests on a daily basis and deliver a product that they will be extremely proud of! 

Stacy L Cox, AIA | President

​Studio Four Design


Interior DESIGN * CONSULTING

Zarah has a passion for design, and is inspired and driven to make a client’s vision become reality. She works side-by-side with each client, ensuring that the outcome is exactly as they desire. Zarah brings extensive leadership, design and project management experience to the team. Her oversight and involvement encompass the process from concept through completion. Zarah has a passion to capture her client’s vision and provide solutions, which results in an integrated team approach. She consistently exceeds client expectations; this work ethic earned her the Knoxville News Sentinel’s 2013 Reader’s Choice Award for Favorite Interior Designer.

Kristina’s passion for design is rooted in the process of bringing her clients' vision, culture and brand to life in the form of a built environment. She enjoys the multi-faceted nature of design, crafting both the big picture for a project and the minute details of spaces that ultimately create environments affecting more than just aesthetics. Kristina excels in guiding a group to consensus by finding common goals and building on them to create a shared project vision, and ensuring the final result is consistent. Kristina has played various roles in her experience, working not only in design but also in firm leadership, commercial furniture and account management, which lends a unique perspective to her work. She’s had the opportunity to be a part of numerous projects ranging from major hospitals, universities and corporate headquarters to boutique stores, clinics, country clubs, startup offices and homes. Kristina is actively involved with all phases of design and especially enjoys working alongside her clients in a highly personal and collaborative design process. 

Design Team Consultants

Jill's experience encompasses a broad spectrum of interior design... from one-of-a-kind commercial interiors and livable luxury homes to Relais & Chateaux hospitality design.  Her approach to design is to exceed the client's expectations, while recognizing the balance of aesthetics and "real-world" applications. Whether it's a dental office, a wellness retreat, an office space or a guest suite, every detail is examined for clarity and performance. She revels in working alongside architects, interior designers, general contractors and tradesman. She validates that each person plays an important role in the final product. She welcomes the opportunity to take on a hands-on approach and to learn new skills. Whether it's working on construction documents, specifying furnishings and finish selections or installations, Jill's team-approach and passion for a unique experience has afforded her projects most can only dream about. Some of Jill's collaborative works have been published and recognized by national periodicals for interior design.

Jill Rider | NCIDQ

Registered Interior Designer


Education: Associate of Applied Science, Interior Design

Pellissippi State Community College, 2007


Registration: Tennessee, NCIDQ



Kristina Wright | NCIDQ

Registered Interior Designer


Registration: Tennessee, NCIDQ



Zarah G. Bates | ASID, LEED BD+C

Principal, Registered Interior Designer


Education: Bachelor of Science, Interior Design

East Tennessee State University, 2007


Registration: Tennessee, LEED BD+C, NCIDQ