Meet our Interior Design team
At By Design Interiors, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help—whether you connect with us by phone, email, or visit our Christchurch office.
Led by interior designer Lynley Hansen, our team works closely together to guide clients through the many decisions involved in creating a home. With extensive experience across new builds, interior styling and property presentation, we bring both practical knowledge and creative ideas to every project.
Lynley is supported by a talented team including Sarah, Alex and Nicky, along with administrative support from Sheree. Each member of the team brings their own skills and experience, helping ensure every project runs smoothly from initial consultation through to the finishing touches.
Together we work alongside homeowners, builders and developers to make the design and selections process enjoyable, well considered and beautifully executed.
LYNLEY HANSEN
Business Owner / Interior Designer
Lynley Hansen is the founder of By Design Interiors and an experienced interior designer with a Diploma in Interior Design. Originally from Gore in Southland, she moved to Christchurch in 2000 to study and has proudly called the city home ever since.
Between 2000 and 2014, Lynley worked across the construction, bathroom and flooring industries, building extensive product knowledge and strong supplier relationships while gaining valuable hands-on experience in residential interiors. During the later years of this period, By Design Interiors began to take shape as Lynley transitioned into working for herself while raising her young family.
Today, with over two decades of experience and a well-established business, Lynley works closely with a number of Canterbury building companies, guiding their clients through the many decisions involved in creating a new home. From colour palettes and finishes to wallpapers, furnishings and interior details, she helps bring each client’s vision together in a way that feels cohesive and personal.
Known for her warm, practical approach, Lynley specialises in interpreting each client’s individual taste through colour, texture and thoughtful design choices, making the selection process both enjoyable and manageable.
Her design philosophy is simple:
“Trust your instincts — you live there.”
While resale value can be considered, Lynley believes a home should ultimately reflect the people who live in it and feel like a sanctuary from the moment you walk through the door.
Lynley Hansen
Dip. Interior Design
📞 021 712 699
✉️ lynley@bydesigninteriors.co.nz
SARAH VAN TUEL
Interior Designer and Marketing Co-ordinator
Sarah is the warm and approachable Design and Marketing Coordinator at By Design Interiors. With diplomas in both Interior Design and Graphic Design, she brings a creative perspective and a strong eye for detail to the team.
A proud Cantabrian, Sarah enjoys being part of the local community and helping clients navigate the early stages of their design journey. She manages much of our marketing while also coordinating client consultations and supporting the design team—so hers is often the friendly voice you’ll hear when you first get in touch with the studio.
Sarah’s easygoing nature helps clients feel comfortable from the very beginning, and she enjoys seeing each project evolve into a home filled with colour, character and comfort.
Sarah van Tuel
Dip. Graphic Design & Dip. Interior Design
📞 027 8500 167
📧 designer@bydesigninteriors.co.nz
NICKY WARD
Property Styling & Staging Coordinator
Nicky is part of the styling and staging team at By Design Interiors, bringing creativity, precision and a strong eye for presentation.
With over 15 years’ experience in hospitality and event styling — including running her own boutique catering business — Nicky has developed a natural ability to create visually engaging spaces that leave a lasting impression. Her background in event setup and coordination translates seamlessly into property styling, where balance, detail and atmosphere are key.
Known for her organisation and positive approach, Nicky plays an important role in preparing homes so they feel welcoming, cohesive and beautifully presented.
Nicky Ward
📞 022 175 5700
✉️ staging@bydesigninteriors.co.nz
ALEX SMITH
Design & Administrative Support
Alex provides valuable design and administrative support to the team at By Design Interiors, helping keep projects organised and running smoothly behind the scenes.
Originally trained as a hairdresser, Alex developed an early appreciation for colour, creativity and working closely with clients. Over the past several years she has worked within the building industry, gaining a strong understanding of the new home process and the many decisions involved in creating a home.
Alex enjoys assisting with colour selections, preparing project documentation and supporting the design team. She also helps across staging projects, contributing to the preparation and styling of homes ready for the market.
Her friendly nature, practical knowledge and love of interiors make her a natural fit within the By Design Interiors team.
Alex Smith
📞 022 048 4615
✉️ colours@bydesigninteriors.co.nz
SHEREE TAYLOR
Office Administrator
Sheree provides office administration support for By Design Interiors, helping keep the day-to-day operations of the business running smoothly behind the scenes.
She also runs her own bookkeeping business, Taylored Bookkeeping, where she supports small business owners and sole traders across the Canterbury region with a range of accounting and administrative services.
With a strong eye for organisation and a practical approach to business systems, Sheree enjoys helping businesses stay on track so owners can focus on what they do best.
Outside of work, Sheree is a busy mum to three children and enjoys supporting local businesses within her community.
Sheree Taylor
✉️ tayloredbookkeeping.co.nz@gmail.com