Conversations with Karen Liniado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Liniado

Hi Karen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?

I was born and raised in Argentina, but at 20, I moved to San Diego to pursue my passion for architecture and design. I earned my degree at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, which became the foundation of my creative journey.

In San Diego, I began my career at BASILE Studio, a firm renowned for its design-build approach. Working in a studio with a fabrication floor was incredibly enriching and gave me hands-on experience in hospitality design. From there, I was offered the position of Visual Design Director at Funko, where I developed my skills in 3D design and storytelling, exploring creative narratives in new and exciting ways.

After a few years, I transitioned to Los Angeles to work at Kelly Wearstler, where I gained a deep appreciation for finishes, textures, and high-end design. The experience expanded my understanding of luxury design, but I felt a pull toward more independent and diverse creative opportunities.

Now, I’m working freelance for Bureau Betak, designing immersive fashion sets that blend architecture, fashion, and storytelling—something I’ve always dreamed of doing. It’s been incredible to see how my architectural background has merged seamlessly with my passion for creating experiences in the fashion world.

Alongside my design work, I recently launched a jewelry brand called Olive Club with my best friend and college roommate, Paula. The brand celebrates individuality and timeless craftsmanship, and it’s been an exciting new venture that allows us to explore storytelling through design in a completely different medium.

Every step of my journey—from Argentina to San Diego, then Los Angeles—has been filled with growth, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped who I am today. I’m grateful to be able to express myself through my work and continue to explore new creative frontiers.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never been easy. I’ve always pushed myself to try new things, which sometimes meant taking on too many responsibilities and projects at once, leading to burnout. I’ve experienced setbacks, like being laid off, but I’ve always strived for independence—managing my own clients while working full-time.

Now, I’m taking a leap of faith into e-commerce, which is outside my field of expertise. However, I love design and the process of building a brand, so this new challenge excites me and fuels my passion for creativity.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in 3D design and visualization, running my independent studio, karenliniado.com. Whether it’s a small remodeling project, a large fashion show, or a commercial project, I bring ideas to life with high-quality renderings and immersive designs.

What sets me apart is my versatility—I can take on a range of projects, from architecture to set design, and adapt them into visually striking, story-driven spaces. My work is about transforming concepts into reality and telling a compelling visual story.

I’m most proud of the range of projects I’ve worked on, including creating fashion sets for Bureau Betak, where I’ve collaborated on high-profile events like the Spotify project, as well as working with brands such as Veuve Clicquot, Hermes, and Jacquemus. I’m also proud of my time at Funko, where I worked as Visual Design Director and collaborated with big names like Disney, Nike, Marvel, DC, and Snoop Dogg—an unconventional but incredibly rewarding experience for an architectural designer.

I’m also proud of Olive Club, the jewelry brand I co-founded with my best friend Paula. It was a huge leap for me, as I had no prior knowledge of how to start a jewelry business, from opening an LLC to building a Shopify website. I’m constantly learning new things, and that process of growth and innovation is something I’m deeply proud of.

What truly drives me is my ability to mix various design disciplines, creating work that’s both innovative and visually captivating. Whether it’s through 3D renderings or creating a brand from scratch, I always aim to push boundaries.

What’s next?
In the future, I’m excited to keep collaborating with Bureau Betak on more innovative projects, particularly in fashion and set design, where I can continue to blend architecture with these exciting creative fields.

I’m also focused on growing my jewelry brand, Olive Club, with my best friend Paula. We’re looking to create more brand events, especially in California, to make Olive Club more popular and increase our visibility. Eventually, we’d love to host pop-up shops around the world and collaborate with big brands. I strongly believe in the power of collaboration to grow and bring new, exciting opportunities to life.

Ultimately, I’m looking forward to expanding my creative horizons, both in the architectural world and with Olive Club, and embracing new opportunities that allow me to keep evolving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karenliniado.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karliniado/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-liniado/
• Other: https://www.oliveclubhouse.com