Cassandra Provenzola - Principal Designer

I opened Proven in 2018, and Dexter MI has felt like a hug ever since. I wanted our studio to feel like a home and designed the space to reflect my style. I wanted Proven to have a feeling that evoked a warm home on a fall day, with your favorite candle burning, the sunlight hitting through the windows warming the floor, and a cup of coffee in your hand.

I love to create. Every space is different because there is just one and only you! Your home should be as unique as you are. I love the puzzle of design. I think that I was gifted to see a space. Most good designers see space uniquely, and I approach each space knowing I can improve it. My focus is always on the people. How do you live? What is needed? Our process allows the pieces to fit into place, and we create homes that sing for its residents. It’s genuinely thrilling!

I am an avid antique lover, adore anything vintage, and am genuinely drawn to anything with a past. I find so much inspiration in simple things, from hand-carved corbels to candle sticks. Our studio is always filled with antiques; we integrate many pieces into our designs. Every space we create feels like it has a soul. You can find me often dragging my kiddos and husband to my favorite antique markets and warehouses; don’t be fooled, they love the hunt, too!

I have always known this was my career choice. I was helping my friend’s parents rearrange their homes and choose paint colors at sleepovers. It’s wild to believe that I have been in this industry professionally for nearly 20 years! I feel blessed to create something new daily, be invited into many homes, and help our clients live better with functional and beautiful designs.

I have two beautiful kiddos who help in the studio often, they are the reason I exist. I am consistently thankful that I get to work with my husband, who is a delight! I love to travel. I love the outdoors (but not sleeping in it; let's not get carried away!). I am proud that I have built a business that cares for its clients and takes pride in our product; but I am incredibly proud of our employees, the work they do, and the people they are.

 

Danielle Franz - Office Manager

Growth-focused and innovative, Danielle Franz is a talented leader who came to us from the healthcare industry, uniquely we have found that processes are more alike than one would think! Many of Danielle's practices have elevated our standards and capacity.  As Office Manager, Danielle is responsible for our team's schedules, finances, and communication. We love that Danielle pushes us to be the client-focused staff that we are and that she strives for excellence. She is always looking for creative and innovative ways to grow and expand our business. 

Danielle moved to Dexter 4 days before extreme weather hit our tiny city with the Tornado in 2012, and she has made a permanent home in the community ever since. She began her career at Proven part-time on evenings and weekends; slowly but surely, we realized we couldn't function without her. Danielle is a mom to four kiddos (she is a dreadnaught through and through) who are all going through the Dexter school system. She is our resident flower enthusiast! Danielle has a beautiful vegetable garden and yardscape at her own home, and her hibiscus in the summer is prize-worthy. 

You will find Danielle most days offering our guest a specialty coffee, answering the phone at Proven, scheduling all of our appointments, and ensuring that day to day finances are being met. We are honored to have her husband Ed Franz also work for Proven, doing many of our small projects and backsplashes. Together they are responsible for our delicious baked goods we share for community events and open houses. Our favorite is by far the carrot cake! 

 

Rachel Rutyna - Interior Designer

Hi, I'm Rachel. My favorite part of the design process is creating unique ideas and bringing them to life in our clients' homes. I'm passionate about collaborating with both our design team and clients to create spaces that feel personal, inspiring, and thoughtfully curated.

I want every client to feel excited about their space, not only because it's beautiful, but because it's timeless and intentionally designed around their everyday lifestyle. My personal design style leans traditional with a boho-coastal flair. I love spaces that feel clean and elevated while still incorporating character through collected pieces and layered details. However, I enjoy stepping outside of my own style preferences to create designs that feel authentic to each client's vision.

Outside of the studio, I love exploring different cities and walking through neighborhoods to admire the charm and character of each home. My camera roll is filled with beautiful architecture and inspiring interiors gathered along the way. I also value living a healthy, balanced lifestyle through yoga and staying active throughout the week. These moments outside of work help keep me grounded, creative, and inspired in my design career.

I'm excited to meet you and show you how the Proven team can guide you in creating a forever home for you and your family.

 

Kristyna Matejova - Interior Designer

Hi, I’m Kristyna! I grew up in the Czech Republic, spent my twenties exploring life in California, and now I’m happily settled in Michigan.

Before design, I tried just about everything—working in coffee shops, airports, restaurants, and even on a movie set. But design was always quietly waiting in the background. Once I earned my degree from OCC, I knew I had found where I truly belonged.

I started here as an intern and now work full-time as a design assistant. Creating renderings is my favorite part of the process—I can easily lose track of time playing with color palettes, fun combinations, and finding that perfect look for each client.

When I’m not designing, you’ll find me on a yoga mat or out walking in nature, recharging and getting inspired for the next project.

 

Meg Clarke - Stylist

Hi, I’m Meg. I have a deep passion for interior spaces and the thoughtful details that transform a house into a beautifully curated home. With over eight years of experience in design and styling, my approach blends refined aesthetics with intentional functionality—creating spaces that feel as effortless as they are elevated.

I believe great design lives in the details. From layered textures to perfectly tailored organizational solutions, I love uncovering the pieces and moments that reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and point of view. My goal is always to create spaces that not only look stunning, but truly support the way you live every day.

As a Dexter local, I draw inspiration from both my surroundings and my own design-build home, which my husband and I brought to life together from the ground up. Outside of the studio, you’ll often find me tending to my bees or enjoying a walk with my Great Dane—simple rituals that keep me grounded and inspired.

I’m genuinely excited to partner with you and guide you through every step of your project, bringing clarity, creativity, and a thoughtful eye to the process. I look forward to helping you create a space that feels distinctly, beautifully yours.

 

Vivian Mergler - Design Assistant

Hi I’m Viv! I’m currently a senior studying interior design and construction management at Eastern Michigan University! Design is a field I’ve been passionate about ever since I was younger. I also graduated from Dexter High School, so I am very happy to be back working in my hometown. Fun fact, I actually shadowed at Proven when the studio was still on Broad Street!

My favorite part of design is getting to know clients on a personal level and creating a project they love! I’ve always been a people person, so entering a career path where I can meet new people every day while continuing my passion for creativity made perfect sense to me.

Outside of work and school I am a proud member of Sigma Kappa sorority, and I love to do anything that involves being creative or traveling to new places! Whether traveling around the globe or finding local hidden gems- I love to discover new places to explore.

I look forward to continuing to grow and learn with Proven!

 

Emma McGrath - Design Assistant

Hi, I'm Emma. I'm currently a senior at Michigan State University studying Interior Design and Business. Design has always been a significant part of who I am. Whether I was rearranging my room every month or admiring the homes I passed by, I have always been fascinated by the way thoughtful design can transform a space and enhance everyday life.

What excites me most about design is the opportunity to take someone's vision and turn it into a reality they can enjoy for years to come. I am passionate about creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional while reflecting the unique personality and needs of each client.

Outside of school and design, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and staying active through exercise, sports, and neighborhood walks. One of my favorite hobbies is exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods with friends, appreciating the different architectural styles and design details that make each home unique. I love discovering creative features and design elements that inspire new ideas and perspectives.

I am excited for this opportunity to learn, grow, meet new people, and help bring dream spaces to life through thoughtful and meaningful design.

 

Mario Provenzola - Chief Operations Officer

Mario is married to our chief cook and bottle washer. His focus is working behind the scenes to ensure product is received and delivered timely. You will see him at your projects, checking in orders, delivering materials, and working with our installation crews. Proven often receives freight directly to ensure that we do not have damages through third-party distribution. Each project that we build has approx. 300 plus moving parts and orders. That's a lot to track! Thankfully, we count on Mario to get most of that freight to its destination with ease. When Mario is not hard at work he loves to spend time with his family. He loves to just be home, which is a challenge when there is a business to help manage and kids with so. many. activities.