About The Team
Meet the Experts Behind CRATE Interiors
CRATE Interiors pioneered the concept of virtual design sessions, connecting clients worldwide with our design experts based in Puerto Vallarta, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Orlando, and Toronto.
This unique international footprint allows us to blend global design trends with local expertise—perfectly suited for homeowners and investors furnishing properties across Nayarit and other premier destinations in Mexico.
Whether you’re meeting with us online or on-site, our team ensures a seamless turnkey process: from concept to sourcing, installation, and white-glove finishing touches. With specialists spanning multiple cities, we offer both the cultural perspective of North American buyers and the on-the-ground expertise in Puerto Vallarta.
Experts Who Understand Your Vision
At CRATE Interiors, our team is united by a shared passion for transforming spaces into stylish, functional, and move-in-ready homes. Each member brings unique expertise—from interior design and project management to sourcing and installation—ensuring that every project reflects not only our signature style but also your personal vision.
Your Turnkey Design Partners
Behind every project is a dedicated group of designers, project managers, and sourcing specialists. Together, we combine global perspective with local expertise to deliver seamless, move-in-ready results.
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Debra Stevenson
PRESIDENT
With 20 yrs. in the fashion and home furnishings industry, Debra has spent her corporate career overseeing design teams, sourcing and production for global brands. Born in sunny South Africa, Debra has travelled all over the world and has a passion for modern architecture, indigenous craft, yoga and hiking. Her own real estate projects have produced the market’s highest return on investment as a result of careful furnishings selection, art buying and staging. She personally works with clients each month to ensure the same results for their properties.
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Meldy Rafols
FINANCE
Meldy joined CRATE Interiors during our initial startup and has faithfully supported our growth and innovation through the many phases and stages. She contributes decades of financial expertise gleaned in LA’s fast-paced fashion and home furnishings industry and led the creation of systems that run our logistics, freight and project management functions.
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Salvadore Jimenez
LOGISTICS
Salvadore started with us in the beginning as a warehouse expeditor and quickly grew into a full-service logistics partner, handling all aspects of CRATE Interiors freight, importation and delivery. Not a small matter, considering the extensive service and product offering that now defines our turnkey solution. He ensures every delivery is handled with personal attention and priority.
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Alejandro Rafael Baldaras
INSTALL MANAGER
Alex joins our team at Install Manager, overseeing our deliveries and White Glove Installs. His experience in both logistics and years working in theatre production is a perfect match for our detailed and highly aesthetic services. When not overseeing our dedicated crews, you can find him doing stand-up comedy or music performance on a variety of stages.
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Kyla Hannah DeVera
DESIGN ASSISTANT
Kyla joins our team as the functional hub of our design department, contributing her deep knowledge of sourcing and project management gleaned in the kitchen design space. With roots in Toronto and Philippines, she is well versed in global design trends and offers a fresh perspective in all our creative endeavours.
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Laura Phillips
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Laura joins our team as Lead Interior Designer with a background in renovations, flips and kitchen/bathroom redesign. Her fresh, boho taste level is a perfect match for our coastal design projects and resort living. Recently relocating her family from Toronto to the Bay of Banderas, she personally understands the challenges of moving to Mexico and starting a new home from scratch. This perspective and expertise is a core resource for our international real estate investors.
