Our Designers
The first question our designers ask clients is: What do you need to feel comfortable in the space? With this information and direction, our designers make personalized selections from the EWF Modern Collections of furniture, rugs, lighting, art, and other home decor. Our designers are gifted collaborators and will work with you to create a design plan you love.
Renee Russo
“I like to get to know my clients’ personalities and what is important to them about their project.”
Owner Renee Russo introduced her style agenda in 2002 with her first store East West Fusion, a mix of handcrafted Asian antiques and contemporary western accessories. The success of East West Fusion inspired the launch of EWF Modern in April 2007. Renee’s organic modern aesthetic became Portland’s signature style - a combination of contemporary design with warm, natural accents inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
Rachel Surgalski
“I believe that a well-designed space functions like a mirror—each piece in the space should be a reflection of those that occupy it.”
“Art and design are integral parts of who I am. I’ve made art all throughout my life—music, writing, drawing, digital art, etc. Interior design has been an excellent blend between my passion for visual aesthetics and my love of connecting with people. As a biracial person, I take inspiration from multiple cultures and find joy in diverse design. Tonal neutrals, organic forms, handmade textures, and natural materials are my love languages!”
DIXIE BERGER
“...sheepskins make EVERYTHING better.”
Dixie is EWF Modern’s showroom mascot, greeter, and finder of all patches of sunlight. Want to know the most comfortable place to perch? She’s your girl. Win her heart with peanut butter pretzels and she’ll tell you all the design secrets like pssst, sheepskins really do make everything better.
EREZ RUSSO
“A space should feel easy to live in - that is, natural and functional and also uplifting.”
With over 23 years of experience, Erez brings valuable insight to design projects from his background in architecture. His firm, Erez Russo Architect PC, specializes in residential, commercial, and mixed use buildings with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. He finds inspiration from a deep respect for nature and extensive world travel, evident in projects through intentional sourcing of texture and organic elements.