4 min read
Business partnerships require a certain kind of chemistry, one built on trust, a shared vision, and the feeling that no matter what, you’re stronger as a team than apart. For designers Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, that alchemy is the foundation of everything they do.
Though the pair crossed paths briefly in college, it wasn’t until a chance reconnection nearly a decade later that their story really began. In what Robins calls “a true gut instinct moment,” she approached Bennett with a proposition: leave her corporate career and go all-in on a design firm together.
That leap of faith became Kobel + Co, a Kansas City-based studio built on a compelling tension: one partner obsessed with architectural flow and functionality, the other deeply attuned to styling, atmosphere, and the emotional resonance of a room. Together, they describe their aesthetic as “a composition of contradictions; classic in foundation, personal in execution.” It’s an apt elevator pitch, not just of their interiors, but of their partnership itself.
“The natural yin-yang between us comes to life in everything, from how we shape a space to the experiences we create. We overlap in all of the ways that matter—a ruthless pursuit of the best design we can create, an indefatigable work ethic, a shared love of animal print—and are very opposite in many others,” says Bennett. “That balance not only keeps things in perspective but helps push us creatively. On top of all of that, we have a spark together; our shared energy sets us apart,” adds Robins.
Just six months into their new endeavor, the pandemic hit, and the fragile new ecosystem they’d spent time cultivating had to pivot on a dime. Their then-new e-design offering suddenly became essential, allowing them to complete spaces for more than 100 remote clients. “At the time, it felt like drinking from a fire hose,” Robins admits. But instead of discouraging them, the pressure refined them. The volume sharpened their point of view, strengthened their systems, and clarified what makes their studio distinct.
Today, Kobel + Co is guided by a singular defining principle. “Success for us now is about depth, not volume,” says Bennett. The goal isn't a full calendar; it's long-term clients who trust the pair completely, allowing them to synthesize a life into something dimensional and deeply personal. “The design is what steals the show, but it’s the immense amount of work to make it happen—and the experience the client has during the process—that make our studio truly successful,” adds Robins.
Get to Know Mallory and Elizabeth
House Beautiful: Describe a recent project that best captures your voice.
Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett: A historic home where the client truly gave us the freedom to reset it back to its original glory, while also layering in fresh, vibrant interiors that felt both classic and contemporary. We spend a lot of time at the onset of the project really listening to the client—and also in a way, listening to the house itself. We really strive to be good stewards, not only to the client's needs and design vision but to the architectural integrity of the home. When we’re able to seamlessly blend these cornerstones, the best of our work comes to life.
HB: What materials, palettes, or details are you drawn to again and again?
MR & EB: Honest materials, like natural stone, unlacquered brass that patinas over time, linen, mohair, and classic wood tones. Even in our most color-filled spaces, our palettes tend to be grounded and tonal, punctuated by depth. We’re drawn to tailoring in the foundational pieces: inset cabinetry, disciplined millwork, and thoughtful trim profiles.
HB: How are you building a sustainable design practice?
MR & EB: By prioritizing longevity in design decisions and clarity in process. Sustainable for us means creating homes that won’t need reinvention every five years, and building a team culture that supports excellence without burnout.
HB: What’s a hill you’ll die on when it comes to interiors?
MR & EB: Use walls and divisions to create rhythms, function, and flow. Intimate rooms allow you to create spaces for the multiple unique moods you want your home to embody. We are pro-wall! Also, scale is everything. The wrong proportion will undermine even the most beautiful materials.
HB: What has been the biggest shift in your business in the last year?
MR & EB: Investing in ourselves, clients, and our team. We purchased a new building to serve as our studio and showroom, a move that felt equal parts thrilling and daunting. We wanted a space that reflected our point of view and immersed clients in an environment we’ve created. It’s also an investment in our team, by giving them a space that elevates their craft and honors the work they do each day. And perhaps most meaningfully, it’s an investment in Kansas City. We see our studio as a destination; a place where clients can experience luxury residential brands in person, where industry partners can gather, and where design is both tactile and communal.
