Behind the Design
Built on a shared passion for design and impactful home presentation, Rob and Christine’s partnership has grown into a refined approach to home staging in the Indianapolis market.
With the acquisition of Koti Design Co and the re-branding and launch as Indy Design Co, they saw an opportunity to build on something meaningful—honoring the strong foundation Kate Elliott created, while bringing a fresh, strategic perspective forward.
Their work pairs elevated design with a strategic focus on maximizing a home’s potential—guided by their career-long combined expertise in homebuilding, design, hospitality, and real estate.
Our Philosophy
At our core, we believe in the power of thoughtful design to bring a home to life. Every home. Every room. Every detail, designed to move.
Our aesthetic is rooted in simplicity and timeless design—we stage & style with clean lines, layered textures, and a quiet sophistication that allows each home’s character to take center stage. Every detail is curated to highlight its architecture and flow, preparing it for the market in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and aligned with how today’s buyers want to live.
Because staging is never just about how a home looks.
It’s about how a home is experienced.
Our goal is simple » to transform each home into something unforgettable, where buyers can instantly imagine it as their own.
The Indy Design Collective
Rob Ertel
Co-Founder | Creative Director
Rob Ertel brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of real estate, home staging, and interior design. Known for his strategic, design-forward approach, he helps transform homes into compelling, market-ready spaces that connect with buyers and drive stronger results.
With firsthand experience representing both buyers and sellers, Rob has a deep understanding of what today’s buyers are drawn to—and how to position a home to stand out, both online and in person. His ability to blend thoughtful design with real estate insight allows Indy Design Co to create spaces that not only look beautiful, but are intentionally designed to increase interest, strengthen offers, and elevate overall performance.
Rooted in a background of hospitality and corporate leadership, Rob approaches every project with a refined sense of service, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. His work is thoughtful, curated, and always grounded in both experience and strategy.
At Indy Design Co, Rob leads the creative vision behind each project, guided by the belief that every home has a story. Through careful editing and reimagining, he creates spaces that feel warm, elevated, and easy to connect with—helping buyers not just see a home, but envision their life within it.
Christine Robbins
Co-Founder | Designer
Christine Robbins brings a unique blend of builder expertise, design insight, and real estate experience to Indy Design Co. With over sixteen years in new construction and seven years as a licensed real estate broker, she offers a strategic perspective on how homes are designed, positioned, and ultimately experienced in today’s market.
Having guided hundreds of homeowners through the building and design selection process, Christine has a trained eye for what truly resonates—understanding which details enhance both livability and long-term value. Through her work with clients, she has also led both vacant staging and occupied consultations, helping homes feel cohesive, elevated, and ready for market.
Her ability to balance design with real-world market insight allows her to approach each home with clarity and intention. She considers not only how a space looks, but how it flows, functions, and connects with those experiencing it.
At Indy Design Co, Christine supports the strategic planning and overall design direction behind each project, ensuring every home is thoughtfully positioned to highlight its strengths. Her work is rooted in creating spaces that feel warm, refined, and effortlessly aligned with how people want to live.
Kate Elliott
Operations & Design Strategy
Kate is the original founder of Koti Design Co, where she built a brand rooted in thoughtful styling and creating spaces that feel both inviting and impactful. With a background in photography and design, her work has always centered around the details that shape how a home is experienced.
During the acquisition & transition period as Indy Design Co is launched, Kate will continue to support the team in an operations and design strategy role, and in providing the system tools for Indy Design Co’s future projects.
Contact us
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