A FULL-SERVICE DESIGN FIRM
CORY BLACK DESIGN
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER
Cory Black is the creator and owner of Cory Black Design. Since 2003, Cory Black Design has been a household name in the East Valley. Cory specializes in creating and designing custom homes with unique and functional spaces.
Being a small firm, you can expect to receive top notch service and a genuine and personal experience while designing your dream home. Cory has a team of experts to help make the design process easy especially for first time clients who may not understand the process.
In Fall of 2021 an interior design department was created within the firm to give us leverage in our area of expertise. Our goal is to create full-service design to our clients, including landscape design. In January 2023 our design department re-branded to Merino Design Co. with its success from our trusted clients.
In addition, Cory Black Design was recently recognized in the publication of Modern Luxury Magazine East Valley Edition. The magazine showcases Cory’s attention to detail and overall magnitude of creativity in one of the most recognized homes in the East Valley which was featured on the front page.
At Cory Black Design, we are confident that our team and expertise in the custom design business keeps us in the forefront of our competitors.
OUR CREATIVE TEAM
CORY BLACK
OWNER, FOUNDER
Cory Black is the owner and creator of Cory Black Design. His creativity and passion for architecture started at a very young age as he watched his father design and build homes. Cory’s first job, framing houses helped him gain knowledge and experience giving him an edge when it comes to custom design and architecture. Cory has 20 years of experience specializing in high-end residential custom homes and is widely known for his attention to detail and grand elevations.
Away from the office, Cory enjoys working on projects in the garage. He also likes getting away for weekend camping trips to the dunes with his family where he enjoys riding quads and driving his sand rail.
LACEY CORTHOUTS
OFFICE MANAGER
Lacey joined Cory Black Design 2 years ago as Chief Operating Officer/Office Manager. She has 25 years of retail and customer service experience as well as being an executive assistant for 13 years. Lacey is an integral part of the daily business operations.
In her free time, Lacey loves cooking and camping with her family.
ALYSSA WARRING
CREATOR & PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF
MERINO DESIGN CO.
Alyssa was professionally trained through Northern Arizona University’s accredited Interior Design Program. Alyssa has worked in varies design positions around the valley. Starting in commercial design, Alyssa quickly realized she wanted to work with residential clients, allowing her to make personal connections and branch out creatively. Alyssa also worked in corporate event planning for a few years tailoring her designs towards high end clientele at a local five-star resort.
Before joining Cory Black Design, Alyssa was a project manager and designer for a general contracting company overseeing residential remodel projects of all scales gaining construction knowledge.
In Alyssa free time she enjoys spending time with her family and golden retriever.
WESLIE McBRIDE
ASSISTANT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Weslie has several years experience working with CAD, most recently as a design technician for a national engineering firm. She has experience with 3D modeling, estimating, and interpreting and correcting construction documents. She has spent the last three years as an Office Administrator for an award-winning luxury custom home builder. Her experience on both sides of the building process, from the initial planning stages through home construction, brings a wide range of knowledge to Cory Black Design projects.
Weslie has a Certificate in CAD Drafting from Mesa Community College, and is currently finishing her education at Arizona State University, pursuing a bachelors degree in Architecture.
In her free time, Weslie enjoys teaching dance and coaches a high school pom team.
NICKY CHUPP
LEAD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Nicky studied Interior Design at Indiana University- Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has several years of experience in both CAD and Interior Design. Before joining the team at Cory Black Design, Nicky held the title of CAD Designer in the Engineering department for a Luxury/Custom Recreational Vehicle company in Northern Indiana. She was then promoted to Interior Design Coordinator within the Interior Design Department. Nicky has a huge passion for design and believes that her passion stems from growing up on job sites with her father who is a building contractor.
Nicky recently moved from Indiana to Arizona and is looking forward to learning more about what the area has to offer and expanding her knowledge in residential design.
In her free time, Nicky enjoys cooking and spending time with friends, family, her Aussie and Golden Retriever.