About the owner
Welcome to Pilates by Design LA.
My name is Kathy Noel Harrison and I'm the founder and owner of PBDLA. For over 18 years, I've had a thriving career teaching dance and Pilates, as well as choreographing and directing, before I took a break to care for my aging mother. As a mother myself of two teenage daughters, I was caught in the sandwich generation. Around the same time, my dancer’s body had begun to feel the effects of stress and menopause. I was fortunate enough to find my way back to my true physical self by leaning on my experience with, and passion for, Pilates. I have now chosen to dedicate myself to using my expertise to aid in the elevation of the female form throughout all its changes. As a survivor of fertility issues, raising adolescents, caregiving for parents, career changes, and menopause, I understand what it means to navigate through the ways our bodies change as women. As someone who has trained young dancers, former dancers, athletes, pregnant women, survivors of cancer, and workaholics, I recognize the benefit of putting oneself first and respecting our bodies’ need for maintenance. I am an advocate for women, and therefore a champion for their health. I know that we all need to keep moving to enjoy our lives. We are all survivors of something. So allow me to help you move in a way that will make you feel good, challenge yourself, and take back your health safely.
My Studio
At Pilates by Design LA, I believe that women, who do so much for everyone else, deserve to put themselves first, to be treated with dignity, and to improve how they feel in their own bodies. I have designed my studio with the intention of providing a private setting to do just that. With attention to detail and individualized programming curated just for the client, I aim to target the areas of stability, flexibility and mobility that each woman needs regardless of age, size and occupation. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have had the great opportunity to study with the leading authorities in the field of Pilates (John Garey/STOTT 2006 and Rael Isacowitz/BASI 2019).
Whether you’re interested in classical pilates repertoire, or a hybrid of newer styles, my rigorous training will keep you challenged and safe. The process of transforming yourself might seem intimidating, but I am here to assist you every step of the way! At Pilates by Design, I take an education-oriented approach to the work of pilates. Take advantage of me as a resource, and let me make your Pilates exercise experience as pleasurable as possible!