Business Details
Elegant Interior Design Solutions in Chicago
Founded on the belief that exceptional design harmonizes classic elegance with modern functionality, James Thomas has become a trusted name in interior design. Our approach blends deep industry expertise with personalized service, drawing inspiration from diverse architectural traditions and contemporary living needs. With decades of combined experience, our team specializes in creating spaces that reflect clients' unique stories while maintaining timeless appeal.We prioritize transparent communication, meticulous attention to detail, and innovative problem-solving to deliver spaces that are both beautiful and practical. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and client-centric philosophy has earned us recognition across residential and commercial projects nationwide.
Services
Residential Design
Interior Architecture
Space Planning
Custom Furnishings
Project Management
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized design solutions rooted in decades of combined experience
- Our team combines classical architecture expertise with modern functionality insights
- We maintain transparent communication throughout every project phase
- We prioritize quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in every space
- We create environments that reflect clients' unique stories and lifestyles
What people say
Elegant spaces
Personalized approach
Attention to detail
Professional execution
Timeless beauty
Services
Residential Design
Our residential design service creates personalized living spaces that balance timeless elegance with modern functionality. We work closely with homeowners to understand their lifestyle needs and aesthetic preferences, incorporating architectural details and curated furnishings that reflect their unique story. From historic renovations to contemporary new builds, our approach emphasizes natural light, spatial harmony, and enduring quality materials to create homes that feel both sophisticated and welcoming.
Interior Architecture
We specialize in interior architecture that optimizes spatial relationships while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Our team develops thoughtful layouts that enhance functionality without compromising design vision, whether reconfiguring existing spaces or creating new architectural elements. We focus on proportion, flow, and structural details to create environments that support both daily living and special occasions, ensuring every space serves its intended purpose beautifully.
Custom Furnishings
Our custom furnishings service brings unique design visions to life through tailored solutions that reflect individual tastes. We collaborate with skilled artisans to create one-of-a-kind pieces that perfectly complement each space's overall aesthetic. From statement lighting to custom cabinetry, our approach ensures every element contributes to the room's cohesive narrative while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship and functionality that stands the test of time.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management to ensure seamless execution of design plans from concept to completion. Our team coordinates all aspects of implementation, maintaining clear communication between contractors, vendors, and clients throughout the process. We handle timelines, budgets, and quality control to deliver projects on schedule while preserving design integrity, allowing clients to enjoy stress-free transformations of their living or working spaces.
Space Planning
Our space planning service maximizes functionality while creating visually appealing environments tailored to specific needs. We analyze spatial relationships and traffic patterns to develop efficient layouts that enhance usability without sacrificing style. Whether optimizing small spaces or organizing large estates, our approach ensures every room serves its intended purpose effectively while maintaining cohesive design elements that reflect the client's personal aesthetic.
People
James Dolenc
Founder
James Dolenc combines East Coast architectural traditions with Western-inspired openness, creating spaces that balance classic elegance with modern airiness. His design philosophy emphasizes timeless beauty through thoughtful curation of historical and contemporary elements.
Tom Riker
Founder
Tom Riker brings over two decades of design experience, blending contemporary minimalism with traditional textures and layering techniques. His client-centered approach focuses on creating spaces that reflect personal narratives through carefully curated details and functional layouts.
Jamie Klumpp
Director of Operations
Jamie Klumpp oversees daily operations with a mid-century modern aesthetic focus, ensuring smooth business management while maintaining organizational excellence. Her background in fashion and retail brings valuable perspective to client relations and team coordination.
Emily Gerow
Associate Principal
Emily Gerow specializes in classic and traditional design with a talent for mixing textures and influences. With over a decade at James Thomas, she excels at renovation projects and creating spaces that tell personal stories through carefully selected accessories and architectural details.
Michael Nicolson
Director of Interior Architecture
Michael Nicolson brings decades of design experience, combining vibrant aesthetics with functional solutions. His expertise spans from conceptual development to intricate detailing, ensuring every project maintains both beauty and practicality through thoughtful, rationale-driven design approaches.
Questions
What design styles does James Thomas specialize in?
We blend classic architecture with modern functionality, creating timeless spaces that incorporate both traditional elements and contemporary innovations tailored to each client's preferences.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
While we primarily focus on residential design, we also handle select commercial projects that align with our design philosophy and expertise in creating sophisticated, functional spaces.
How does the design process work?
Our process begins with understanding your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, followed by developing tailored concepts, selecting materials and furnishings, and overseeing implementation to ensure design integrity throughout.
Are you available for projects outside Chicago?
Yes, we work on projects nationwide, maintaining the same level of personalized service and attention to detail regardless of location through effective communication and coordination.
What makes James Thomas different from other firms?
Our unique approach combines deep architectural knowledge with personalized service, focusing on creating spaces that reflect clients' stories while maintaining timeless elegance and functional practicality.
Do you handle project timelines and budgets?
Yes, we provide comprehensive project management to maintain timelines and budgets while ensuring quality execution, with transparent communication throughout the entire design and implementation process.
