Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Interior Design Solutions in Chicago
Gray & Walter is a Chicago-based interior architecture studio with over two decades of experience creating healing, soulful, and handsome environments. Founded in 1971, our firm specializes in residential, commercial, and historic preservation projects across Chicago, the North Shore suburbs, and internationally. Our approach combines personalized service with a disciplined aesthetic, ensuring each project reflects the client's unique vision while maintaining functional elegance. We pride ourselves on direct involvement from our lead designer, Kenneth Walter, who brings over 40 years of industry expertise to every project.Our work has been featured in national publications and prestigious design showcases, underscoring our commitment to excellence. We prioritize early-stage collaboration to deliver cost-effective, timeless solutions tailored to modern living. Client satisfaction remains our highest priority, as evidenced by long-term relationships and glowing testimonials from satisfied clients.
Services
Residential Design
Historic Preservation
Commercial Spaces
Full Project Design
Virtual Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- Kenneth Walter personally oversees every project from start to finish
- Specialized expertise in historic preservation and luxury residential design
- Proven track record with 50+ years of combined industry experience
- Featured in national design publications and prestigious showhouses
- Direct collaboration with clients ensures tailored, soulful spaces
Associations and certifications
- ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)
What people say
Excellent coordination
Professional and thorough
Striking European country look
Patient and smart
Beautiful interiors
Services
Residential Design
We create personalized residential interiors that blend timeless elegance with modern functionality. Our approach focuses on transforming living spaces to reflect clients' lifestyles while maintaining architectural integrity. From kitchen makeovers to full-home renovations, our team delivers sophisticated solutions tailored to individual needs.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in preserving historic spaces while integrating modern comforts. We work meticulously on period buildings, private clubs, and landmark properties to maintain authenticity while ensuring contemporary functionality. Our expertise includes navigating preservation guidelines and restoring original architectural details.
Commercial Spaces
We design commercial environments that enhance productivity and brand identity. Our services cover boutique hotels, private clubs, and corporate offices, creating spaces that balance aesthetics with practical business needs. We focus on creating welcoming environments that impress clients and support employee well-being.
Full Project Design
Comprehensive design solutions from concept to completion. We manage every detail including space planning, material selection, construction oversight, and final installation. This service ensures cohesive execution of the design vision while maintaining budget and timeline parameters.
Virtual Consultations
Digital design guidance for clients outside our local service area. We offer virtual space planning, color consultations, and furnishing recommendations through video conferencing and digital tools. This service maintains our high design standards while accommodating long-distance projects.
People
Kenneth Walter
Principal Designer
Kenneth Walter, ASID professional member, has over 40 years of interior design experience. Graduated from Brooks College, he specializes in creating timeless spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. His work spans residential, commercial, and historic preservation projects featured in national publications.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Chicago and North Shore suburbs, with national and international project capabilities.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we specialize in residential design, historic preservation, and commercial spaces including hotels and private clubs.
How involved is Kenneth Walter in each project?
Kenneth personally oversees every project from start to finish, ensuring consistent vision and quality control.
Can you work with existing architectural plans?
Yes, we collaborate with architects and contractors to integrate interior design with existing structural plans.
What design styles do you specialize in?
We have no singular style, focusing instead on creating appropriate, functional spaces tailored to each client's preferences.
Do you offer virtual design consultations?
Yes, we provide remote design guidance through digital tools for clients outside our local service area.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Christine F.
Jan 28, 2017
Report
Kenneth Walter is terrific and a complete pro. We initially hired him after another unqualified designer left us with mis-matched pieces, half-finished rooms, code violations, and a depleted budget. Our home is now almost finished and his work has exceeded all of our expectations. What a refreshing change! He has more than 30 years of experience and terrific sources we would never have found (a great honest contractor, amazing painter etc.); he can work within different budgets; he prioritized and is practical; he is creative and adaptable and really listens rather than simply producing a formulaic
