Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Interior Design Solutions
At James Thomas, we specialize in crafting interior spaces that harmoniously blend classic architecture with contemporary sensibilities. Our approach is rooted in understanding our clients' unique lifestyles and aspirations, creating environments that reflect their personal stories. With a team of seasoned designers and architects, we bring decades of combined experience in high-end residential design, renovation, and interior architecture. Our expertise spans from historic home restorations to modern mountain retreats, always prioritizing functionality, authenticity, and timeless elegance.We maintain authoritativeness through our portfolio of nationally recognized projects and a client-centric philosophy that emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to trustworthiness is demonstrated through consistent delivery of promises, adherence to budgets and timelines, and a dedication to enhancing clients' lives through thoughtful design.
Services
Interior Design
Residential Design
Space Planning
Home Renovation
Custom Interiors
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized design solutions rooted in 20+ years of residential expertise
- Our team combines architectural precision with creative interior design mastery
- We prioritize client collaboration through transparent communication and budget management
- Our designs emphasize timeless elegance with functional, livable spaces
- We maintain long-term relationships with clients through exceptional service delivery
Services
Interior Design
Our interior design service creates cohesive, personalized environments that reflect clients' lifestyles while maintaining timeless elegance. We combine classic architectural elements with modern aesthetics to craft spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Our process emphasizes collaboration, ensuring each design tells a unique story through curated materials, lighting, and furnishings.
Residential Design
Specializing in high-end residential projects, we transform homes into personalized sanctuaries that balance aesthetics with practical living needs. Our expertise covers historic renovations, modern additions, and complete home redesigns. We focus on creating spaces that enhance daily life while maintaining architectural integrity and timeless sophistication across properties in urban, suburban, and mountain settings.
Space Planning
Our space planning service optimizes room functionality while maintaining aesthetic harmony throughout the home. We analyze traffic patterns, natural light, and existing architecture to create efficient layouts that enhance livability. This service ensures every space serves its intended purpose while maintaining the overall design vision and client lifestyle requirements.
Home Renovation
We specialize in comprehensive home renovations that preserve architectural character while modernizing functionality. Our approach maintains historical elements while integrating contemporary comforts through careful material selection and innovative design solutions. Each project receives tailored attention to structural integrity, spatial flow, and personalized aesthetic details that reflect the homeowners' tastes.
Custom Interiors
Our custom interior service creates unique environments through bespoke furniture selection, fabric choices, and decorative elements that reflect clients' personalities. We curate accessories and artwork to add personal storytelling elements while maintaining cohesive design principles. This service emphasizes individuality through one-of-a-kind pieces that transform spaces into meaningful, personalized environments.
People
James Dolenc
Founder
James Dolenc combines East Coast architectural traditions with Western openness, creating timeless interiors that balance classic elements with modern airiness. His design philosophy merges Nantucket charm with Montana's expansive landscapes, informed by education at Loyola University and Harrington Institute.
Tom Riker
Founder
Tom Riker brings over 20 years of experience blending contemporary and traditional design. His early exposure to antiques shaped a layered approach emphasizing texture and historical context, supported by academic credentials from University of Michigan and University of Illinois at Chicago.
Jamie Klumpp
Director of Operations
Jamie Klumpp oversees business operations with a mid-century modern aesthetic focus. Her background in fashion and retail management informs organizational strategies, ensuring smooth studio operations while maintaining a commitment to fairness and team collaboration.
Emily Gerow
Associate Principal
Emily Gerow specializes in classic traditional design with layered textures, bringing over a decade of experience in renovation projects. Her expertise in balancing high and low design elements enhances the firm's ability to create accessible yet sophisticated interiors for Chicago-area residences.
Michael Nicolson
Director of Interior Architecture
Michael Nicolson combines Interior Design and Architecture degrees with decades of experience at top firms. His work emphasizes meaningful design rationale, ensuring every element serves both aesthetic and functional purposes while maintaining the studio's signature elegance.
Questions
What interior design services do you offer?
We provide full-service residential interior design, including space planning, home renovation, custom furniture selection, and complete interior architecture solutions for properties nationwide.
Do you work on historic home renovations?
Yes, we specialize in preserving architectural integrity while modernizing functionality for historic homes, maintaining timeless elegance through careful material and design choices.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Chicago, we work on projects nationwide including Michigan, Montana, Utah, and California, with experience in urban, suburban, and mountain environments.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We prioritize personalized service through transparent communication, budget management, and design solutions that reflect clients' lifestyles and personal stories throughout the process.
What design styles do you specialize in?
Our signature style blends classic architecture with modern elements, creating timeless spaces that balance traditional elegance with contemporary functionality and openness.
Can you handle complete home renovations?
Yes, we manage full-scale renovations that preserve historical character while integrating modern comforts through comprehensive space planning and material selection.
