Business Details
Trusted Interior Design Solutions in Chicago
At RJA Design, we believe that exceptional interior design should harmonize functionality, personal expression, and timeless elegance. Founded by Richard Abrahamson, our studio combines decades of experience in residential and commercial design with a passion for curating spaces that reflect each client's unique lifestyle. Our approach prioritizes tactile luxury, thoughtful color palettes, and bespoke furnishings, ensuring every project balances aesthetic beauty with practical livability. With a dedicated team led by Bethany Simoni, we deliver meticulous project management, from concept to installation, while maintaining open communication to meet budgets and deadlines.Our global perspective, rooted in Richard's background in art collecting and event design, informs a creative process that transforms spaces into curated environments. Whether renovating historic homes or designing modern corporate interiors, we focus on creating enduring relationships through superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our commitment to personalized service has earned us trust across Chicago, Naperville, and beyond, serving clients who value design excellence and a collaborative partnership.
Services
Residential Design
Custom Furniture
Space Planning
Art Curation
Project Management
Window Treatments
New Construction
Renovations
Corporate Interiors
Retail Design
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in residential and contract design
- Our team provides full-service project management from concept to installation
- We specialize in custom furniture and tailored design solutions for unique spaces
- Our process emphasizes transparent communication and budget accountability
- Our work combines global design influences with local market expertise
What people say
Superb attention to detail
Personalized design approach
Timely project completion
Exceptional taste
Creative problem-solving
Services
Residential Design
We create personalized residential interiors that balance aesthetic beauty with functional living requirements. Our process begins with understanding client lifestyles and preferences, followed by space planning, material selection, and custom furniture design. From historic home renovations to modern new constructions, we deliver cohesive environments that reflect individual tastes while maintaining timeless appeal through curated textures, color palettes, and bespoke detailing.
Custom Furniture
Our custom furniture service addresses unique spatial requirements through handcrafted pieces tailored to client specifications. We design and produce one-of-a-kind items that complement existing architecture while enhancing functionality. Working with trusted artisans, we ensure precise craftsmanship in woodwork, upholstery, and casegoods, creating statement pieces that become focal points while maintaining comfort and practicality for everyday living.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management covering all phases from initial planning to final installation. Our team coordinates with contractors, vendors, and tradespeople to maintain timelines and budgets while ensuring design integrity. Through regular site visits and progress updates, we guarantee seamless execution of design plans, handling logistics and problem-solving to deliver completed spaces that perfectly realize the original vision.
Art Curation
Our art curation service enhances interior spaces through carefully selected artwork that complements architectural elements and personal collections. We source pieces from global markets and emerging artists, creating gallery-quality displays that add depth and character. This service includes framing, placement strategy, and integration with existing decor to create environments that feel both sophisticated and personally meaningful.
Space Planning
We optimize spatial functionality through strategic layout planning that considers traffic flow, furniture arrangement, and architectural features. Our approach maximizes usability while maintaining aesthetic harmony, creating efficient yet beautiful environments. Whether reconfiguring existing spaces or planning new constructions, we ensure layouts support intended activities while enhancing the overall design concept through proportion and balance.
People
Richard Abrahamson
Principal Designer & Founder
With decades of experience in interior design and art curation, Richard brings global perspective to each project. His background in painting, event design, and furniture creation informs a unique approach that combines practicality with artistic vision. He specializes in creating timeless spaces that reflect client personalities while maintaining functional elegance through meticulous attention to detail.
Bethany Simoni
Interior Designer & Project Manager
Bethany contributes nearly two decades of expertise in high-end residential and contract design. Graduated from Harrington College of Design, she excels in project coordination, construction documentation, and custom furnishing specification. Her organizational skills ensure timely execution while maintaining creative design standards, balancing client needs with technical requirements throughout the design process.
Questions
What types of projects does RJA Design handle?
We specialize in residential and commercial interior design, including new construction, renovations, custom furniture, art curation, and full-service project management for both local and long-distance clients.
How does the design process work?
Our eight-step process begins with an initial consultation, followed by space assessment, design development, material selection, project management, and final installation with on-site oversight to ensure design integrity.
Do you work with clients outside Chicago?
Yes, we serve clients nationwide and internationally, utilizing strategic site visits and digital collaboration tools to maintain design quality and project timelines for out-of-town projects.
What makes RJA Design different from other firms?
Our unique combination of global design perspective, custom furniture expertise, and meticulous project management creates spaces that balance artistic vision with practical functionality through personalized service.
How are project timelines and budgets managed?
We provide detailed proposals before ordering begins, with regular budget updates and progress reviews throughout the project to ensure timely completion within agreed parameters.
