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 "A home should provide a glimpse into the owners’ psyche"

 

Leo Designs, Ltd., a full service design firm specializing in residential interiors, was founded almost two decades ago by two Chicago residents, Georgeann Rivas and Stephanie Wirth. Their ability to work closely with clients and hone in on their desired aesthetic allows Leo Designs to create varied and refreshingly original spaces. The unifying thread in each project is their unwavering attention to detail.

From the onset of each project to completion, no design element is neglected. “Naturally, we devote a considerable amount of time to interior architecture. What distinguishes us is the attention we give to the finishing touches and the layering of accessories which we feel give the home soul,” says Rivas.

After all, Leo Designs believes that a home should provide a glimpse into the owners’ psyche by showcasing their personal style. Consequently, the firm’s aesthetic is as varied as its clientele. Both agree that the most gratifying part is exceeding their clients’ expectations. “Interior design is about enhancing people’s lives,” says Wirth, “and that really is our primary goal.”

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Stephanie Wirth

Principal & Co-Founder

Stephanie Wirth has been one of the principals and driving force behind Leo Designs for over 18 years. Her attention to detail and ability to capture her client’s vision while adding a fresh perspective are just some of her many strengths. By combining design elements from vintage to contemporary, Stephanie seamlessly creates the unexpected while maintaining a sense of timelessness.

Growing up in Europe instilled a deep and rich appreciation for art, fashion and design. While living in Vienna, she accompanied her artistic mother to antique shows and auction houses which continually exposed her to the grandeur and breadth of European art and design.  Those roots have formed the designer she is today.  "I’m passionate about design and I truly believe a beautiful, well designed home will transform your life."

The work of Leo Designs has been featured in such publications as CS Interiors, Chicago Tribune, Living Etc, Chicago Home & Garden, Martha Stewart Living and Luxe Magazine

 

Georgeann Rivas

Principal & Co-Founder

A warm and detail oriented designer, Georgeann Rivas is known for creating timeless, classic interiors in a wide range of styles. Her work has been featured in multiple publications, as well as having garnered the covers of Luxe Interiors and Design and CS Interiors. Georgeann currently leads multiple residential projects in the Chicago area, as well as an equestrian estate in Denver, a water front home in Florida and many vacation homes in Michigan and Indiana. She prides herself on not having a signature look but believes there is a common thread that runs through every project: a sense of serenity and timelessness.

Georgeann’s love of all things design began early.  As a young girl she accompanied her artist mother to antique stores and art galleries. To this day, most of Georgeann’s weekends are spent going to vintage flea markets, estate sales, and antiquing. “I feel very fortunate that my passions aligned with what I do for a living. I am lucky to get to do what I love…to help create functional, beautiful spaces for people brings me joy.”

 

OUR TEAM

 
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Sarah Mellor

Design Director

Sarah is a Chicago native who attended the Harrington College of Design and Florence University of the Arts.  Her love of all things restoration and renovation began at a young age and she continues to be inspired through her many travels, gathering fresh perspectives on how others live in their homes.  Sarah first joined Leo Designs as an intern 14 years ago.  After her internship with us, she worked with a contractor in high end residential construction, focusing on kitchen and bathroom design.  With all of those new skills in her back pocket, she then returned to help lead our team.  

Whether it’s re-designing a floor plan, creating a custom kitchen, or project managing the construction of a new home,  Sarah is the person both clients and contractors want on the job.  She is supremely knowledgeable about all aspects of construction.  Sarah is a master space planner, an innovative kitchen designer, and an ultimate problem solver.  Fortunately for us, she is also as conscientious as she is smart and strives to exceed our clients’ expectations.  Sarah can juggle more than anyone we know, which comes in handy when she goes home to her three little boys.    

 
 

Olivia Huffman

Senior Designer

Liv joined our team in the Fall of 2019. Originally from St. Louis, she grew up in a Mid-Century Modern home that helped spark her interest in design. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2019 and decided to make the bold move to Chicago. She brings to the table her Marketing education which has trained her to be a strategic and client-centered thinker. Her social media and design expertise has led to the creation of beautiful client presentations and social media posts. Liv has since become integral in the creative process of her projects and she excels at sourcing vintage furnishings and lighting. In her free time, Liv loves going antiquing and collecting pieces for her own space.

 

Natalie Braverman

Junior Designer

A true Chicago native, Natalie grew up in the Old Town neighborhood before starting as an intern at Leo Designs in December of 2018. A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate, Natalie joined our team full-time in March of 2023. Since then she has become a huge asset to the team. Working closely with contractors and subcontractors to ensure projects run smoothly and the client’s needs are met. Avid traveller, Natalie is always planning a new adventure. When she stays in town, she loves going for walks on the lakefront trail and checking out street fairs around the city.

 

Jeremy Lee

Design Assistant

Jeremy joined the Leo team in January 2022 after leaving the advertising industry to follow his passion for interior design. A graduate from The University of Missouri, he moved back to Chicago after finishing his degree, where he has lived since. As a Wilmette native, he grew up spending time in the city where he fell in love with Chicago’s architecture and became enthralled with the gorgeous interiors that can be found throughout the city’s restaurants, stores, and cultural spaces. Jeremy acts as a ‘Renaissance Man’ of the office and is always ready to assist the team with anything and everything. He is a master expediter, a strong client communicator and is the office resident DJ. While not working, Jeremy likes to see live music, try new restaurants and spend time thrifting across the city.

 
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Jenifer Coletta

Accountant & Office Manager

A 1983 University of Alabama graduate, Jenifer brings over 30 years of experience to her role. An accounting professional with vast experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations, she oversees the management of our financial operations and maintains close relationships with our clients and vendors.  

Her personal style, strategic thinking and razor-sharp focus are just a few of her invaluable traits. Jenifer is the mother of two as well as the wife of the Executive Chef and co-founder of Quartino Ristorante in Chicago. 
 

 

The Office

 

Leo Designs
4011 N Ravenswood Avenue, Suite 103
Chicago, IL 60613

For project inquiries email
info@LeoDesignsChicago.com
T 872.829.3172