Stephanie Wirth

Principal & Co-Founder

To meet Stephanie Wirth is to step into a world of glamour and unexpected charm. It’s a world where antiques hold their own beside a burst of bold color and where design is never just about a space—it’s about creating beauty in the moments we live, not only the rooms we inhabit. As co-founder of Leo Designs, Stephanie has spent the past two decades transforming interiors with her signature mix of whimsy, sophistication, and the kind of effortless elegance that can’t be faked.

Her approach is intuitive and fearless, bringing historical elements to life with unexpected touches, pairing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces with contemporary edge and convenience. Stephanie has an uncanny ability to see what others don’t, capturing not just her clients’ style but also the rhythm of their day. “A home should feel like an extension of you—your passions, your people, your way of living.”

Stephanie’s love for design is lifelong, shaped by a childhood spent in Vienna, wandering antique markets and auction houses with her artistic mother, Shirley. Those early experiences instilled in her a deep respect for craftsmanship and the art of collecting—not just objects, but moments, and meaning. That’s why her work resonates—her spaces have heart.

Leo Designs has taken Stephanie across the U.S. and internationally, from the rustic-modern elegance of Saphir Haus to the grandeur of Maison Historique. Whether she’s shaping a mountain retreat or restoring a historic estate for a modern family, the magic remains the same—an intuitive integration of grace, personality, and timeless comfort.

Her work has been featured in Luxe Magazine, Living Etc, Chicago Home & Garden, Martha Stewart Living, and more. But for Stephanie, it isn’t about the press, it’s about making life more beautiful and more unmistakably yours. 

Georgeann Rivas

Principal & Co-Founder

Georgeann Rivas is a dynamic force in interior design, celebrated for crafting spaces that exude serenity and timelessness across diverse styles. Her work has graced the pages of esteemed publications, including Luxe Interiors and Design and CS Interiors. Georgeann schews a signature look, instead weaving a common thread through each project, whether an elegant Chicago home or an equestrian estate in Denver: a true sense of calm and enduring beauty.

Georgeann's passion for design ignited early in her life. As a young girl, she accompanied her artist mother, to antique stores and art galleries, immersing herself in the world of art and design. This early exposure cultivated a lifelong love for discovering unique pieces. Even now, Georgeann spends her weekends exploring vintage flea markets, estate sales, and antique shops. She reflects, "I feel very fortunate that my passions aligned with what I do for a living. Helping to create functional, beautiful spaces for people brings me immense joy."​

Her approach is versatile and meticulous, focusing on the finishing touches and accessories that imbue a home with character. Georgeann believes that a well-designed home is a showcase of her clients’ personal style that at the same time enhances daily life. Her greatest satisfaction comes from exceeding clients' expectations and crafting environments that resonate with their identities.​

At Leo Designs, Georgeann’s philosophy is simple: great design should make life better. She is dedicated to creating spaces that are not just beautiful, but deeply livable—designed to reflect and enrich the lives of the people who call them home.

OUR TEAM

Rory Shaughnessy

Design Director

Rory joined the Leo Designs team as Design Director in early 2024, bringing over 18 years of experience in high-end residential design, with a particular focus on luxury kitchens and baths developed through her years at de Giulio Kitchen Design. During her time there, Rory managed intricate, large-scale projects across the U.S., from Aspen to Maui, and even as far as Guam. Her meticulous approach to custom cabinetry, countertops, and hardware selection set the foundation for her signature style blending functionality and timeless appeal, tailored to each client’s unique vision.

Before joining Leo Designs, Rory also served as a Senior Designer at Lecate/Leslie Schofield Studio and Frank Ponterio Interior Design, where she led large-scale projects and further refined her expertise in custom millwork, architectural drafting, and historic preservation. Guided by the belief that each project should be a reflection of its owner, Rory crafts spaces that are both beautiful and personal.

Raised in Mequon, Wisconsin, Rory embodies Midwestern warmth and authenticity. When she’s away from the studio, you’ll find her savoring a good book, experimenting in the kitchen, or cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers. Her commitment to her craft ensures every client receives a space they’re proud to call home. 

Ashley McCusty

Designer

Ashley McCusty brings nearly a decade of experience in high-end residential and hospitality design, with a strong foundation in craftsmanship, architectural detail, and thoughtful balance. A graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she launched her career working with renowned designers including Holly Hunt, Kara Mann, and Alessandra Branca. These early experiences shaped her eye for custom millwork and deepened her appreciation for the art of mixing vintage pieces with modern forms.

Ashley thrives in the collaborative process and has built trusted relationships with artisans, vendors, and contractors to bring timeless, functional spaces to life. “My favorite part of working with Leo Designs is the team collaboration and how everyone supports each other, no matter the project.”

In her free time, Ashley enjoys figure skating, yoga, and traveling to discover new countries.  Her most recent trips have included, Austria, the Netherlands and Slovakia.

Daniela Blanco

Designer

Dany’s journey into the world of architecture and design began in the culturally vibrant city of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Growing up amidst rich architectural landscapes ignited a lifelong passion, which Dany pursued academically in both Mexico and Seville, ultimately graduating in 2022 with a degree in Architecture. This milestone set the stage for Dany’s next adventure: moving to Chicago to join the team at Leo Designs.

Now an essential part of Leo Designs, Dany bridges cultures and projects across Mexico and the United States, leveraging bilingual skills to foster smooth communication and collaboration. This role allows Dany to bring a uniquely Mexican perspective to every project, skillfully weaving cultural richness and innovative design into spaces that not only captivate clients and their guests, but function beautifully.

Inspired by the dynamic cityscape of Chicago, Dany constantly seeks to learn and grow, drawing inspiration from the city’s architecture and cultural diversity. Beyond design, Dany loves to explore the outdoors, savor Chicago’s culinary gems, and stay engaged with the community.

Lily Allspaugh

Designer

From a young age, Lily’s creative spirit flourished through her study of classical ballet, songwriting, and the visual arts. In 2021, she graduated with First Class honors in English Literature at the University of Glasgow, while also engaging in the city’s vibrant arts scene. During her time in the UK Lily also studied and practiced textile arts at the renowned Glasgow School of Art. Alongside her degree studies, she completed a Fine Art Foundation at UCL’s Slade School in London, where she received formal training in color theory. Her foundation in color theory has become an essential tool in her work with Leo Designs, where she ensures that the use of color enhances mood, creates balance, and highlights each client’s unique character.

Following her deep artistic training, Lily began her professional career at Restoration Hardware on Chicago’s Gold Coast, where her passion for interior design took root. In less than ten months on the visual team, she was promoted to a design role where she learned and practiced the fundamentals that inform her work today. Drawing on her diverse international background and multidisciplinary skills, Lily creates designs that are both deeply personal and thoughtfully tailored to each client’s lifestyle, values, and personality.

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. 
 

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

For project inquiries email
info@LeoDesignsChicago.com
T 872.829.3172