Tono Design Studio
Tono Design Studio is a Full Service Interior Architecture and Design firm - based in Chicago IL, with projects throughout the United Sates and abroad.
From Miami to Jackson Hole, California to San Juan, we've worked on projects big and small - Ground up construction, major and simple renovations, and even just a simple refresh of your home or office;
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What’s your interior design process?
Each project is different - with different scope levels, some require a lot of attention and coordination .. some are quick and to the point.. either way we follow guidelines that we've set up for different phases a project might take. Not all projects will go through (or feel like they go through) all of the phases and this is why we cater and create bespoke process and timeline for each project.
at the end of the day - regardless of scope - each project will always go through some version of this process:
Phase I: Discovery
All successful design projects begin with discovery - This is a courting period of getting
to know each other (client & designer), getting to know the needs of the client
(including project scope, budget), likes and dislikes. TONO leads the clients through this
quick phase of the process for all parties involved to have a clear notion of what the
expectations are (on either side).
Phase II: Design Development
During this phase, TONO gathers all the information gathered during the discovery
phase and the real work of developing the design begins. The goal of this phase is to
fully develop all the necessary design components along with collaboration with other
trades to assure the design concepts are attainable and on budget.
Phase III: Project Management & Implementation
At this point the design has been approved, the builders have received the plans and
are ready to move forward with construction.
Phase IV: Installation
Which interior design styles can you cater for?
We like to think that we dont push our personal design style to our clients - we like to get to know our clients in order to truly provide them with what they're envisioning.
So often we meet clients that just throw words at us that they've heard or seen online or social media. Half the time they say they like something they cant really tell you why they like it, they just know they like it.
While getting to know you we get to know your design style and we're here to help you identify that style and help elevate it.
What do you love most about your job?
We believe that as designers a big part of our job is to help set the tone... set the tone for your home.. for your office .. for your restaurant.. for your store.. etc. to help set the tone for the way our clients live their lives. That's why our name TONO - which literally means Tone.
We love -
that we can help our clients love where they wake up in the morning..
love where they go work..
love where they play ..
We strongly believe our environment (in this case the built enviornment) has a great impact on what we do, think and feel, and we consider it a incredible priviledge to help our clients set that tone.
What inspired you to start your own business?
After being in the industry for many years, working for many great talented designers, doing amazing projects all over the world, we realized we wanted to bring that same level and passion for design to people that perhaps thought they couldn't have or afford to live,work,play in a well designed, beautiful space. We know that the design process can be daunting for most people (it can even become overwhelming to people that do this constantly, imagine for people that have never come close to it before) - we also know that design and all the things that come with it can be costly and out of reach for many people. We want to change that - we want to help you navigate through the process and not feel like you lost your pants and shirt in the process.
Our goal is to bring high design to everybody and anybody that wants it ~
Why should our clients choose you?
We bring our clients a high level of service and design that can be compared with bigger well known firms. We know this becuase we've worked there - we've worked for some of the biggest names in the industry and we bring you the same level of work you'd receive from your favorite TV Designers at a fraction of the cost - let's just call it the 'we're not famous yet' discount ;)
But in all honesty - we bring you a level of knowledge and attention to detail that clients only get when they work with big firms .. we pride ourselves on being a small studio that can function the same if not better than others.
What you'll get from us:
- Attention: we pay attention to our clients, we will hold your hand and the contractors all the way through if we have to.
- High Level Design
- Industry experience and knowledge
- Lower fees
- Fun
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes, definitely. As we've mentioned we're based out of Chicago, IL but we have projects all over the United States and even abroad. Now-a-days being remote from the jobsite is something that is very typical - we're still able to stay present with our clients, contractors, and other architects, with constant comunication. We're always available to our clients and trade partners through phone/text/email/facetime etc.
When we know we're on a different state or city than our project we immediately make it a point to establish our communication startegy and what works best for the team, is that through zoom meetings, phone calls and meetings throughout the week, touch-base meetings, progress photos etc.
Full Service Design (Residential/Commercial)
We can work with you on your project Start to Finish -
- Setting up the Team - if you dont have a contractor, architect, we will help you coordinate these services
- Concept and Schematic Design
- ID Drawing set (for construction, millwork, etc.)
- Selection of finshes and materials (paint, floors, countertops, etc.)
- Purchasing of specialty items and materials
- Project Managment of entire project scope
- Specification of appliances, plumbing, lighitng
- Selection and Purchase of Furniture
- Installation
Concept & Schematic Design
Do you have a project and don't know where to even start?
We can help put your ideas together to help you visualize the space. We'll layout the space and work on creating a cohesive idea that you can implement at a later time.
With this option - Tono does not get involved in the actual specification or purchase of furnishings or finishes. We provide a guide that the client can take to execute the concept as the wish.
Of course the client is always able add services if they wish to continue the process with Tono.
Specification of Finishes & Materials
Do you already somewhat know what you want to do with your space but have no idea what where to look for finishes and materials or which would be best for the application you're looking to do?
With this option Tono will guide you towards the selection of finishes and materials that would work best with your established design idea.
What are some of the finishes and materials?
- Plumbing (bathrooms, showers, kitchen, etc.)
- Walls: Paint, Wallpaper, wood, tile, specialty finishes such as plaster
- Floors: Wood, carpet, tile, etc.
- Millwork: Kitchens and bathrooms, cabinet finish, countertops, hardware, etc.
Tono is able to provide schedules with the appropriate selections for the client to coordinate and purchase
or
Tono can provide the schedules and also coordinate the purchase of the material for the client
FF&E Procurement ( E-Design)
Do you already have a great space with great finishes and don't really have to do much to the place other than fill it with cool stuff and make it your own?
With this option Tono will help you inject your personality into your space. We wont just help you select the furniture, window treatments, lighting, accessories, and simple finishes (paint or wallpaper), but we'll also help you layout your space in a way that truly reflects the way you live (or work).
We're able to coordinate the purchasing, warehousing, and installation of all goods - or we can provide the client with a breakdown of pieces that they can take and purchase later.
ID Drawings
Do you need help reimagining your space?
Do you need drawings for your contractor to understand your vision?
Tono can help with doing your plans, either from scratch or reimagining existing plans.
Drawings sets are usually inclusive of:
- As Built Plans
- Demo Plans
- Proposed Plans
- Electrical Plans
- Lighting Plans
- Wall/Floor Finish Plans
- Elevations & Details
- Schedules (finish specifications)
We're also able to do Renderings and Illustrations separately as needed.
