Who We Are

We are a multifaceted firm with various design experience ranging from hospitality, corporate, small business, investment properties and residential. The cross pollination of these experience allows us to bring unique perspective, sourcing and solutions to the table. We look at every project as an opportunity to establish a lasting relationship and create something new for that particular client. We are not interested in repeatedly putting any kind of branded workshop design studio stamp on your space. We are working with you toward a personally unique and memorable solution.

Starting her design career in Chicago, Kaila graduated from Harrington College of Design and quickly accepted a job with a top Hospitality firm. Working on projects locally and abroad she collaboratively designed full scale hotel spaces including guestrooms, restaurants, casinos, resort areas, business spaces as well as as all of the custom fixtures and furnishing that go in them. Project locations vary from large urban centers, vacation destinations and everything in between. Finding the desire to work more closely with local urban clients, she founded theworKshop design studio in 2009. Understanding that Urban family living has a unique set of design demands, she thoughtfully implements design solutions that to stand up to every day life with kids, pets and entertaining yet still look great!

Our Approach

At the point in which we are invited to become your design partner, we will work with you to conceptualize, develop, customize and execute your vision. We want to take your overall idea, break it down into manageable parts and then pull together all the pieces into a cohesive, thoughtful and slightly unexpected solution. Our integrated approach to sustainability is not just in our material selections and construction strategies, but in empowering the clients. By demystifying design methodology, strategies and resources we can create a design solution that is a true collaboration.

We love all design

We love ALL design! From new construction projects with all of the possibilities, coordination, project management, budget development, and extensive decision making to smaller scale updates and refreshes. We understand the needs of Residential and Commercial projects for both owners and investors. We will work with you to create and customize a work plan and budget that meets your needs without sacrificing your vision. Repurposing, reinventing and reorganizing can all go a long way to help maximize impact without maxing out the budget.

Professional Connections

Best of Houzz.com 2016
Merchandise Mart Preferred Vendor recognition
LEED Accredited Professionals & USGCB members
Featured design work in Hospitality design publication
Harrington College of Design Alumni Board
Undergraduate & Masters level Educator
Networking Executive Women in Hospitality
Neighborhood Parenting Network of Chicago
Dwell Magazine design panelist
Design Harvest sponsor

Project LiST

City High Rise & Townhomes

18th St, South Loop
Michigan Ave, Gold Coast
LaSalle St, Gold Coast
Ada St, West Town
Rice St, Bucktown
Fullerton Ave, Lincoln Park
Kenmore, Lincoln Park
Commonwealth Ave-1, Lakeview
Commonwealth Ave-2, Lakeview
Commonwealth Ave-3, Lakeview
Hermitage Ave, Lakeview
Marine Drive, Lakeview
Grace St, Wrigleyville
Newport St, Southport Corridor
Wayne Ave, Edgewater
East Illinois St, Mag Mile
Clybourn Ave, Lincoln Park
Sheffield Ave, Lincoln Park
Heartland Park, Lincoln Park
Greenview Ave, Lincoln Park
Altgeld St, Lincoln Park

Commercial

FYC School, Lincoln Park
VITAHL Med Spa, West Loop
Hotel Felix, River North (Gettys)
Hotel Cass, Gold Coast (Gettys)
Blackstone Hotel, Mich Ave (Gettys)
The Drake Hotel, Gold Coast (Gettys)
The Abby Spa, Lake Geneva, WI (Gettys)
The Hard Rock Casino and Resort, Macau (Gettys)
Al Ghurair City Dubai, UAE (Gettys)
Verde - Mixed use, Dubai UAE (AS +GG)