Yes, our interior design firm works on projects throughout North America. Current and past work includes residences coast-to-coast. We’ve had the pleasure of working on design projects in Miami, Charleston, New York, San Francisco, LA, Cabo, Aspen, Telluride, Dallas, Houston, Wisconsin, Michigan, Atlanta, Naples, Montecito, Washington DC, Chicago and more. Our team is well versed in working on lost distance projects and our headquarters’ central location in Chicago makes it easy for us to travel and manage projects nationwide.

We primarily focus on full house interior design projects. We approach each project like a puzzle with countless pieces that all need to fit seamlessly together—from architectural details to furnishings. This comprehensive approach allows us to create a cohesive vision throughout the entire home with color stories weaving from room-to-room. Smaller projects may be considered on a limited basis.

Our design fees are tailored to each project and vary depending on size, scope, level of customization, and timeline. Because each home is unique, we can provide an estimate of fees and project costs after an initial consultation. In general, clients can expect our services to be an investment in creating a highly personalized, long-lasting home.

Interior design project timelines vary widely. Factors such as new construction, historical renovations, and client decision-making all play a role. On average, our projects take between 2–5 years from design concept to installation.

Yes. Summer is directly involved in every project we take on, ensuring that each design reflects her signature style and attention to detail. With a robust team of ~20 employees to support her, every project has a Designer and Project Manager to drive things forward & bring the vision to life.

We focus on providing clients with a high level of white glove service. In many cases we serve as the creative director for the entire project, overseeing and advising on architectural design, interior architecture, interior design, and the landscape. We work on projects very comprehensively, so our services cover the full design process start-to-finish including architectural detailing, custom millwork and cabinetry, custom furniture design, furniture and textile selection, antiques sourcing, art curation, accessorizing and styling. We manage the design vision from concept through completion, collaborating with architects, builders, and craftspeople as needed. And we bring a team approach, including both left and right brain, creative design paired with organizational project management excellence.

This really depends on the scope of your project. We have a multidisciplinary team with extensive technical skills, including architectural services, kitchen and bath design, and more. We regularly serve as the design architect leading the creative vision and creating key technical drawings for projects, and partner with a local architect (AOR) for permitting, structural engineering and local code compliance. We’ve also had the pleasure of collaborating with other talented architecture firms to great success.  Don’t worry, we will guide you in determining whether additional professionals are necessary for your specific project (and sourcing them, if so) once we understand the scope of your needs.

In addition to Summer's own book, Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating, her work has been featured in several other design books including:

• The Ultimate Bath - Barbara Sallick

• 100 Rooms: Interior Design Master Class - Carl Delatorre

• Defining Style - Joan Barzilay Freund

• More is More is More - Carl Delatorre

• Waterside Living - Jennifer Boles

• Acanthus award from the AIA

• ELLE Decor A-List

• Traditional Home New Trad

• 1stDibs 50

• Sotheby’s 20 to watch

• Fashion Group International Rising Star

• Chicago’s Best Transitional Designer by Modern Luxury

• Luxe Magazine Gold List (best designers in America)

You can explore Summer Thornton’s design philosophy in several ways:

• Read Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating, Summer’s book on fearless design.

• Follow @summerthorntondesign on Instagram.

• Stay at Casa Rosada in Sayulita, Mexico to experience her design firsthand.

• Check out ‘The Latest’ for BTS and in-progress content.

• Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and design inspiration.

For information on open positions, please visit our Careers page. We do keep resumes on file for future openings, but we only hire the very best. Our team is equal parts talented, hard working, and nice with an unwavering passion for design excellence.