dawn reeves, principal + lead designer
I love design. I spend many of my waking moments dreaming up ways to improve a space both visually and functionally.
This love started with my own home and took on a life of its own when friends asked me to help them with their spaces. These projects quickly led to referrals when others saw the spaces that I designed and decorated.
In 2012, I began Dawn Reeves Design, Inc. and have since worked with clients all over the Chicago area to help shape their homes into beautiful retreats to share with family and friends.
ANDREA MARKULIS, SENIOR DESIGNER
With nearly a decade of experience, Andrea has managed and designed projects from whole home furnishings to new construction homes. She speaks the language that allows the client’s needs and wants to seamlessly cross over into execution.
Andrea learned early on she was a creative, but also had a great respect and understanding for the technical side of design. This led her to study architecture and receive a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Chicago. After starting her career, Andrea realized she wanted to focus on residential interiors. After working with some talented designers in the Chicagoland area, she brings her expertise to DRD.
In her spare time, Andrea likes to spend time with her husband in their new home- or rather ongoing personal project- and hanging out with family and friends.
Melissa Schwall, Senior Designer
Melissa’s zeal for design started at an early age. She would sculpt masterpieces out of mashed potatoes at the dinner table; build homes out of Legos- one was even complete with an interior courtyard; and watch “This Old House” with her grandpa, who happened to be a meticulous finish carpenter and constructed her family’s home from the ground up.
Melissa was encouraged to pursue design and earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts and Interior Design. Her core principles are a thoughtfully planned space that is both timeless and unique. She finds the best inspiration in colors, forms, patterns, and textures from nature.
Having an exceptional attention to detail- she would say it’s a blessing and a curse- Melissa is instrumental in making every DRD project a stand out.
ASHLYN Kleiman, Senior Designer
Ashlyn is an inspiration junkie, always grabbing for the latest Architectural Digest to study trends, but her work is also strongly influenced by design of the past.
Ashlyn's interest in design started early - frequenting the paint aisle at Home Depot to collect her favorite colors, drawing floorplans on napkins, and going to open houses with her parents. After graduating with an Interior Design degree from Michigan State, she spent several years at a Chicago residential design firm before joining the DRD team.
Ashlyn finds passion in blending classic, bold, and lawless design decisions to create one of a kind spaces. Space planning, unique solutions, unpredictable furniture selections, and accessorizing are a few of her favorites things.
Rachel Gamen, Designer
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Applied Science and Technology in Interior Design from Illinois State University.
Design has always played a central role in her life, constantly finding inspiration from elements of nature and various design styles. She gravitates towards clean, simple, and neutral designs while loving to include pops of color, texture, and pattern.
In her spare time, you can find Rachel getting in a workout at the gym, attending a concert, or watercolor painting.
Maureen Strong, Project Manager
Maureen always had a fervor for design. From a young age, she enjoyed repainting rooms and rearranging furniture. After graduating from University of Illinois at Chicago, Maureen spent time working with a home remodeling company before joining DRD.
Utilizing her exceptional organization skills and a knack for troubleshooting, Maureen is hands on at every project, whether it be to manage orders and installs or to work out “bumps in the road” with trades. Maureen keeps us on track and client’s well informed with next steps throughout a project’s lifecycle.
Outside of work, Maureen enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
chris bajuyo, Business Manager
It is not in Chris’s nature to sit still. His diversity of work experience, evidence he is a self starter, highly organized, and has strong communication skills.
Chris takes these traits to task as Business Manager, specifically utilizing his business operations, bookkeeping, and expense management experience to oversee the growing business at DRD.
Away from the office, Chris typically is working on a diy home project, at one of his kids games, or catching a yoga class.
Job Openings:
Interior Designer
The Designer supports the Senior Designer in the creation of a project's interiors scheme, involving the coordination of interior architecture, space planning, color/materials selection, furniture, lighting, case goods, etc. The Designer contributes to the creative, technical, budgetary, operational, and design coordination accountability for all facets of the project. This is a full-time position, based out of our design studio, with possible work-from-home options available during the week.
Key Responsibilities:
Develops construction documents, with the team, and ensures the quality of the documents produced. Knowledge of building regulations and safety codes.
Assist Senior Designer with development of project budgets, project schedules and project updates to ensure deliverable guidelines are fulfilled on time and on budget.
Assist Senior Designer in all phases of the construction and design process, including product selection, creating materials schedules, requesting proposals, and ensuring the accuracy of all items that are delivered on site.
Develop space and furniture plans.
Conduct product research and determine project design options, including collecting spec sheets/materials literature and materials samples.
Assist Senior Designer in specifying materials and lighting, plumbing, color, and finish selections for all aspects of interior design. Prepare design presentations for both internal and external review.
Work with outside general contractors, trades, vendors, product reps and fabricators, as required, to develop and implement design projects.
Assist in managing client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination.
Qualifications:
Bachelor Degree in Interior Design or Architecture from a CIDA-accredited or NAAB-accredited program
3-5 years experience in Design and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the design process
Graphic presentation skills
Proficient in Chief Architect and Photoshop, or the like
Proficiency in Google workspace
Flexibility to focus on a single client with a variety of project types or multiple, concurrent projects in various stages of development
Self-motivated, hard-working, and reliable
Ability to work well in a team environment and initiative to be a proactive self-starter
Attention to detail and ability to communicate design ideas and direction quickly
Strong leadership, organization, communication and relationship management skills
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
This position requires the ability to ascend/descend stairs and ladders. Occasionally lift and move supplies, samples, and staging items up to 25 pounds.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time non-exempt position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel
Must have a car. Travel is local during the business day and at a minimum.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive annual salary based on experience and certifications
Bonus Potential + 401K + PTO + Medical/Dental/Vision plans available
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to dawn@dawnreevesdesign.com.
Interior Design Intern
As an Interior Design Intern, you will have the opportunity to work closely with our experienced design team and contribute to various stages of the design process. This internship will provide you with valuable insights into the world of interior design, from concept development to project execution. You will assist in design research, client presentations, and project coordination, all while developing your skills in a professional setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with Design Research: Support the design team by researching materials, products, and design trends to inform project decisions.
Prepare Design Presentations: Help create mood boards, presentation boards, and digital renderings for client meetings and presentations.
Participate in Client Meetings: Observe and assist in client meetings to gain experience in understanding client needs and preferences.
Support Project Coordination: Assist in managing project timelines, tracking progress, and coordinating with vendors and contractors. Maintain spreadsheets/presentations with client selections/finish materials.
Create Design Documentation: Prepare and organize design documents, including floor plans, elevations, and specifications, based on level of experience.
Contribute to Creative Brainstorming: Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute ideas for design concepts and solutions.
Administrative Tasks: Perform general office tasks such as filing, organizing samples, and maintaining design libraries.
Assist with Client Installations, Photo Shoots, and organizing inventory/storage unit: Lift and move design materials and furniture as needed (must be able to lift heavy items).
Drive to various locations for site visits and client installs (must have access to a car).
Qualifications:
Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
Skills: Proficiency in design software and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is preferred.
Creativity: Strong visual and conceptual thinking with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Team Player: Positive attitude with the ability to work collaboratively and take direction from senior designers and project manager.
Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a car for site visits and errands.
Must be able to lift and carry heavy items (up to 25 pounds) and handle physically demanding tasks.
Benefits:
Hourly rate: $15-$20/hr, DOE
Mileage reimbursement
Flexible Schedule: Part-time, between the hours of 830am- 5pm.
Learning Experience: Gain practical experience and insights into the interior design industry.
Mentorship: Work closely with experienced designers and receive guidance and feedback on your work.
Networking: Build professional connections within the industry.
Potential for Growth: Opportunity to explore future career opportunities within the company.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to dawn@dawnreevesdesign.com. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in interior design and what you hope to gain from this internship.