At Dawn Reeves Design, we craft warm, luxurious, and tailored interiors where high-end meets effortless livability. Rooted in the philosophy of luxury meets livability, and highly regarded for enhancing and elevating designs, we take plans to the next level through thoughtful consideration of the architectural drawings, millwork designs, and every material, fixture, and color introduced to the home. Our approach blends high-end materials, bespoke millwork, rich textures, and thoughtful details with warmth and comfort, ensuring each space feels as inviting as it is sophisticated.
We specialize in custom new construction, historic renovations, and full-service interior design. Our systematic and technical approach to projects large and small, coupled with our distinctive creative perspective, enables our team to transform clients’ visions into realities, always exceeding expectations and optimizing project budgets. We consider every detail of each room and take pride in being an essential part of collaborative project teams - working closely with clients, architects, contractors, tradesmen, and vendors at every step of the process to ensure that each project is executed with clarity, expertise, and ease. Our in-house ability to render and create 3D walkthroughs of a project helps us refine and enhance our design plans further and enables clients to make confident design decisions.
From striking lighting, custom millwork, bespoke tile designs, and thoughtfully curated kitchens- one of our favorite spaces to design- we also specialize in creating moody wine and bourbon rooms, tailored studies, and personalized workspaces—each infused with its own character and crafted to reflect our homeowners’ unique tastes.
dawn reeves, principal + lead designer
Founder and Principal Dawn Reeves success is driven by her mindful and confident decision-making, creative problem-solving, and passion for designing comfortable and refined spaces. The passion for design began with a renovation of her first home, where Dawn discovered a natural talent for enhancing both form and function. As neighbors and friends sought her advice for furniture and finish selections, what had started as a personal passion, quickly turned into a business. Dawn Reeves Design was established in 2012 and the single-room projects soon expanded to full-home designs, historic renovations, and custom new builds, as clients turned to her to shape their next homes. Dawn’s ability to blend luxury with livability has earned her a reputation for creating tailored, sophisticated spaces that feel as inviting as they are refined.
Having a background in banking- Dawn brings a unique perspective to interior design. With a proficiency in finance, she keeps a keen eye on project budgets, ensuring that every design dollar is allocated wisely to maximize impact and value. Her approach is rooted in thoughtful problem-solving, creativity, and a meticulous eye for detail; she balances high-end aesthetics with smart investment decisions to create timeless, enduring spaces. Whether working on a modern retreat, a historic renovation, or a custom-built home, Dawn brings a collaborative, systematic approach that allows her clients to feel confident in every decision.
Today, Dawn Reeves Design serves clients across the Chicago area and beyond, transforming houses into exceptional, highly personalized homes that stand the test of time.
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.
Away from work, Andrea likes to spend time with her husband in their new home- or rather ongoing personal project- and hanging out with family and friends.
KELLY MCDERMOTT, SENIOR DESIGNER
Hailing from Minnesota, and our newest member of the team, Kelly brings an extensive background in design/build firms and a thorough knowledge of the construction process. After attaining her BFA in Interior Design, Kelly spent time at award winning firms in the Twin Cities area. In designing homes, she understands it is a very personal experience, enjoys diving into the details, and finds the problem solving aspects very rewarding. Kelly always strives to make the design process approachable, organized, and fun for clients.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys cooking, traveling, and time at her family's lake home.
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.
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.
Off the clock, Chris typically is working on a diy home project, at one of his kids games, or catching a yoga class.
Job Openings:
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.