Meet the TKS Team

We specialize in originating unique style that feels cohesive, inviting, and deeply custom. You bring your personal passion, your stories, and your favorite things—we’ll bring a fresh approach to every concept, an exceptional eye for sourcing, and our obsessive attention to detail.

As a design-build firm, our process is satisfyingly streamlined. We’ll be your conduit for every aspect of the project—from concepts to contracting. In addition to creating jaw-droppingly beautiful design, we oversee your permits, build specifications and ensure a considerate, well-planned installation, not to mention have a little fun along the way.

Tks About Colorful Entry
Tks About Bar
Tks About Bathroom
Tks About Contemporary Kitchen
Tks About Bedroom
Tks About Turquoise Livingroom
Tks About Breakfast Room
Tks About Kitchen

Susan Klimala

Owner, Creative Director

Stats

Two decades of experience, multiple regional and national design awards, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD), CAPS certified, business acumen acquired at a Fortune 500 company.

STYLE

Down-to-earth, problem-solving, telling it like it is, risk taker, creatively alive, and always laughing.

SPECIALTY

Susan knows how to find the big breathtaking wow factor and the almost imperceptible little layers that make a space sing.

FOR FUN

Traveling the world, skiing, rolling her eyes at her husband’s dad jokes.

Skilled interior designers in Glen Ellyn, IL, Chicago, IL & Naples, FL

Jeff Klimala

Co-Owner, CFO

STATS

MBA Finance University of Chicago, B.A. Finance Indiana University. 30 years experience in Finance and Accounting.

STYLE

Research driven, always up for a challenge, problem solver, like to find a solution and move forward.

SPECIALTY

Listen to an idea or issue needing work and come up with an innovative solution.

FOR FUN

Travel, dinners out with family, golf, skiing and of course poker tournaments whenever time allows.

Excellent Interior & Kitchen Designer in Glen Ellyn, IL, Chicago, IL & Naples, FL

Stephanie Cole

Lead Designer

STATS

B.A. in Interior Design from the Art Institute; eight years combined experience in commercial, hospitality, and residential design; team lead for multiple design projects for non-profit organizations in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic; LEED AP certified.

STYLE

Relationship builder, collaborative, solution-driven, and detail-oriented.

SPECIALTY

Working collaboratively with clients to help them maximize the functionality of their space while helping to identify and compliment their personal aesthetic.

FOR FUN

Long walks, visiting new cafes and tea shops, exploring the city's architecture, Netflix binging, and spending time with her kids.

Top Interior & Kitchen Designer in Naples, FL, Glen Ellyn, IL & Chicago, IL

Darci Tee

Lead Designer

STATS

B.A in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design. Over 20 years in the design industry with experience that ranges from high-end interior furnishings to European imported cabinetry and furniture. Primarily focused on custom kitchen and bath design.

STYLE

Collaborative, creative, passionate, honest, and a good problem-solver.

SPECIALTY

Darci's design method of form follows function mixed with the ability to listen and connect with her clients is essential in creating balanced curated spaces.

FOR FUN

Getting outdoors, snuggling up with a coffee and a good design book, family movie nights with her husband and four kids.

Award-winning interior designer in Glen Ellyn, IL, Chicago, IL, Naples, FL

Elizabeth Garity

Designer

STATS

Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Three years of experience as an architectural surveyor and drafter serving various hospital systems. Lifelong exposure to residential design through family's construction business.

STYLE

Classic, storyteller, committed to being authentic, passionate, and always willing to try something new.

SPECIALTY

Strives to find a balance between structure and spontaneity, and loves creating with color & comfort in mind.

FOR FUN

Reading books about true crime and paranormal phenomena, going camping, and experimenting with her cooking.

Tks Team Vanessa

Vanessa Hernandez

Designer

Stats

Graduated from IADT Chicago in 2008, working at a variety of boutique residential design firms in the city before joining the TKS team in 2023. Drawing inspiration from her family, Vanessa’s grandfather was a metalworker in El Salvador and her mother consistently decorating and watching home makeover shows definitely played a part in her love design.

Style

Passionate about design and a hard worker who is committed to a project from start to finish

Specialty

Bringing client's ideas to life in drawings, mixing different textures, clean lines and color to make a project stand out.

For Fun

Always up for a good estate sale, walks with Salem, and going to the art museum, symphony, or local bar.

Tks Team Julie

Julie Bertani

General Manager

Stats

BA in Telecommunications from Indiana University. Over 20+ years of experience in marketing – from planning events to website development to digital marketing. Worked in a variety of industries but loves being back in the interiors space.

Style

Classic, polished but approachable, detail oriented, always looks for the silver lining and loves a good laugh.

Specialty

Organization – maybe to a fault, realizing people matter most, and anticipating what people need or want before they do.

For Fun

Travel junky, trying new things, taking the road less traveled, spending time with family and friends and dance parties with her daughter.

High-end home interior design in Chicago, IL, Naples, FL, Glen Ellyn, IL

Amelia Fox

Studio Manager

STATS

B.A. in English from DePaul, with a background in theater. 5 years of experience as Rick Bayless' private event coordinator for all of his restaurants, as well as his home.

STYLE

Always willing to get the job done and wants to see everyone happy. Hard working, fun-loving, empathetic to everyone's needs.

SPECIALTY

Pays attention to the personal details, in order to elevate the client experience.

FOR FUN

Teaching a cardio dance class, directing kid's theater, loves to travel and share new experiences with her two children and husband.

Tks Team Jennifer

Jennifer Murdock

Procurement Manager

Stats

Graduated with a B.A. in Communications with a minor in photography from Purdue University. Experiences include working at a Chicago radio station in the marketing and promotions department, and several years as a project manager for a graphic design company.

Style

Team player always willing to help out where needed, focus on team needs and outcomes, tries to find the fun in every situation.

Specialty

Pays attention to project details helping to get final touches in place in order to exceed clients expectations.

For Fun

Traveling, being crafty, DIY projects with her husband, staying active and managing the chaos of her three children and dog.

Let's Get To Work

CHOOSE A LOCATION

NAPLES, FL
4501 Tamiami Trail N, Ste 424
Naples, FL 34103
(239) 378-6599
contact@tksdesigngroup.com
GLEN ELLYN, IL
522 Crescent Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 858-4848
contact@tksdesigngroup.com
Chicago, IL
1040 Roscoe St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(630) 488-7481
contact@tksdesigngroup.com