About Debra Weninger Design
Interior Architecture That Reflects You
A Chicago interior architecture studio for residential design
Debra Weninger
Founder & Interior Architect
I help homeowners create spaces that elevate their everyday life. As both an interior architect and interior designer, I bring a perspective to every project that you don’t always find when you look for help designing your home: one that reimagines floor plans and considers moving walls to create a more efficient and inviting space.
Many homes today were built for a way of living that no longer works, with tight pathways and small rooms closed off from each other. If we focused only on décor, we’d miss the chance to solve space and flow problems that impact the way you live.
My dual expertise means fewer handoffs, fewer compromises, and a final result where form and function are considered together, from our first conversation.
Education
Interior Architecture and Fine Arts degrees at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Experience
9 years as Director of Design at Holly Hunt
Projects
Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida
Someone once asked me if I'm an artisan or a designer. I smiled and said, I'm both.
In creating my own line of furniture and lighting, I was inspired by combining ideas and materials in a way that produced something unique. I hand-carved pieces of wood for the prototype of the Duneland Chandelier. I spent hours working with a blacksmith to get the right pattern hammered into the iron panels of the Bristow Console.
My passion for the hands-on creative process and the partnership of ideas drives my remodeling work. I don’t arrive with a look and apply it to your home. My role is to listen, first and foremost. I’m there to bring your ideas to life rather than impose an aesthetic on you. If you can look at three of my projects and tell that they’re mine, that’s fine, but it’s not the goal. The goal is that at the end of your project you feel like you’re in a home that was always yours, just more fully itself.
My process
A brief overview of my approach and what you can expect when we collaborate.
01
Intro / Discovery
We start by getting to know each other. We meet in your space to walk the space and talk about your goals and ideas for your remodel. I show you examples of past projects that had similar goals and explain how we achieved them.
02
Conceptual Design
We meet for a detailed discussion about the style of the space and how you see yourself living there, requirements for the home, general budget and timeframe. Then I will create conceptual sketches, which include floor plans and elevations. I also select preliminary finish samples to start the discussion on materials and finishes.
03
Design Development
After the approval of concept design I begin developing the concept in more detail with further drawings and specifications. This is when we lock into the specifics and details. I will meet with you to select flooring, tile, cabinetry, appliances, countertops, plumbing fixtures, hardware and lighting. Once these key details are determined, we move to scaled AutoCAD drawings, demolition plan, proposed floor plans, elevations, lighting and electrical plans and material specifications.
04
Final Design
Decisions about layout, floor plans, materials and finishes are made and documented. Final drawings are produced for the general contractor to work from. This is also when we focus on sourcing new furnishings if that is part of your project.
05
Project Management
Beyond design work, many clients hire me to manage the project on their behalf. I’m your advocate from demo through construction to make sure all the parts are sequenced correctly, all the details are captured and the timeline stays tight.
