BUILDING A TEAM: THE FOUNDATION OF STUDIO THOMAS
A decade ago, Studio Thomas was still an idea. Beginning in a 1,000 square-foot space, Kristen Thomas, our founder, had a firm belief that great design should always elevate the way we live. What started as a pursuit for design excellence slowly expanded into something much greater: the building of a team, finding a community, and a way of designing that was rooted in intention.
Today, we’re proud to have two locations, a design studio, and a galerie. But more than accumulated square footage, our foundation is and has always been our people, the incredible creatives behind Studio Thomas and KTHOM who bring our vision to life. For us, growth has never been the goal. It has always been about something bigger. What truly drives us is connection: within our team, with our clients, and with the environments we bring to life.
“Curate a roadmap for fostering meaningful relationships.”
Kristen was wearing every hat in those early years – designer, project manager, creative director, and client liaison. She was involved in every detail, but as projects evolved and her creative vision continued to mature, it became clear she needed to build a team that shared her same level of care and intentionality. To her, expanding the company meant more than just hiring people; it also meant creating a work environment that encouraged collaboration and creativity.
“When I think of building a company, it’s not necessarily about growing a business. There’s more focus on building a team.”
To guide our work, we lean into five core principles. Internally, we call it SWING:
Stability: Trust is the bedrock of our process.
Warmth: Leading with kindness and generosity.
Innovation: Curiosity and creativity at every level.
Nirvana: A harmonious space where humanity and design meet.
Growth: Personal development in step with professional excellence.
These are enduring beliefs that have been developed by Kristen over the years. They are lived and practiced everyday.
At Studio Thomas, we know the most enduring designs are the ones built on a strong foundation. Our team is that foundation. Every person who walks through our doors adds to the story we’re telling. Not just through our work, but through the way we choose to show up. With intention. With care. And with a deep respect for the world that Kristen has so tediously placed together.
To those who collaborate with us, to our clients who have trusted us with their homes, and to those who want to be a part of something deeper, we welcome you to the art of meaningful living.
We began to add systems that supported creativity. We brought in people who cared about the work Studio Thomas was accomplishing, about our team members, and about doing their work well. Over time, we established values and built a culture where people feel empowered to bring their best. At Studio Thomas, the teams we have created have become our most valuable designs. We’re now made up of designers, stylists, procurement experts, marketers, expeditors, graphic designers, photographers, and visionaries. Even with our growth, Kristen has stayed rooted in the fact that building this company has never been about growth just for the sake of growth. It has always been about the people. Each person brings their own strength. All of us rowing together in the same direction.
Kristen often compares our culture to a rowing team: each person with their own oar, everyone moving in synch together. If one person pulls off beat, the whole boat will feel it. But when we trust each other, and move as one unified team – aligned and steady – that’s when we start to propel forward.
Building a team like this doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and intention. Kristen has always held that while skills can be taught, the core qualities that matter most – curiosity, ownership, humility, and an ability to collaborate with kindness – cannot be trained. There are seasons of challenge. Of learning. Of refining. But like stones being polished by friction, we become stronger together. We learn from one another, we listen, we evolve. And during the process, a team continues to move as one. A culture where creativity is shared and everyone's contribution has weight.
