FOUNDER’S STORY
Studio Thomas was founded by Kristen Thomas, a visionary who believes design should elevate how we live. Sitting down with Kristen offers a glimpse into understanding the brilliant mind and heart behind a studio that has become a lighthouse in the luxury, high-end interior design world.
Kristen wasn’t setting out to start a design firm; she was simply looking for a way to stay connected to what mattered most. This seed was planted in her childhood, running errands to the hardware store with her dad. “My dad was all about people,” she shares, “he was always focused on relationships and genuinely loved people.” From him, Kristen learned early on from her dad that the true luxury in life is found in connection.
After his passing, she found herself drawn to home projects as a way of keeping him close. “I never planned to build a business; I just loved design and people,” she shares. What started as an outlet and hobby gradually grew into a career defined by honesty, growth, and genuine care – all principles that remain at the core of Studio Thomas today.
A decade ago, Kristen was working solo in a 1,000-square-foot space, where she wore every hat: designer, project manager, creative director, and client liaison. As projects expanded and her vision for Studio Thomas continued to mature, Kristen realized she needed to build a team that reflected the same level of care and intentionality she poured into her work. Growth wasn’t about scale alone, but about creating a culture of collaboration and excellence. Today, the creatives at Studio Thomas are the foundation of our firm, each person adding to the story through their craft and presence.
At the heart of Kristen’s ethos is integrity. “Integrity is non-negotiable for me,” she says. “I always want to be honest and transparent with our clients, our team, everyone.” That philosophy has created a culture of trust, one that extends from Studio Thomas’ client relationships to the dynamic within her team. Every decision, every conversation, is rooted in respect and trust. “The clients and their wants are first and foremost always,” she adds.
Ask Kristen what makes the work meaningful, and Kristen’s answer is immediate: “Knowing I’ve helped a family live more intentionally. That’s what makes it all worth it.” This perspective shapes everything the creatives at Studio Thomas pursue – homes that are not only beautiful, but functional, encourage connection, and a way of life that feels both refined and authentic to who our clients are.
Studio Thomas environments are recognized for their warmth and sense of meaning. Kristen describes this aspiration: “I hope someone walking in can feel the story of the people who live there without anyone saying a word.” Every home is a new story with a unique narrative, layered with the details and history that make it unmistakably personal.
What started as a way to support her family and pursue her passion has since grown into a thriving firm known across the country. Kristen now leads a team united by a shared pursuit of excellence and a true love for our craft. “I didn’t set out to build this, but now that I have, I’m never settling. We keep growing,” she says. Studio Thomas is never stagnant; we are always refining.
Her drive is not just rooted in ambition, but in genuine joy and love for connecting with people. "My husband jokes I’d work for free… and he’s not wrong! I just love it," she confesses with a laugh. "No two people are the same, and that keeps it endlessly inspiring.” Each client brings a new perspective, a fresh challenge, and a chance to create something distinct.
Studio Thomas may be known as a design firm, but at its core, it is about elevating the way people live. Kristen pours herself into every project and aspect of the business, with vision and heart, inspiring her team and clients. Studio Thomas is a reflection of Kristen: her integrity, creativity, and belief that great design is about connection. It’s easy to see why anyone who meets her can’t help but love her. Her dedication shows how powerful design can be when it’s rooted in genuine care for people.
“People often ask us how we approach interior design. I’ve always been drawn to beautiful homes and style, but the truth is, what I really love is people. I’m fascinated by people. I love to observe them and learn who they are. I want to know what they like to wear, what they like to do, where they’ve lived, and all the details that make them who they are. As I learn about our clients and how they want to live, I am already envisioning the design of their home and imagining how they will be living in it. For me, our work is so rewarding because not only do we get to create beautiful designs, we also get to curate an environment for someone to be able to enjoy their life in. That’s what really matters, the experiences we have day to day, and being a part of that is a gift.”
