Interior Design for Modern Living
Mission
We are inspired by each client’s story.
Based on that philosophy, we strive to create your personal sanctuary. Blending your narrative with our design aesthetic brings energy, soul, balance, warmth and texture to a space.
Our experience enables us to engage with our professional partners on your behalf. We are a full-service firm, partnering with architects and contractors from design concept through construction, with every detail in mind down to art and finishing touches. We provide drawings and project management for renovations.
Our MISSION is to guide you through the creative process as seamlessly as possible, to craft a space that is uniquely yours.
— The MRD Team
AT THE HELM
The MRD team is led by Mia Rao, Principal, with Senior Designer Robyn Swanson close by her side. Mia drives each project’s vision while Robyn rounds out the project details. The team works fluidly through the design process along with their support staff.
Meet Mia
Mia Rao is the founder and driving force for Mia Rao Design, a successful Chicago design firm launched in 2001.
Mia’s vision is to foster a collaborative environment with the client to create the ideal space. Her trademark intuitive nature allows her to tap into each client’s unique personality, interest and lifestyle. Mia utilizes that connection to transform each space into a true reflection of it’s occupants.
A wide range of creative endeavors led Mia to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. Her arts based education enriched her design awareness, affording her the ability to see a space as a blank canvas, ripe for artistic and creative expression.
Mia’s passion for travel has enabled her to curate a “notebook” of textures, patterns and colors that she weaves into her work. Her inspiration comes from spending time in Italy, France, Istanbul, Mykonos and Hawaii, deepening her love of art, architecture, fashion and food. She draws from favorite destinations closer to home, frequenting Colorado and California. She enjoys the surf, the mountains, the countryside, and camping — any experience that highlights the beauty of nature.
Mia draws deep design inspiration from her Italian and Finish heritage. Expertly blending these diverse cultural influences, she fuses each room into a cohesive, inviting environment. Mia’s designs elicit visual interest, depth and energy inspired by the world’s canvas.
Having spent time learning in her mother’s kitchen as a child, Mia developed a passion for food. Traveling to her uncle’s Italian villa outside Rome introduced her to culinary art. Drawing on her love of global cuisine and cooking, she recognizes that the modern home often centers around great food and entertainment. She feels, this must be flawlessly woven into an inviting space.
At her core, spending time with family and friends really grounds Mia. Her two young daughters inspire her to lead by example as a thriving female entrepreneur.
Meet Robyn
Robyn Swanson is the “yin” to Mia Rao’s “yang”.
Sharing a similar design aesthetic and philosophy, Robyn joined Mia Rao Design in 2007. As Mia leads the design direction of the company, Robyn leaves no stone unturned, focusing on the details. A combination of creativity and attention to details is Robyn’s philosophy for project perfection.
Viewing her creative tendencies as hobbies as a youngster, Robyn pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business. After several years in the business word, Robyn decided she would prefer to focus on her creativity and do something she truly enjoyed. In pursuit of her passion, she earned a design degree in Chicago while running a construction company with her husband.
While studying in Europe during college, Robyn fell in love with architecture and art. The dichotomy of the modern and historic buildings of Berlin and the lush seaside villas in the south of France ignited her interest. Robyn's love of architecture shines through in her attention to architectural detail in her work. Her tropical wedding in Puerto Rico and trekking through the jungles of Costa Rica continue to inspire her use of color.
At the core, it is a love of dance and music that is the foundation of Robyn's creativity. A grandfather that played percussion for the Dorsey brothers introduced rhythm and dance as to her as a girl, and that early interest developed into a passion for choreography and the stage as a young adult. Knowing that dance and music often provoke emotion, Robyn discovered that an intriguing interior can set the mood a client is looking for.
Robyn's family of five, which includes three young boys, forms the base of Robyn’s personal and professional life — keeping a functional home and work environment is key. Well designed, functional spaces have become a special interest for Robyn, and a cornerstone at Mia Rao Design. To this end, custom built-in millwork, which adds unique and beautiful functionality to a home, is a feature in many .
Robyn's business degree and construction background give her added insight into the design process, making her an integral part of the Mia Rao Design team.
"Mia and her crew took the time to learn about my tastes and interests and then took me by the hand--something I needed, for sure--and developed environments that are so warm, comfortable, and perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and working when I must. They are responsive and their communication skills are top-notch. 10 stars if I could give them.
W. Jacobs
"Mia just finished designing my new Streeterville condo and I love it! Mia and her staff were a pleasure to work with. I would recommend Mia Rao Design to anyone."
L. Smith
"From the first day we started working with Mia and her team, we loved them. We love their enthusiasm and passion for what they do. We love their ideas. We love their selections. We love how they got us and understood our taste and direction. We came into the project with ideas but they helped us put things together beautifully. We could not be more pleased with how it all came together in the end. We love everything about them."
S. Zontini