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 and expertise brings energy, soul, balance, 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. Drawings and project management services are provided to ensure smooth execution in the field.
Our MISSION is to lead you through the creative process as seamlessly as possible, to craft a space that is uniquely yours.
— The MRD Team
AT THE HELM
Mia Rao, principal and visionary, expertly crafts each project with senior designer Robyn Swanson close by her side. For more than 15 years they have worked together fluidly through the design process with the support of their creative staff.
Meet Mia
Mia Rao, the creative visionary behind Mia Rao Design, founded her Chicago-based design firm in 2001. With a keen intuition for understanding her clients’ unique personalities, interests, and lifestyles, she is able to establish a deep connection with each client. Through this connection, Mia transforms each space into a personalized reflection of its occupants, ensuring that every project is a unique and customized experience.
Mia’s passion for travel has enabled her to curate a “notebook” of textures, patterns, and colors that she artfully weaves into her designs. Whether exploring art, architecture, and fashion, or the food of a new destination, Mia's adventurous spirit and deep appreciation of nature imbue her work with an eclectic style that is both dynamic and inviting. Mia finds inspiration in the beauty of the world's canvas, deftly blending diverse cultural influences to create cohesive, visually interesting, and energizing spaces.
At her core, Mia finds joy in spending time with family and friends, and this grounding force is evident in her work. When she is not catching a live concert with friends, she enjoys time with family and discovering all that Chicago has to offer. As a role model to her two young daughters, Mia leads by example as a thriving female entrepreneur, devoted mother, and lover of life.
Meet Robyn
Robyn Swanson joined Mia Rao Design in 2007, sharing a similar design aesthetic and philosophy. Robyn’s combination of creativity and attention to detail compliments Mia’s design vision.
After several years as a business executive, Robyn decided she would prefer to focus on her creativity and pursued her interest in interior design.
While studying in Europe, 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 in design. Robyn's love of architecture shines through in her attention to detail in her work.
Robyn's family of five, which includes three teenage boys, forms the base of Robyn’s personal and professional life. Having 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.
Robyn's business knowledge and construction background give her added insight into the design process, making her an integral part of the Mia Rao Design team.
THE MIA RAO DESIGN TEAM
Mia Rao Design has evolved into a thriving, full-service design firm over the past two decades. Our team brings valuable expertise to our design process. Beginning with planning and design, through purchasing, project management and installation, we pay attention to every creative detail.
We are here to make your design dream a reality.
"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