--- title: "TZS Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/tzs-design-pfvwus-pf~1954656613 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1954656613.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "TZS Design" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9af310430f1fab36_4609-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1849 W. Armitage Avenue, Unit # 3, Chicago, Illinois 60622, United States" latitude: 41.9019 longitude: -87.6778 phone: "(773) 983-1880" website: http://www.tzsdesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 36 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 723 last_updated: 2026-08-26 --- # TZS Design Original Houzz profile: [TZS Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/tzs-design-pfvwus-pf~1954656613) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Chicago, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Skokie, Oak Park, Glenview, Northbrook, Niles, Highland Park, Wilmette, Morton Grove, Brookfield, Deerfield, Lincolnwood, River Forest, Chicagoland & Suburbs, Entire Northshore - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (36 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2013–2018), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - High-end TZS Design is a full service Interior Design Studio located in Chicago. We create inspiring spaces that enrich our client’s lifestyle or business. Our design services encompass a wide range of project types including luxury private residences, workplace, hospitality and multifamily interiors. TZS Design provides each client with responsive personalized service, creativity and impeccable attention to detail. Tom Spanier launched TZS Design in 2009 and has over 23 years of experience. Tom is an Illinois professional registered Interior Designer and is NCIDQ certified from the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications. Tom is a member of IIDA, the International Interior Design Association and is a LEED accredited professional. Tom received his BFA in Interior Design from Iowa State University in 2000 and has served on the Iowa State Interior Design Advisory Board. Certifications and Memberships: IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, RID ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Lighting Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Home Office Design & Construction - Custom Built-ins - Floor Plans - Entry Design - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - House Plans - Custom Home Bars - Art Selection - Closet Design - 3D Rendering - Universal Design - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Custom Table - Handicap-Accessible Design - Custom Storage - Home Office Design ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston - Schaumburg - Arlington Heights - Skokie - Oak Park - Glenview - Northbrook - Niles - Highland Park - Wilmette - Morton Grove - Brookfield - Deerfield - Lincolnwood - River Forest - Chicagoland & Suburbs - Entire Northshore ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 1,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | TZS Design | | Address | 1849 W. Armitage Avenue, Unit \# 3, Chicago, Illinois 60622, United States | | Phone | (773) 983-1880 | | Website | http://www.tzsdesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 723 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/tzsdesign - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomzspanier/ - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/tzsdesign/?hl=en ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [TZS Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/tzs-design-pfvwus-pf~1954656613) - **Website:** http://www.tzsdesign.com - **Phone:** (773) 983-1880 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2022 - GPS Magazine Modern Farmhouse - 2019 - ASID Award - 2017 - Power House Award - 2016 - Top 20 Firms in Chicago - Freshome - 2016 - Best Residential: Penthouse - IIDA Illinois Chapter - 2016 - HGTV - Honorable Mention Classic Kitchen - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2013–2018), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [NCIDQ Examination](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncidq-examination-pfvwus-pf~882083937) - [IIDA Illinois Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/iida-illinois-chapter-pfvwus-pf~757198641) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 36 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Sue Cammarata, Feb. 2018** > Many thanks to Tom and Kristin for their design work on our apartment redo. This was initially a completely new kitchen with partial wall removal and new apartment flooring, but as usual, morphed a bit more, adding work in our dining area/ foyer. Their professional design work was great and made the subsequent contractor work very straight forward. They were attentive, professional, and flexible to address our needs. Also Tom's proposals were very clear, detailed with no surprises, which i appreciated. Kristin kept tabs on the contractor with weekly meetings, ensuring that all went well. I would definitely recommend TZS Design. **Comment from TZS Design:** > Thanks so much for the Review Sue!!! Your project turned out amazing and we look forward to taking photographs soon. **★★★★★ — Malcolm Lotzof, Nov. 2017** > We worked with Tom at TZS design to completely redo our apartment in the city. We would highly recommend Tom to anyone, and have already done so to both friends and family. Tom was a pleasure to work with. His ideas were great, his attention to detail was outstanding and his responsiveness was as good as it gets. Tom also recommended the construction company who were also outstanding and Tom managed the construction project until conclusion. Project was completed on time and in budget. In conclusion we are thrilled with the outcome of the project and with Toms contribution in getting us there. **Comment from TZS Design:** > Thanks so much for the review Malcolm and Debra and for referring us to your family and friends! We had a wonderful time working with you and look forward to working again with you soon! **★★★★★ — Linda Canino, Oct. 2017** > I have worked with Tom on multiple projects over the years and the outcome has always been a success. If you are looking for a creative, knowledgeable, design professional, who is detailed orientated and respects the needs of his clients, then you need to consider hiring TZS Design. **Comment from TZS Design:** > Hi Linda, thank you so much for writing your review! We had an amazing time working with you and look forward to the next project together. Many thanks! **★★★★★ — Marianne Lee, Oct. 2017** > It was a wonderful experience working with Tom and his team. The extra details brought the design to a new level, couldn't be happier. **Comment from TZS Design:** > Thanks so much for the review Tom and Marianne! You are a truly wonderful Client and we thank you for all the projects you have trusted us with! We look forward to seeing your bathrooms completed soon and thanks again! **★★★★★ — Carol Lemke, Sept. 2017** > It is with considerable enthusiasm that I am writing to recommend the services of TZS Design. > > Prior to Sentinel reaching out to TZS design for help on our office renovation we were struggling on our own trying to come up with just the right design to enhance our office space enough to make a difference. We spent months trying different workstation designs, looking at carpet samples and fabrics but nothing was really working. We felt that anything we did would leave us with the same look we had for the past 20 years. We were almost to the point of scrapping the whole project. > > One of our employees suggested we call TZS to help us get on the right track to create a look that would be different, brighter and more colorful than what we had. That was the turning point to this project. We had 96 workstations and offices to renovate. The design that TZS came up with for this space is stunning! It is so very different, open, bright and colorful. And also very professional. > > Working with them has been a pleasure. Everyone was very helpful and responsive to our needs. TZS has provided exceptional service and design and we would definitely recommend them to other clients. **Comment from TZS Design:** > Thanks so much for the review Carol! We had such a fun time working with you and everyone over there at Sentinel. **★★★★★ — Jamie Annenberg, June 2017** > TZS did a wonderful job helping with the renovation of my downtown Chicago apartment. Their professionalism, knowledge of working in a high rise condo and diligence was superb. They worked extremely well with my contractor and was quick and helpful in all areas. TZS worked with me selecting items to fit within my budget and everything looks beautiful! > I would highly recommend TZS. **★★★★★ — Leon H, June 2017** > Tom is one of the most creative and caring professionals that my wife and I have worked with, and we both look forward to working with him some day again on another project. **★★★★★ — George L. San Jose, Nov. 2016** > We had the good fortune to work with Tom and his team on numerous occasions. He professional of the highest caliber with a exquisite taste of design. From our award wining office space, to our film studio/Creative Retreat, to our main residence Tom brought us creative fresh concepts that worked ...and on budget. > George **Comment from TZS Design:** > Thanks so much for the kind comments George! You are a wonderful client and feel so fortunate to have worked with you. **★★★★★ — Sam Margolis, Oct. 2016** > We selected TZS Design for our renovation project after consulting with several designers and reviewing their plans. Tom really distinguished himself from the others through his designs, understanding of our budget and project requirements, along with his excellent personalized service. He took our ideas and turned them into an inspiring design that created the innovative environment we envisioned. Tom worked within the constraints of our budget and scope of work, never pressuring us into something we didn’t want or need. His attention to detail is remarkable considering the size of our project. He maintained close communications with us, the contractors, and the vendors. Tom and his team always came prepared to weekly meetings with an agenda, materials, and enthusiasm for the project. He was quick to release status reports following our onsite meetings. What impressed us the most about TZS Design is their engagement throughout the entire process. Tom loves what he does and that shines through in his work. We recommend TZS Design to anyone for interior design projects. **★★★★★ — PlanTheSpace, LLC, Oct. 2016** > Tom is a top designer who gets to work for clients! He works well with teams and is disciplined in helping clients get the most out of their space. The right choice for projects big and small. **★★★★★ — rus architects/renderers, inc., Oct. 2016** > I have worked with TZS Design on many high-end projects and have always been very impressed with their sensitivity to the client's needs, organization, creative solutions, knowledge of finishes and fixtures, and quality project management. They bring a certain energy and realism to projects that is different from other design firms; it is inspiring to be a part of their building teams. **★★★★★ — Tandem Architecture & Construction, Sept. 2016** > Over the years I have seen Tom's work in both commercial and residential settings and have always considered him a very good Designer. As a professional I also admire how thorough his firm is in their documentation for every project they design. This is a very important aspect of the project which I rarely see with other Designers but it makes the overall project much easier and more enjoyable for the Client. ## Selected projects - [Haven Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/haven-home-pj-vj~7326509) - Location: Riverwoods, IL - Photos: 18 - Description: TZS Design transformed this traditional 13,000 sq. ft. home, infusing it with contemporary elegance. Almost every inch underwent transformation, from the redesigned foyer, study, great room, living room, powder room, private gym, and master suite, to the halls and basement turned into an entertainment and spa experience. Key features include custom rift-cut oak cabinets seamlessly integrating technology for our audiophile client, a luxurious spa with sauna and steam shower, a cutting-edge Dolby… - [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~6842326) - Location: Hinsdale, IL - Photos: 32 - Description: This beautiful 6,700 sf custom home was designed for a family who was passionate about modern design. The architectural style of the home is modern farmhouse while the interiors blend in clean minimalism. The family desired an uncluttered interior with purposeful and functional elements. A modern interior with warm and inviting finishes makes the space feel comfortable and casual. Spaces in the home include 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, gourmet kitchen, upstairs and downstairs living areas, basement… - [Minimalist Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/minimalist-condo-pj-vj~5797163) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 20 - Description: A minimalist condo for a couple who downsized and moved into the city. The design is spacious, simple and thoughtful, while not forgetting the importance of being practical. This project consisted of a gut renovation to a three bedroom and three bath condo. The program called for a spacious living area that took advantage of the panoramic views of Oak Street Beach. There were a myriad of existing walls separating the living, dining and kitchen areas so these were all removed. The client wanted a… - [Parkview Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parkview-condo-pj-vj~5797262) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 9 - Description: This project was a partial renovation including an all new kitchen and master bathroom suite. The existing rooms were completed gutted and reconfigured. The project was located in a high-rise condo. Some of the challenges including moving around plumbing pipes and finding a way to relocate the toilet. All of the plumbing fixtures were relocated to new locations. The Client was an art collector and wanted the condo to have a gallery feel. White and gray provide a neutral palate for the art on dis… - [Old Town Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-town-residence-pj-vj~905765) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 47 - Description: This project is a 6,000 SF three story single family residence with five bedrooms and five baths. The existing building was landmarked by the city of Chicago so the façade and roof line had to remain existing. The building was completely gutted, renovated and rezoned to become a single family residence. Due to the narrow foot print of the building the Client wanted the interior to be as open and airy as possible. White paint colors, cabinets and furniture fabrics were selected to maintain an ope… - [Western Springs Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/western-springs-residence-pj-vj~6934561) - Location: Western Springs, IL - Photos: 12 - Description: TZS Design completed a partial renovation of this beautiful home in Western Springs, IL. The scope consisted of a full renovation of the kitchen, living room, butler bar, powder room and master bedroom. The kitchen was completely opened up into the great room requiring a 20 foot long structural I-Beam to support the second floor of the home. We decided to make the I-beam a design element by exposing and painting it. The design has a transitional aesthetic combining both traditional and modern li… - [Classic Lincoln Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-lincoln-park-residence-pj-vj~5797227) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 12 - Description: This project consisted of a partial renovation to a home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. The scope was to completely renovate the entire first floor consisting of the kitchen, powder room, foyer, fireplace and living room. All new door hardware, paint and wood floors were installed through-out the home. The second floor was partially remodeled including all new paint, flooring new master bathroom and guest bathroom. The Client wanted a clean and classic aesthetic for the home. Cream… - [Lakeview Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeview-residence-pj-vj~29409) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 15 - Description: This beautiful three story Greystone is located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The scope of work included a new kitchen, foyer, master bathroom, master closet, powder room, fireplace mantles, penthouse bathroom, guest bathroom and laundry room. New finishes and select furnishings were also specified for the entire residence including stripping and refinishing the existing wood floor, stairs and railings. The foyer includes a classic marble floor with new coat closet and display ledge w… - [Oak Park Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oak-park-kitchen-pj-vj~63668) - Location: Oak Park, IL - Photos: 10 - Description: This kitchen is located in Oak Park, IL. and incorporates state of the art appliances with thoughtful design features. The cabinetry is custom designed and finished in painted maple with durable quartzite counter tops. Carrera marble accent tile is displayed behind the range with grey ceramic subway tile for a hint of contrast. The floor is durable color body porcelain in large format to minimize grout joints. A TV is cleverly hidden behind a wall cabinet with entertainment style retractable doo… - [Michigan Ave. Vacation Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/michigan-ave-vacation-condo-pj-vj~1302484) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 12 - Description: This project is a 2,000 SF, 2 bed, 2-1/2 bath condo renovation located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Used as a vacation condo for a family of five the space had to be luxurious, comfortable and serene. The entire kitchen was remodeled with custom designed cabinetry and luxury appliances. Details such as seeded glass in the wall cabinets add subtle texture and layering. In addition to the kitchen all of the bathrooms were remodeled. A new dark wood floor was installed for a rich contrast between… - [Elegant Corridor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-corridor-pj-vj~5797210) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 2 - Description: This private corridor was designed for two condo residents located on the same floor. All the finishes and lighting were replaced with new. The space was transformed into a classic design with a hint of modern. The existing corridor had dark finishes and was dimly lit so we added more-light and painted the walls in a cheerful gray. The existing tile floor was replaced with wood strip flooring in a classic dark brown stain to give the space warmth. The wood floor also absorbs more sound than tile… - [Seattle Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-kitchen-pj-vj~1276405) - Location: Woodinville, WA - Photos: 4 - Description: Traditional details with vintage design elements give this kitchen character and charm. Antique stained glass transom windows provide decoration above the doorways. Appliances are hidden from view with overlay panels and retractable doors are used above the microwave to conceal the toaster and built-in coffee maker. Durable granite and quartzite counters are used to withstand everyday use. The wood floor is hand hewn plank and the ceiling beams were custom stained cherry. Beveled edge subway til… [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/tzs-design-pfvwus-pf~1954656613) ## Community Q&A **Q: vent hood depth** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you be able to tell me the dimensions of the vent hood insert that was used? A: Hello, we used a Vent-a-Hood 36" wide insert. I am sorry but I do not have the model number. **Q: Wall color request** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you kindly share the dining room wall brand and color? Thank you! A: Hi the paint color is Alexandria Beige HC-77 by Benjamin Moore in a matte sheen **Q: Color of Cabinets With Quartzite?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am purchasing a "Giotto Quartzite", similar to what you have. It has the nice marbling, but has some beige undertones. We are trying to figure out what cabinet color would go well - nothing too yellow. What color are your cabinets? A: Thanks so much for your question. The paint color was selected from our millworkers standard paint color selections. I cannot tell you the exact paint color but it should be close to Benjamin Moore Vanilla Milkshake. **Q: Wall color** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the wall color over the window? Great kitchen A: Hi there, the color is Benjamin Moore AC-28 Smoke Embers **Q: love the wall color** *(in Photo Questions)* may I ask what's the color used? A: Hi there, the wall color is Benjamin Moore AC-28 Smoke Embers **Q: Where can I buy the peg board insert and dowels in this drawer?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am building new cabinets/drawers and would like to purchse good quality peg boards to place in some of the drawers (to store my dishes). I wanted to find some that were close to my drawer's width (26 1/4") and trim them to fit if necessary. A: You can try www.richelieu.com and revashelf.com --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-26.*