Mission

WE ARE FOREVER INSPIRED BY THE JOURNEY.

Guided by this philosophy, we strive to create a sanctuary that is thoughtfully tailored to you. Our design aesthetic and expertise bring energy, soul, balance, and texture to every custom interior design project.

Our experience in the luxury interior design world enables us to engage with our professional partners on your behalf. We are a full-service firm, specializing in custom design and unique furnishings. We partner with architects and contractors from design concept through construction, with every detail in mind from curating art to the finishing touches

Our MISSION is to craft a space that is uniquely yours.

— The MRD Team

Mia and Robyn photo

DESIGN DIRECTION

Mia Rao, principal and visionary, expertly crafts each project in tandem with senior designer Robyn Swanson and their support team.

A graduate of the University of Dayton with a BA in Interior Design, Mia began her career at a Cincinnati-based design firm before relocating to Chicago to expand her perspective. She founded Mia Rao Design in 2001, now recognized as a leading Chicago interior design firm. Robyn, who joined the firm a few years later, brings a BS in Business from Miami University and a design degree from Harrington College of Design, adding both strategic and creative depth to the firm.

Together, Mia and Robyn have achieved “Best in Design” accolades from Modern Luxury Interiors in 2012, 2019, and 2026. Mia Rao Design was named to the Luxe Magazine "Gold List" in 2024, and is a recognized Architectural Digest Pro.

Mia Rao Design has been featured more than a dozen times in leading interior design publications, earning the cover of Luxe Magazine in Spring 2024, working in the Chicago area and beyond.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Mia and associates are truly talented. We retained them for a large project when we moved to a house. The project was essentially a full remodel, including furniture, minus the kitchen. The house is now truly a work of art. We constantly get compliments when we have guests over. I think what is truly key with her vision is the color palette. The house is not whitewashed, and truly has elegant character. She has excellent contracts to recommend. We are working with her again currently on a patio remodel."

William Conte

"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."

Michael D'Aquila

"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