The Studio Dos Story
Hola! We’re Francia and Steve, co-founders of Studio Dos Design, a Chicago-based interior design and architecture studio focused on bold, hospitality-driven spaces for restaurants, bars, cafés, and small businesses.
We met at our first design job right out of architecture school and quickly realized we shared a passion for thoughtful details, strategic design, and spaces that tell a story. Over the years, we each built our experience at top Chicago firms, working on everything from restaurant renovations and office build-outs to residential interiors across the country.
With over 25 years of combined experience, we started Studio Dos to bring bold, meaningful design to clients who value creativity, collaboration, and authenticity. We’re not just business partners — we’re best friends who love geeking out over design and helping people bring their vision to life in a way that’s personal, purposeful, and (dare we say it?) a whole lot of fun.
What We’re All About
We’re committed to a design process that is:
Authentic
We keep it real. We openly embrace your ideas and your story, helping to bring them to life with our shared creativity and expertise.
Tailored
No cookie-cutter solutions here. Whether your space is one room or an entire building, we’ll help you create a unique design that perfectly fits your needs.
Bold
We love pushing the design boundaries to find innovative solutions that don’t just look good but leave lasting impact and create a sense of joy.
Our Team
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Co-Founder, Principal
Born in Honduras and raised in the U.S., Francia brings over 12 years of experience spanning architecture and interior design with a career shaped by thoughtful curiosity and a love for spaces that work as beautifully as they look. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and spent nearly a decade at Gensler, where she developed a keen sense for design strategy and sharp skills for working on complex, cross-disciplinary projects.
Francia’s passion for the built environment started back in 5th grade while living in her hometown in Honduras, and that early fascination never left. Today, she’s known for her ability to move fluidly between concept and execution, always balancing creativity with smart, technical solutions. From high-end hospitality and airport retail to ground-up mixed-use developments and workplace strategy, she’s done it all, and she brings a strong point of view around inclusive, human-centered design to every project.
As a designer and a woman of color, Francia champions diversity, equity, and inclusion—not just as ideals, but as non-negotiables for great design.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find her chasing sunshine with her husband and energetic toddler, working on a hands-on DIY project at home, or enjoying a glass of wine on a patio (especially during Chicago’s short-but-sweet patio season) with her beloved goldendoodle, Ollie, in tow.
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Co-Founder, Principal
A Licensed Architect and proud Chicago native, Steve brings 13 years of experience from the city’s top design firms to Studio Dos. This Illinois Institute of Technology architecture alum has designed a diverse portfolio of award-winning spaces, from innovative offices and cozy restaurants to eye-catching retail stores and personalized homes.
With his LEED AP certification, Steve enjoys incorporating sustainability into designs through thoughtful and resourceful methods like thrifting and repurposing. His talent for seamlessly merging architecture with interior design brings a holistic understanding and a keen eye for detail to every project.
Much to his surprise, Steve found his early jobs serving up chicken at KFC when he was 16, and slinging subs at Jimmy John’s through college, actually offered more than just a paycheck. That time spent behind the counter gave him a unique, real-world view of what truly makes a restaurant and business click; invaluable insights he brings to every commercial design project today.
When not immersed in the world of design, you might find Steve exploring new corners of the globe with his husband, Elias, experimenting with a new recipe, lost in the pages of a good book, or enjoying some quality snuggle time with his dog, June.
Why "Dos"?
(Hint: It's More Than Just a Number!)
Partnership & Duality:
At its heart, "Dos" represents the collaborative nature of our team. It reflects the strength of two unique perspectives (yours and ours) working together to achieve an outcome that is beautiful and balanced, much like the concept of yin and yang, where interconnected forces create harmony.
A Dose of Inspiration:
We believe the design journey should be an exciting and positive experience for our clients and our own team alike. Studio Dos aims to deliver a welcome "dose" of comfort, joy, and authentic creative energy into every interaction and every space we create.
Our Work: Past Experiences That Shape Studio Dos
Completed projects we’ve played a key part in designing while in previous roles that reflect the expertise & vision we bring to Studio Dos Design
Restaurants & Retail
Stan’s Donuts, Chicago, IL
The Barn, Gahanna, Ohio, USA
Maevery Public House, Lake Bluff, IL
Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest, IL
Capital One Cafe Southport, Chicago, IL
Capital One Cafe State Street, Chicago, IL
Capital One Cafe Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
Workplace
CNA Insurance Headquarters, Chicago, IL
Waste Management Headquarters, Houston, TX
Mansueto Office, Chicago, IL
Northwestern Medicine Administrative Office, Chicago, IL
Bank of America Field Offices, Various Locations, USA
Confidential Reinsurance Company, Various Locations, USA
300 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL
Mixed Use
Market Park - Blocks 9 & 10, San Jose, CA
Woodlands at Montgomery, Savannah, GA
Residential
Walton Street Residence, Chicago, IL
Michigan Avenue Residence, Chicago, IL
Hyde Park Residence, Chicago, IL
Evanston Residence, Evanston, IL
San Gabriel Residence, Fairfax, CA
23rd Avenue Residence, San Francisco, CA
Seaside Way Residence, Long Beach, CA
Park Way Residence, South San Francisco, CA
Northrup Street Residence, San Jose, CA
Tampico Residence, Walnut Creek, CA
Glenfield Avenue Residence, San Francisco, CA
Church Street Residence, San Francisco, CA
3rd Street Residence, San Francisco, CA
Airport Concessions
Currito, Boston Airport
Bracket Room, IAD & DCA Airport
Green Beans Coffee, DCA Airport
La Baguette Marche, Boston Airport
Bluwire, Various Airports in USA
Be Relax, Various Airports in USA
PieHole, LAX Airport
Barney’s Beanery, LAX Airport
Sea Legs, LAX Airport
Slapfish, LAX Airport
Stumptown Coffee Roasters, PDX Airport
Peet’s Coffee, PDX Airport
Awards & Publications
Crain’s Coolest Offices in Chicago, 2021, Winner - Mansueto Office
Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Award Winner 2021 - Waste Management Headquarters
ENR Midwest 2018 Best Projects, Interior Design / Tenant Improvement - CNA Headquarters