WHO WE ARE

Alissa Johnson Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in curating timeless residential and boutique commercial interiors, servicing clients in Chicago, NYC, Houston and beyond.

Portrait of a Chicago interior designer

Alissa Johnson

Founder & Principal Designer

Alissa Johnson Interiors is a full-service interior design firm, specializing in curating timeless residential and boutique commercial interiors with a wide array of services for clients in Chicago, NYC, Houston and beyond. Alissa is a firm believer that interior design should enhance people's lives, and like every client, every project is unique. Her most important objective is to create spaces that are elevated, yet warm and functional – no matter the style.

Creating the unexpected while maintaining a sense of timelessness, Alissa’s engagement in every detail from conception to completion, results in a specialized approach for each and every project, from new builds to a simple quick makeover. Alissa’s work is regularly featured in leading publications including the likes of: Business of Home, Cosmopolitan, Veranda, Forbes, RUE Magazine, Real Simple and Modern Luxury, who named AJI one of ‘Chicago’s Best Of Design’ for 2023. 

Prior to launching her firm, Alissa worked for award-winning design firms based across the country, from San Diego and Los Angeles to Chicago and beyond; this experience allowed Alissa to develop a range of design styles from a laid back California aesthetic, to more contemporary elements.

Portrait of a Chicago interior designer

Magdalena Barwacz

Designer

From the inception of AJI, Magdalena has been instrumental in crafting the firm’s design vision and ethos. Certified in Architectural AutoCAD and Perspective and Rendering Drawing, she instills each project with technical precision and artistic finesse. Magdalena’s design philosophy revolves around emphasizing the essence of space while balancing it with human needs, believing that this balance is the key to achieving successful design outcomes.

Portrait of a Chicago interior designer

Manal Ajami

Designer

With 7+ years of dedicated experience in the design industry, Manal has cultivated a diversified background in both luxury residential and commercial projects. Her expertise extends across a spectrum of design styles and scales, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability. Manal’s commitment to curating beautiful and distinctive spaces is complemented by her profound love for architecture. It is through both her proficiency and passions, she continues to elevate the standard for design excellence.

Portrait of an Office Manager and Design Coordinator at a Chicago interior design firm

Natalie Short

Office Manager & Design Coordinator

In her role as Office Manager and Design Coordinator, Natalie is the backbone of the firm, efficiently managing day-to-day operations and streamlining processes. Her aptitude for organization and attention to detail ensures a productive and collaborative work environment. Natalie works closely with designers, clients, and vendors to facilitate the smooth execution of projects from conception to completion. Before AJI, Natalie gained experience in interior design acquiring proficiency in AutoCAD and working hands-on in design showrooms.

Portrait of Digital Marketing Manager at a Chicago interior design firm

Anya Taliaferro

Digital Marketing Manager

As the Digital Marketing Manager, Anya leads the strategy and execution of all content across the AJI social platforms. With her deep understanding of digital trends and a passion for interior design, she elevates the brand’s online presence through creating compelling narratives that not only showcase the firm’s projects but also engage and resonate with audiences. Exposure to art and aesthetics played a pivotal role in honing her design intuition, fostering a keen eye for color palettes, composition and visual storytelling.

Client TESTIMONIALS

  • "Alissa and the AJI team helped me turn my condo into the home of my dreams! They are extremely creative and really helped me think outside of the box through every step of the process. I love the way they were able to help me encapsulate my personality through color and materials that feel both fun and timeless. I loved working with all of them and am looking forward to future projects with the team!"

    Emily W, Chicago

  • AJI provided an exceptional level of customer service, far beyond what we had come to expect. We were consistently kept in the loop and involved in every major decision. The team demonstrated an impeccable eye for detail, demanded only the highest quality of workmanship, and always respected our time and budget. To anyone in search of an interior designer, I wholeheartedly recommend Alissa Johnson Interiors

    Keirstin L, Chicago

  • "Alissa is truly one of a kind! She is an incredible designer and a wonderful person to work with when designing any aspect of your space - no matter how big or small! Her attention to detail and her ability to explain design concepts to non-designers has always amazed me! You will absolutely not be disappointed when working with Alissa!"

    Brooke S, Chicago

  • "I can't say more positive things about Alissa Johnson. She extremely professional, friendly, detail oriented, and so talented. We have worked together on many interior design projects, and the way she partners is beyond refreshing. Her eye for design is fresh and thoughtful. Her attention to detail makes projects run as smooth as possible. Her connections with people in the industry make for the best teaming environment. I strongly recommend Alissa Johnson Interiors for any of your Interior Design needs and know you'll be happy with your decision.”

    Sarah D, Chicago

  • “I worked with Alissa for over a year on my remodel project, and she is the BEST! She is so easy to work with, and will make your vision a reality. She managed my entire project from start to finish, and the end result was better than I could have ever imagined. I highly recommend her for anything from a wallpaper choice to an entire remodel.”

    Alexandra G, Chicago

  • Lucky us! We worked with AJI to design our first home. This included the primary bedroom, nursery, living room, dining room, kitchen (hardware/lighting), play room, and two outdoor deck spaces. Our goal was to design a home that was beautiful, warm and welcoming and Alissa and her team exceeded our expectations. They kept our aesthetic and preferences in mind as they prepared the initial concepts and were flexible with our revisions upon reviewing. They mixed high quality furniture with more budget friendly pieces and incorporated a handful of our existing pieces, too. The "install" days were well organized and efficient, and I felt like I was in a dream watching each item being placed perfectly with direction from Alissa. AJI completed the project in about 6 months from the first walk-thru of the condo to the last piece of art being installed. Thank you, AJI!

    Libby R, Chicago

LET’S GET SOCIAL

The primary bedroom in our Glencoe Manor Project aimed to embody an organic aesthetic, characterized by soft textures and natural tones. Each element was carefully selected to contribute to this vision, from the soothing color palette to the luxuriou
Our Lake Shore Haven Project transformed beautifully in just three months! It’s incredible to witness the rapid, yet carefully detailed progress we achieved. From initial concepts to the final touches, each phase brought us closer to creating a
This foyer nook sets the tone for sophistication as you step inside. 👣 Photography by @rymcdon; assisted by @andrewwalkerfilms Styling by @kimberlyswedelius; assisted by @mel.romanski . . . . . #interiordesigninspo #interiordesign #interiors #inte