lauren svenstrup, PRINCIPAL

Lauren founded Studio Sven in 2014 with a belief that a truly beautiful design is one that solves problems. If it doesn’t work in the context of your life, it doesn’t belong in your home. Lauren is comfortable treading the fine line between following “the rules” and breaking them. Her vibrant and sophisticated designs easily mix contemporary elements with vintage finds and killer art.

Her working style is informed by her studies in furniture design and human-centered design, as well as her experience in project management for two of the country’s leading multi-family interior design firms and their deadline- and budget-driven projects. Before founding Studio Sven, Lauren led a creative team as Design Director at one of Chicago’s top high-end residential firms.

“Svenstrup embodies a comfortability when treading
the line between safe and daring acts of design”

-Great Lakes by Design Magazine

JIM FESSLER, MANAGING DIRECTOR

As the Managing Director of Studio Sven, Jim oversees the strategic growth of the firm, bringing over 15 years in operations management. Jim’s innate understanding of operational strategies combines with an appreciation for the functionality of impeccable design, providing a unique and extremely valuable perspective for the Studio Sven team. 

Along with providing strategic oversight, Jim also manages the financial and operational details to ensure Studio Sven is exceeding the highest standard of service for its clients. When the creativity and imagination of the design team harmonizes with Jim’s objective outlook, beautiful things happen for both Studio Sven clients, and the trajectory of the firm itself. 

Jim holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Bradley University and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Illinois-Chicago.