Our Team
Duality is the difference. James is the Storyteller. He oversees the technical design flow. Tom is the Editor. He specializes in details and one-of-a-kind notes.
Our design teams are formed with this balance in mind: technical insight and unbridled creativity.
JAMES DOLENC
“I love beautiful, curated spaces that have one foot in history and one foot in today.”
Raised in the quaint North Shore suburb of Libertyville, Illinois, James describes his personal aesthetic as based in classic architecture and interiors executed with an open brightness and airiness inspired by his childhood summers spent out West.
“My eye is inspired by East Coast sensibilities – places like Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Charleston. But my heart and soul are rooted in the open air and big sky of places like Flathead Lake in Montana. These two sources of inspiration – from opposite sides of the country and the design spectrum – dovetail and inspire me every day to design spaces that are at once classic, airy, and warm.”
James holds a B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago and a B.A. from Harrington Institute of Interior Design.
JAMES DOLENC
“I love beautiful, curated spaces that have one foot in history and one foot in today.”
Raised in the quaint North Shore suburb of Libertyville, Illinois, James describes his personal aesthetic as based in classic architecture and interiors executed with an open brightness and airiness inspired by his childhood summers spent out West.
“My eye is inspired by East Coast sensibilities – places like Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Charleston. But my heart and soul are rooted in the open air and big sky of places like Flathead Lake in Montana. These two sources of inspiration – from opposite sides of the country and the design spectrum – dovetail and inspire me every day to design spaces that are at once classic, airy, and warm.”
James holds a B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago and a B.A. from Harrington Institute of Interior Design.
“We believe in rooms filled with family, friends, warmth, and love – the best design choice of all.”
TOM RIKER
“I love to listen to our clients, to really connect and know them is to be a better designer.”
“I grew up in Birmingham, Michigan and our house was filled with antiques…family heirlooms, Oriental rugs–so different from many of my friends’ homes. That’s where my education began. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I would draw house plans and send them to my Uncle, who was an aspiring architect, to critique, or I would dig through estate sales and flea markets on weekends – always looking for that next great piece.”
“When we started, my design eye was drawn to contemporary design with clean lines, but lately, I’ve been returning to the nostalgia and the design nuances of my youth with a more traditional approach, heavy in textures and layering.”
Tom earned his BA from the University of Michigan and his Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
TOM RIKER
“I love to listen to our clients, to really connect and know them is to be a better designer.”
I grew up in Birmingham, Michigan and our house was filled with antiques…family heirlooms, Oriental rugs–so different from many of my friends’ homes. That’s where my education began. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I would draw house plans and send them to my Uncle, who was an aspiring architect, to critique, or I would dig through estate sales and flea markets on weekends – always looking for that next great piece.”
“When we started, my design eye was drawn to contemporary design with clean lines, but lately, I’ve been returning to the nostalgia and the design nuances of my youth with a more traditional approach, heavy in textures and layering.”
Tom earned his BA from the University of Michigan and his Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“I love a mid-century modern aesthetic. I like clean, minimal, neat, and organized.”
Jamie oversees the day-to-day business and bustle in the offices of JamesThomas. She handles a variety of matters including accounting, organization, human resources, all while also serving as James and Tom’s right hand woman. And, as with a diverse, decades-long background in both fashion and retail management, she’s a natural.
When Jamie first met James and Tom, she knew it was kismet. “You see, my son’s name is James Thomas,” she says excitedly. Well, clearly it was meant to be.
Jamie oversees the day-to-day business and bustle in the offices of JamesThomas. She handles a variety of matters including accounting, organization, human resources, all while also serving as James and Tom’s right hand woman. And, as with a diverse, decades-long background in both fashion and retail management, she’s a natural. Jamie thrives when she is an active member of a team, “That’s the nicest thing someone could say to me: that I am fair, and that I am a valuable member of the group.”
When she is not at work, Jamie is taking full advantage of the diverse cultural offerings that city living brings with it, she is traveling around the country with her handsome boyfriend, and visiting her college-aged son at Miami University in Ohio.
Jamie oversees the day-to-day business and bustle in the offices of JamesThomas. She handles a variety of matters including accounting, organization, human resources, all while also serving as James and Tom’s right hand woman. And, as with a diverse, decades-long background in both fashion and retail management, she’s a natural. Jamie thrives when she is an active member of a team, “That’s the nicest thing someone could say to me: that I am fair, and that I am a valuable member of the group.”
When she is not at work, Jamie is taking full advantage of the diverse cultural offerings that city living brings with it, she is traveling around the country with her handsome boyfriend, and visiting her college-aged son at Miami University in Ohio.
Jamie Pack
Business Manager
“It’s not about perfection. It’s not about trends. It’s about good quality.”
Jim has been a key member of the JamesThomas team since his arrival in 2013. His energy and enthusiasm for culture, design, and the arts are apparent to everyone he meets. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he isn’t traveling, he is gardening, cooking, collecting antique copper cookware and tending to his partner and their two Border Terriers.
Jim has been a key member of the JamesThomas team since his arrival in 2013. His energy and enthusiasm for culture, design, and the arts are apparent to everyone he meets. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he isn’t traveling, he is gardening, cooking, collecting antique copper cookware and tending to his partner and their two Border Terriers.
Quality is the centerpiece of Jim’s design philosophy. “I like design that is honest and simple and not overwraught. If you find an amazing piece of well-made antique furniture –don’t even refinish it. Have the courage to let a piece like that show its age. Authenticity is beautiful.”
Quality is the centerpiece of Jim’s design philosophy. “I like design that is honest and simple and not overwraught. If you find an amazing piece of well-made antique furniture –don’t even refinish it. Have the courage to let a piece like that show its age. Authenticity is beautiful.”
Jim Josephson
Project Lead
“The ideas of linen and fresh breezes and the navy blue of the lake water serve as my muse.”
Anne’s favorite days at JamesThomas are install days. “That’s when it all comes together. It’s most exciting to see a vision realized after months of work and know how happy your client is going to be in their new space!”
Anne’s favorite days at JamesThomas are install days. “That’s when it all comes together. It’s most exciting to see a vision realized after months of work and know how happy your client is going to be in their new space!”
Anne’s life outside of the office is hardly lacking excitement. She is the mother of two pre-teens, Charlotte and Jack. Born and raised in Chicago, Anne’s growing family lives in Chicago’s Edgebroook neighborhood and during the summer months, they escape to a family cottage off of Lake Michigan.
Anne’s life outside of the office is hardly lacking excitement. She is the mother of two pre-teens, Charlotte and Jack. Born and raised in Chicago, Anne’s growing family lives in Chicago’s Edgebroook neighborhood and during the summer months, they escape to a family cottage off of Lake Michigan.
Anne Kopis
Sourcing Specialist
“The big, bright lights of the skyline inspire my design sensibilities.”
Lauren graduated from Furman University in 2016 after a childhood spent in Atlanta. Her Southern upbringing inspired a love of bright colors and preppy graphic prints. Lauren’s favorite days at work are spent at the Merchandise Mart. “I love going to the Mart showrooms and getting to see and touch everything.”
Lauren graduated from Furman University in 2016 after a childhood spent in Atlanta. Her Southern upbringing inspired a love of bright colors and preppy graphic prints.
Lauren’s favorite days at work are spent at the Merchandise Mart. “I love going to the Mart showrooms and getting to see and touch everything. The perfect day at the Mart culminates in finding that perfect thing that will bring the room that you’ve been working on together.”
Lauren’s favorite days at work are spent at the Merchandise Mart. “I love going to the Mart showrooms and getting to see and touch everything. The perfect day at the Mart culminates in finding that perfect thing that will bring the room that you’ve been working on together.”
Lauren Heath
Designer
“Interior design is personal. The best work is inspired by the authentic, intuitive relationships that we share with our clients.”
Emily has flourished at JamesThomas for nearly a decade. “I lean towards classic and traditional design and enjoy mixing textures while layering high and low influences. It’s the accessories in a room that tell the story and make it personal. The true art is in the details, those small touches that take a room and make it undeniably yours.”
Having flourished at JamesThomas for nearly a decade, Emily’s star shines bright within the organization. “Long before I worked here, I loved the unique approach to interior design that James and Tom share. My own sensibilities are similar…I lean towards classic and traditional design and enjoy mixing textures while layering high and low influences. That said, it’s the accessories in a room that tell the story and make it personal. The true art is in the details, those small touches that take a room and make it undeniably yours.”
Emily has a soft spot for renovation projects. “Site visits are my favorite. Seeing a room transform piece by piece is so gratifying.” When she is not sharing her vision for beautiful living with her clients, Emily is making a lovely life of her own in Hinsdale, IL with her husband and two young children.
Emily has a soft spot for renovation projects. “Site visits are my favorite. Seeing a room transform piece by piece is so gratifying.” When she is not sharing her vision for beautiful living with her clients, Emily is making a lovely life of her own in Hinsdale, IL with her husband and two young children.
Emily Gerow
Project Lead
“Each project is special in it’s own way. When the work is complete, it feels sentimental to me.
”
“My favorite part of the design process is when my client and I are walking in lockstep, there is magic in collaboration.” Raised in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan Erin was always very artistic and creative as a child. “This industry is exactly where I belong. I am an artist at heart and interiors are like works of art. Every detail, color, patina, and texture play a part in the whole composition.”
“My favorite part of the design process is when my client and I are walking in lockstep, there is magic in collaboration.” Raised in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan Erin was always very artistic and creative as a child. “This industry is exactly where I belong. I am an artist at heart and interiors are like works of art. Every detail, color, patina, and texture play a part in the whole composition. It’s important to have a vision but even more important to be willing to take unexpected risks and allow things to feel interesting and personal.”
When not at work, Erin and her husband pour their energy into being parents to their two energetic young sons.
When not at work, Erin and her husband pour their energy into being parents to their two energetic young sons.
Erin Humphrey
Project Lead
“I love that our clients are getting braver and choosing to be bold with color.”
A Nebraska native, Julia knew from a young age that she wanted to find a career that would fulfill her creative sensibilities. She earned her B.S. in Design from the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska. Today, she describes her personal aesthetic as an appreciation for clean lines and simplicity – but readily admits that she loves juxtaposing patterns.
A Nebraska native, Julia knew from a young age that she wanted to find a career that would fulfill her creative sensibilities. She earned her B.S. in Design from the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska. Today, she describes her personal aesthetic as an appreciation for clean lines and simplicity – but readily admits that she loves juxtaposing patterns and the wow that unexpected pieces and bold color choices can lend to a space.
When Julia isn’t at work, she loves time spent outdoors, specifically, in the mountains of Park City, Utah. There, she spends time with her niece, nephew, and extended family…skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
When Julia isn’t at work, she loves time spent outdoors, specifically, in the mountains of Park City, Utah. There, she spends time with her niece, nephew, and extended family…skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Julia Fischer
Senior Designer
“I love spaces that promote a balanced lifestyle. Light, open spaces make people happier.”
Tyson graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2017 with a B.F.A, in Interior Architecture and his position at JamesThomas is his first since graduation. “I have always been interested in using interior design to affect health and joy. I believe that one’s surroundings have everything to do with how they see the world.”
Tyson graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2017 with a B.F.A, in Interior Architecture and his position at JamesThomas is his first since graduation. “I have always been interested in using interior design to affect health and joy. I believe that one’s surroundings have everything to do with how they see the world.” If that’s true, then the JT offices are the perfect place for Tyson. “The warm vibes here are inspiring. The designers here approach their work with an open heart.”
Above all else, Tyson hopes that his dedication to his clients shines through. “I have a point of view design-wise, sure, but what’s paramount to me is that our clients are getting the creative work that will enhance their every day lives. That’s why I am here.”
Above all else, Tyson hopes that his dedication to his clients shines through. “I have a point of view design-wise, sure, but what’s paramount to me is that our clients are getting the creative work that will enhance their every day lives. That’s why I am here.”
Tyson Lamm
Designer
“I love a mid-century modern aesthetic. I like clean, minimal, neat, and organized.”
Jamie oversees the day-to-day business and bustle in the offices of JamesThomas. She handles a variety of matters including accounting, organization, human resources, all while also serving as James and Tom’s right hand woman. And, as with a diverse, decades-long background in both fashion and retail management, she’s a natural.
When Jamie first met James and Tom, she knew it was kismet. “You see, my son’s name is James Thomas,” she says excitedly. Well, clearly it was meant to be.
Jamie oversees the day-to-day business and bustle in the offices of JamesThomas. She handles a variety of matters including accounting, organization, human resources, all while also serving as James and Tom’s right hand woman. And, as with a diverse, decades-long background in both fashion and retail management, she’s a natural. Jamie thrives when she is an active member of a team, “That’s the nicest thing someone could say to me: that I am fair, and that I am a valuable member of the group.”
When she is not at work, Jamie is taking full advantage of the diverse cultural offerings that city living brings with it, she is traveling around the country with her handsome boyfriend, and visiting her college-aged son at Miami University in Ohio.
Jamie oversees the day-to-day business and bustle in the offices of JamesThomas. She handles a variety of matters including accounting, organization, human resources, all while also serving as James and Tom’s right hand woman. And, as with a diverse, decades-long background in both fashion and retail management, she’s a natural. Jamie thrives when she is an active member of a team, “That’s the nicest thing someone could say to me: that I am fair, and that I am a valuable member of the group.”
When she is not at work, Jamie is taking full advantage of the diverse cultural offerings that city living brings with it, she is traveling around the country with her handsome boyfriend, and visiting her college-aged son at Miami University in Ohio.
Jamie Pack
Business Manager
“Interior design is personal. The best work is inspired by the authentic, intuitive relationships that we share with our clients.”
Emily has flourished at JamesThomas for nearly a decade. “I lean towards classic and traditional design and enjoy mixing textures while layering high and low influences. It’s the accessories in a room that tell the story and make it personal. The true art is in the details, those small touches that take a room and make it undeniably yours.”
Having flourished at JamesThomas for nearly a decade, Emily’s star shines bright within the organization. “Long before I worked here, I loved the unique approach to interior design that James and Tom share. My own sensibilities are similar…I lean towards classic and traditional design and enjoy mixing textures while layering high and low influences. That said, it’s the accessories in a room that tell the story and make it personal. The true art is in the details, those small touches that take a room and make it undeniably yours.”
Emily has a soft spot for renovation projects. “Site visits are my favorite. Seeing a room transform piece by piece is so gratifying.” When she is not sharing her vision for beautiful living with her clients, Emily is making a lovely life of her own in Hinsdale, IL with her husband and two young children.
Emily has a soft spot for renovation projects. “Site visits are my favorite. Seeing a room transform piece by piece is so gratifying.” When she is not sharing her vision for beautiful living with her clients, Emily is making a lovely life of her own in Hinsdale, IL with her husband and two young children.
Emily Gerow
Project Lead
“It’s not about perfection. It’s not about trends. It’s about good quality.”
Jim has been a key member of the JamesThomas team since his arrival in 2013. His energy and enthusiasm for culture, design, and the arts are apparent to everyone he meets. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he isn’t traveling, he is gardening, cooking, collecting antique copper cookware and tending to his partner and their two Border Terriers.
Jim has been a key member of the JamesThomas team since his arrival in 2013. His energy and enthusiasm for culture, design, and the arts are apparent to everyone he meets. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he isn’t traveling, he is gardening, cooking, collecting antique copper cookware and tending to his partner and their two Border Terriers.
Quality is the centerpiece of Jim’s design philosophy. “I like design that is honest and simple and not overwraught. If you find an amazing piece of well-made antique furniture –don’t even refinish it. Have the courage to let a piece like that show its age. Authenticity is beautiful.”
Quality is the centerpiece of Jim’s design philosophy. “I like design that is honest and simple and not overwraught. If you find an amazing piece of well-made antique furniture –don’t even refinish it. Have the courage to let a piece like that show its age. Authenticity is beautiful.”
Jim Josephson
Project Lead
“Each project is special in it’s own way. When the work is complete, it feels sentimental to me.
”
“My favorite part of the design process is when my client and I are walking in lockstep, there is magic in collaboration.” Raised in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan Erin was always very artistic and creative as a child. “This industry is exactly where I belong. I am an artist at heart and interiors are like works of art. Every detail, color, patina, and texture play a part in the whole composition.”
“My favorite part of the design process is when my client and I are walking in lockstep, there is magic in collaboration.” Raised in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan Erin was always very artistic and creative as a child. “This industry is exactly where I belong. I am an artist at heart and interiors are like works of art. Every detail, color, patina, and texture play a part in the whole composition. It’s important to have a vision but even more important to be willing to take unexpected risks and allow things to feel interesting and personal.”
When not at work, Erin and her husband pour their energy into being parents to their two energetic young sons.
When not at work, Erin and her husband pour their energy into being parents to their two energetic young sons.
Erin Humphrey
Project Lead
“I love that our clients are getting braver and choosing to be bold with color.”
A Nebraska native, Julia knew from a young age that she wanted to find a career that would fulfill her creative sensibilities. She earned her B.S. in Design from the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska. Today, she describes her personal aesthetic as an appreciation for clean lines and simplicity – but readily admits that she loves juxtaposing patterns.
A Nebraska native, Julia knew from a young age that she wanted to find a career that would fulfill her creative sensibilities. She earned her B.S. in Design from the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska. Today, she describes her personal aesthetic as an appreciation for clean lines and simplicity – but readily admits that she loves juxtaposing patterns and the wow that unexpected pieces and bold color choices can lend to a space.
When Julia isn’t at work, she loves time spent outdoors, specifically, in the mountains of Park City, Utah. There, she spends time with her niece, nephew, and extended family…skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
When Julia isn’t at work, she loves time spent outdoors, specifically, in the mountains of Park City, Utah. There, she spends time with her niece, nephew, and extended family…skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Julia Fischer
Senior Designer
“The big, bright lights of the skyline inspire my design sensibilities.”
Lauren graduated from Furman University in 2016 after a childhood spent in Atlanta. Her Southern upbringing inspired a love of bright colors and preppy graphic prints. Lauren’s favorite days at work are spent at the Merchandise Mart. “I love going to the Mart showrooms and getting to see and touch everything.”
Lauren graduated from Furman University in 2016 after a childhood spent in Atlanta. Her Southern upbringing inspired a love of bright colors and preppy graphic prints.
Lauren’s favorite days at work are spent at the Merchandise Mart. “I love going to the Mart showrooms and getting to see and touch everything. The perfect day at the Mart culminates in finding that perfect thing that will bring the room that you’ve been working on together.”
Lauren’s favorite days at work are spent at the Merchandise Mart. “I love going to the Mart showrooms and getting to see and touch everything. The perfect day at the Mart culminates in finding that perfect thing that will bring the room that you’ve been working on together.”
Lauren Heath
Designer
“I love spaces that promote a balanced lifestyle. Light, open spaces make people happier.”
Tyson graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2017 with a B.F.A, in Interior Architecture and his position at JamesThomas is his first since graduation. “I have always been interested in using interior design to affect health and joy. I believe that one’s surroundings have everything to do with how they see the world.”
Tyson graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2017 with a B.F.A, in Interior Architecture and his position at JamesThomas is his first since graduation. “I have always been interested in using interior design to affect health and joy. I believe that one’s surroundings have everything to do with how they see the world.” If that’s true, then the JT offices are the perfect place for Tyson. “The warm vibes here are inspiring. The designers here approach their work with an open heart.”
Above all else, Tyson hopes that his dedication to his clients shines through. “I have a point of view design-wise, sure, but what’s paramount to me is that our clients are getting the creative work that will enhance their every day lives. That’s why I am here.”
Above all else, Tyson hopes that his dedication to his clients shines through. “I have a point of view design-wise, sure, but what’s paramount to me is that our clients are getting the creative work that will enhance their every day lives. That’s why I am here.”
Tyson Lamm
Designer
“The ideas of linen and fresh breezes and the navy blue of the lake water serve as my muse.”
Anne’s favorite days at JamesThomas are install days. “That’s when it all comes together. It’s most exciting to see a vision realized after months of work and know how happy your client is going to be in their new space!”
Anne’s favorite days at JamesThomas are install days. “That’s when it all comes together. It’s most exciting to see a vision realized after months of work and know how happy your client is going to be in their new space!”
Anne’s life outside of the office is hardly lacking excitement. She is the mother of two pre-teens, Charlotte and Jack. Born and raised in Chicago, Anne’s growing family lives in Chicago’s Edgebroook neighborhood and during the summer months, they escape to a family cottage off of Lake Michigan.
Anne’s life outside of the office is hardly lacking excitement. She is the mother of two pre-teens, Charlotte and Jack. Born and raised in Chicago, Anne’s growing family lives in Chicago’s Edgebroook neighborhood and during the summer months, they escape to a family cottage off of Lake Michigan.
Anne Kopis
Sourcing Specialist
At JamesThomas, we specialize in designing your perfect welcome home. Let’s get started.
LOCATIONS
2401 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60612
1380 Wildflower Ln, Glenn, MI 49416
312.738.7300
info@jamesthomasinteriors.com
LOCATIONS
2401 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60612
1380 Wildflower Ln, Glenn, MI 49416
312.738.7300
info@jamesthomasinteriors.com
