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.
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.
Magdalena Barwacz
Designer
From the very beginning of AJI, Magdalena has helped shape the heart and spirit of the firm’s design vision. With a degree in Interior Design and a Bachelor’s focused on Interior Architecture, she approaches every project with a deep appreciation for how people live, move, and feel within a space. Her certifications in Architectural AutoCAD and Perspective and Rendering Drawing support her creative instincts with strong technical skill. At the core of Magdalena’s design philosophy is a belief that truly meaningful spaces emerge when the character of a place is thoughtfully aligned with the needs of the people who inhabit it. For her, design is not just an outcome, it’s a way of caring for how people experience their world.
Kate Montgomery
Designer
Passionate about creating spaces that feel both beautiful and personal, Kate brings a thoughtful, story-driven approach to every project. With an Honours Bachelor of Interior Design from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, she believes the best interiors are warm, functional, and full of character. Her inspiration comes from both the familiar and the unknown—traveling, exploring local markets, antiquing, and staying active all fuel her creative process.
Julia Gough
Designer
Guided from an early age by her mother’s artistic spirit, Julia approaches design with thoughtfulness and intuition. She sees the world through a creative lens, with a deep sensitivity to color, composition, and the subtle details that give a space its soul. Her work reflects an appreciation for design that feels personal and unexpected. Julia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Michigan State University and brings extensive experience across commercial and residential projects. She is dedicated to creating spaces defined by clear intention and a distinctly personal sense of story.
Emily Fine
Design Assistant
With a lifelong passion for interiors, Emily brings a refined, strategic eye to the design process. She supports the team in executing thoughtful, detail-driven spaces that balance function with feeling. From sourcing and styling to project coordination and client communication, Emily is actively involved in every phase of a project. She believes the best design begins with listening—and that the most beautiful spaces are the ones that elevate the everyday.
Natalie Short
Studio & Procurement Manager
In her role as Studio and Procurement Manager, Natalie is the backbone of the firm, efficiently managing day-to-day operations and streamlining processes. Her responsibilities include procurement, project management, project oversight, billing, tracking, and maintaining vendor relationships, all of which contribute to a seamless workflow across the studio. 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.
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.
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