STUDIO GILD is the compelling story of three talented designers, Melissa Benham, Jennie Bishop and Kristen Ekeland, joining forces to create a fresh and approachable interior design firm. Founded in 2014, the multi-faceted, Chicago-based collective draws from its principals’ experience in residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and graphic design. With a shared love for clean architecture, modern lines and simple beauty, Melissa, Jennie and Kristen founded Studio Gild with the intent to create a boutique firm that delivers elevated design, while fostering uniquely fun collaborations and strong client relationships. Drawing inspiration from fashion, art and architecture, Studio Gild infuses each project with a touch of sophisticated whimsy and style.

Having begun their interior design careers in New York City, working for industry luminaries André Balazs, Clodagh, Thom Filicia, S. Russell Groves and Ralph Lauren, their stars eventually aligned at Chicago’s Kara Mann Design and Simeone Deary Design Group. Melissa, Jennie and Kristen’s work has been featured in publications such as Metropolitan Home, Interiors, California Home + Design, Western Interiors, Chicago Home & Garden, Chicago Tribune and Modern Luxury Chicago Interiors. Studio Gild currently has an eclectic variety of projects in the works, including a young family’s custom-built, modern North Shore home, a bachelor’s refined Colorado loft and an urban Chicago pied-à-terre in a landmarked Mies van der Rohe building.

Gilding each project with a fine layer of thoughtful detail is Studio Gild’s trademark. Melissa, Jennie and Kristen are dedicated to creating environments that are curated, provocative and timeless.

Some of our favorite interiors by STUDIO GILD: