Colleen Connor
 

Meet Colleen connor

Founder

Hello! My name is Colleen Connor, owner and founder of Colleen Connor Design. As a child, I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s home in the woods. It was the perfect setting for their tasteful and distinctive style. My grandfather was an engineer by trade, but his true passion was building furniture and duck decoys in his home woodworking shop. I remember loving the smell of raw wood and being surrounded by craft and creativity. My grandmother also had an eye for style and color, using the natural environment as inspiration. I did not realize it at the time, but this was what shaped my appreciation for furniture lines and organic environments. I began studying interior design in Denver and completed my degree at Chicago’s Harrington School of Design in 2004. I began Colleen Connor Design (CCD) directly upon completing my studies and I have not looked back. I currently reside in Riverside, IL with my two daughters, two dogs and a one-eyed cat!

I specialize in residential interior design with services ranging from a simple cosmetic refresh to designing new builds and additions. My design philosophy is to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. I believe your home should be a reflection of your personality. It should function the way you need it to while offering a comfortable place to relax and make memories. I like to add sustainable elements whenever possible and to incorporate pieces that hold special meaning.

As a testament to our service, I am proud of the fact that we have built this business based entirely upon referrals. Our design team understands investing in your home is an important decision that requires a level of trust. Our goal is to set your mind at ease and work together to create a unique and personalized space. Let's do this!

Credentials: ASID Member


 

Rachael Franceschina

Lead Designer

Design runs in my blood. My grandmother had her own interior design practice which informed my love for architecture and all things beautiful. I earned my undergraduate degree in Architecture from Miami University and a Master of Arts from the Design and Environmental Analysis program at Cornell University. I am a registered interior designer with the state of Illinois, specializing in sustainable design. I have over 20 years of industry experience working on residential, commercial, retail and educational spaces. As lead interior designer with Colleen Connor Design, I bring ideas to life by providing clients with detailed project drawings using AutoCAD and Photoshop. I currently live in Riverside, IL with my husband and two sons. I enjoy cooking and baking, so I am particularly invested in the design details of kitchens! Outside of work, I love to travel with my family.

Credentials: ASID Member, IIDA Member and LEED AP ID&C Certificate Holder

Tracy Brunette

Operations Manager

I began my career in high-end women's retail management. I love color, design and aesthetics, so shifting my focus to interior design felt like a natural transition. As an operations manager, I work closely with our vendors to secure pricing and ensure availability of all products and services. I am adept at juggling multiple schedules, deadlines and deliveries. I currently live in Oak Park, IL with my teenage son. I enjoy biking and practicing yoga and I have a passion for vegetarian cooking. In my spare time, I love to watch design shows - not only do I find them entertaining, they help to keep me current in the industry.