About Centered by Design:Centered by Design works collaboratively with clients to align personal taste with the architecture and era of a home to create a truly timeless design. By guiding clients through our design process, our team tailors the design experience to specific lifestyles and needs. The final result is a beautiful and personalized space, a reflection of the people who inhabit it - a home that is centered by design.Here's what our clients say:"We had an incredible experience with Claire and the team at Centered by Design who helped us breathe life into our 100+ year old home. Throughout the years, our house had lost some of its original charm, and Claire’s team was immediately focused on restoring its original beauty. Our request included some changes in layout and improved flow/functionality and CBD was the only designer we spoke with who was focused on maintaining the historical integrity of our home. Rather than a recommendation to “gut” the whole thing, they recommended some smart changes that gave us everything we wanted without a full rehab. Our home is stunning thanks to Claire who is VERY patient, talented, and skilled at pushing clients just far enough outside of their comfort zone. We would (and do!) recommend Centered by Design to anyone!" - Emily W., Full Service ClientClaire's Expertise:Claire Staszak is a Chicago-based interior designer known for her holistic design process and expertise in designing and restoring homes, infusing them with soul. She has a special affinity for crafting timeless and functional kitchens. Centered by Design was born out of her love of historical architecture, her well-trained eye for interiors, and her passion for personal wellness. Claire studied interior design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and holds a Certificate of Kitchen and Bath Design from Harper College. Her work has been featured by Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Domino, Chicago Tribune, HGTV, LUXE and others.

Assisted Principle and lead designer on high-end residential interior design projects.

Summer intern/assistant to Lead Project Manager and multiple Design Assistants. Projects consisted of high-end residential work from around the globe.

Director of Lillstreet Ignite, an arts-based professional training and team building program that brings artistic principles and business skills together to fuel creative thinking and innovative attitudes in the workplace.Director of Lillstreet Loft, Lillstreet Art Center's 2,000-sqft private event and meeting venue.Maintain management of responsibilities under Special Event Manager.Created job description, recruited, hired and currently manage the new position of Special Events Coordinator.

Managed and organized schedule of 140 in-store presentations and 30 offsite events yearly for $10 million retail location, including the Grand Opening of REI’s Lincoln Park location. Developed an outreach strategy and voice for REI brand that became a model for other urban store locations. Created strong relationships with customers, media, community organizations and local businesses to support corporate initiatives, create successful events and drive sales back to REI. Handled all inquiries concerning donations, event sponsorship and REI presence at events. Crafted marketing materials, i.e. promotional flyers, online calendars and social media sites. Leveraged bloggers and local media to increase REI’s print advertising 75 percent more than in previous program. Communicated internal business strategy and external marketing campaigns to five managers and a staff of 60 employees.

Assisted in recruitment of more than 3,000 volunteers through online and grassroots efforts. Greeted corporate volunteer groups on work site each morning, and hosted monthly volunteer training sessions.Aided in organizational fundraising through grant writing, presentations, and special events. Organized and tracked all volunteer information in database. Participated in building Habitat homes each Saturday.