Meet TKS

TKS is an award-winning family-owned business with over two decades in the design and build game.

We specialize in originating unique style that feels cohesive, inviting, and deeply custom. You bring your personal passion, your stories, and your favorite things—we’ll bring a fresh approach to every concept, an exceptional eye for sourcing, and our obsessive attention to detail.

As a design and build firm, our process is satisfyingly streamlined. We’ll be your conduit for every aspect of the project—from concepts to contracting. We’ll even oversee your permits, build specifications—and ensure a considerate, well-planned installation.

MEET THE BOSS

Susan Klimala

Owner, Principal Designer

Stats

Two decades of experience, multiple regional and national design awards, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD), CAPS certified, business acumen acquired at a Fortune 500 company

STYLE

Down-to-earth, problem-solving, telling it like it is, risk taker, creatively alive, and always laughing

SPECIALTY

Susan knows how to find the big breathtaking wow factor and the almost imperceptible little layers that make a space sing

FOR FUN

Traveling the world, skiing, rolling her eyes at her husband’s dad jokes

Working with TKS was seamless and stress-free. The team coordinated everything with our builder and we achieved our dream kitchen within budget.

Tom Glen Ellyn, IL

Meet the Team

Tks Jeff Klimala Owner

Jeff Klimala

Co-Owner

STATS

MBA Finance University of Chicago, B.A. Finance Indiana University. 30 years experience in Finance and Accounting.

STYLE

Research driven, always up for a challenge, problem solver, like to find a solution and move forward.

SPECIALTY

Listen to an idea or issue needing work and come up with an innovative solution.

FOR FUN

Travel, dinners out with family, golf, skiing and of course poker tournaments whenever time allows.

Tks Marketing Dawn Jackman

Dawn Jackman

Marketing Manager

STATS

B.A. in Business from Illinois Wesleyan. 25 years marketing experience, 12 of which have been at TKS where her knowledge and love of interior design has grown.

STYLE

Detail-oriented, hardworking and strives to make every person feel valued.

SPECIALTY

Highly experienced with coordinating and overseeing a variety of different marketing and sales activities.

FOR FUN

Her heart is happiest when spending time with her family. A few of her favorite things: hiking, photography, gardening, or anything to get out and enjoy the mountains.

Tks Stepanie Cole Designer

Stephanie Cole

Lead Designer

STATS

B.A. in Interior Design from the Art Institutes; eight years combined experience in commercial, hospitality, and residential design; team lead for multiple design projects for non-profit organizations in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic; LEED AP certified.

STYLE

Relationship builder, collaborative, solution-driven, and detail-oriented.

SPECIALTY

Working collaboratively with clients to help them maximize the functionality of their space while helping to identify and compliment their personal aesthetic.

FOR FUN

Long walks, visiting new cafes and tea shops, exploring the city's architecture, Netflix binging, and spending time with her kids.

Tks Designer Darci Tee

Darci Tee

Lead Designer

STATS

B.A in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design. 16 years in the design industry with experience that ranges from high-end interior furnishings to European imported cabinetry and furniture. Primarily focused on custom kitchen and bath design.

STYLE

Collaborative, creative, passionate, honest, and a good problem-solver.

SPECIALTY

Darci's design method of form follows function mixed with the ability to listen and connect with her clients is essential in creating balanced curated spaces.

FOR FUN

Getting outdoors, snuggling up with a coffee and a good design book, family movie nights with my husband and four kids.

Tks Designer Jamie Pass

Jamie Pass

Designer

STATS

BFA in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design. Over 15 years experience working at architecture and design build studios.

STYLE

Timeless, conceptual thinker, and task oriented.

SPECIALTY

Jamie's ability to hone in on how interior spaces and design shape one’s life experiences, and completing projects down to the final styling detail make her invaluable.

FOR FUN

Never tires of adventures and loves seeking out peaceful shore lines, running trails, gardening, and baking with her daughter.

Tks Designer Elizabeth Garity

Elizabeth Garity

Designer

STATS

Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Three years of experience as an architectural surveyor and drafter serving various hospital systems. Lifelong exposure to residential design through family's construction business.

STYLE

Classic, storyteller, committed to being authentic, passionate, and always willing to try something new.

SPECIALTY

Strives to find a balance between structure and spontaneity, and loves creating with color & comfort in mind.

FOR FUN

Reading books about true crime and paranormal phenomena, going camping, and experimenting with her cooking.

Tks Project Manager Ryan Koper

Ryan Koper

Project Manager

STATS

10 plus years in project management throughout various hospitality industries, 8 plus years in contractor management.

STYLE

Outgoing, fun, caring, always wants what is best for the customer at hand.

SPECIALITY

Wants to make sure that everyone is pleased from start to finish, a job that starts right, typically ends with a smile on everyone's face.

FOR FUN

Playing with his kids and lovely wife, being active, attending sporting events, and golfing.

Tks Designer Kinga Felker

Kinga Felker

Assistant Designer

STATS

Graduated with a B.S. in Interior Design from a CIDA accredited University proficient in CAD/Sketchup/Revit with a year of hands on design experience, a member of IIDA and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

STYLE

Passionate and hard worker who loves seeing a space transform from start to finish.

SPECIALTY

Utilizing different textures and clean lines bringing sophistication to designs.

FOR FUN

Enjoys being active through hiking, biking , yoga and spending time with her family and their pets.

Tks Office Manager Amelia Fox

Amelia Fox

Studio Manager

STATS

B.A. in English from DePaul, with a background in theater. 5 years of experience as Rick Bayless' private event coordinator for all of his restaurants, as well as his home.

STYLE

Always willing to get the job done and wants to see everyone happy. Hard working, fun-loving, empathetic to everyone's needs.

SPECIALTY

Pays attention to the personal details, in order to elevate the client experience.

FOR FUN

Teaching a cardio dance class, directing kid's theater, loves to travel and share new experiences with her two children and husband.

CHOOSE A LOCATION

NAPLES, FL
4501 Tamiami Trail N, Ste 424
Naples, FL 34103
(239) 378-6599
contact@tksdesigngroup.com
GLEN ELLYN, IL
522 Crescent Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 858-4848
contact@tksdesigngroup.com
Chicago, IL
1040 Roscoe St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(630) 488-7481
contact@tksdesigngroup.com