Tom Stringer is not your typical designer confined to a studio. This Chicago-based visionary, celebrated for his travel-infused designs, embodies a life of adventure that profoundly shapes his firm, Tom Stringer Design Partners. His journeys, vividly recounted in his 2017 book, An Adventurous Life, are not mere escapades but integral to his design ethos. While his global explorations are widely recognized, Stringer’s heart remains firmly rooted in his hometown of Chicago, the operational hub for Tom Stringer Design Partners. Here, we shadow Tom Stringer through a day in the Windy City, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of Tom Stringer Design Partners.
Alt: Tom Stringer, founder of Tom Stringer Design Partners, pictured in a portrait showcasing his expertise in luxury interior design.
6:00 A.M. – Canine Chaos and Coffee Begin the Day
The day at Tom Stringer Design Partners starts bright and early for its founder, often before the city truly awakens. Stringer’s morning alarm comes in the form of Tucker and Jonah, his energetic American Eskimo and Bichon Poodle duo. Their playful antics are a daily ritual, a joyful prelude to the day’s demands. Downstairs in his kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air – the first of many cups essential for a creative powerhouse like Stringer. He pairs his coffee with The New York Times and some cherished moments of “cuddle time” with his canine companions on the sofa, a grounding ritual before diving into the complexities of running Tom Stringer Design Partners.
6:30 A.M. – Peloton and Post-Japan Meditation
Wellness is a cornerstone of Stringer’s routine, mirroring the holistic approach Tom Stringer Design Partners brings to design. His home gym, a basement sanctuary, eliminates any excuses for skipping workouts. A half-hour Peloton session with his favorite coach, Cody Rigsby, sets the physical tone. Inspired by a recent trip to Japan, a land renowned for mindfulness, Stringer has incorporated daily meditation into his mornings. This post-workout cool-down is not just about physical recovery but mental clarity, crucial for the strategic thinking required at Tom Stringer Design Partners.
7:30 A.M. – Home Office Command Center
By 7:30 AM, Stringer is in his home office, strategically located off the library – a space conducive to both focused work and creative inspiration. Here, he reviews his schedule, preparing for the day’s engagements for Tom Stringer Design Partners. The inevitable “mountain of emails” from the previous day demands immediate attention. Email management, though a constant battle, is a vital link to clients, collaborators, and the inner workings of Tom Stringer Design Partners’ projects.
8:30 A.M. – Commute with a View to the Palmolive Building
After showering and dressing, Stringer heads to the Tom Stringer Design Partners office. The commute itself is a source of daily inspiration. A short drive along Lake Shore Drive offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Chicago skyline. This visual immersion in the city’s beauty is a constant reminder of why Chicago is not just home but also the perfect base for Tom Stringer Design Partners, a firm deeply connected to its urban and natural surroundings. The office’s location in the historic Palmolive Building on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile further underscores the firm’s commitment to design excellence and prestigious locations.
9:30 A.M. – Design Team Collaboration: The Gold Coast Project
The heart of Tom Stringer Design Partners beats within its collaborative design team. The morning meeting is the day’s kickoff, focusing on a significant new construction project: a full-floor luxury high-rise condo in Chicago’s esteemed Gold Coast neighborhood. This is their second project for these discerning clients, a testament to the firm’s ability to cultivate lasting relationships and deliver exceptional designs. Currently, the team is focused on integrating a striking pair of antique bronze and brass doors, sourced from the clients’ travels in India, into the foyer. This detail perfectly encapsulates Tom Stringer Design Partners’ signature style – blending global influences with bespoke luxury to create unique and narrative-rich spaces.
Alt: Close-up of design swatches and material samples being reviewed during a Tom Stringer Design Partners team meeting, showcasing the collaborative process of luxury interior design.
Alt: A sophisticated living room interior designed by Tom Stringer Design Partners, highlighting their elegant aesthetic and attention to detail in residential projects.
10:45 A.M. – Arts Club Engagement and Cole Sternberg Film Screening
Stringer’s day extends beyond client projects, reflecting Tom Stringer Design Partners’ commitment to the broader arts and culture community. He heads to the Arts Club of Chicago for a walk-through, initiating plans for a film screening he is hosting for Cole Sternberg, a favorite Los Angeles-based artist. Sternberg’s thought-provoking work, currently featured in Stringer’s own living room, immediately captivates visitors. With series exploring human rights, environmental concerns, and media overload, Sternberg’s art resonates deeply with Stringer’s own global awareness and design philosophy. The upcoming screening of Are the Green Fields Gone?, a documentary chronicling Sternberg’s artistic voyage across the Pacific, is a testament to Stringer’s support for impactful art and his desire to foster dialogue around critical social issues through Tom Stringer Design Partners’ platform.
12:00 P.M. – Team Lunch and Terrace Dining at Tom Stringer Design Partners
Lunchtime is a vital part of the Tom Stringer Design Partners’ workday culture. Back at the office, lunch arrives, sourced daily from a diverse array of Chicago restaurants. This rotating culinary tour of the city is a deliberate effort to support local businesses and expose the team to Chicago’s vibrant food scene. The team of 20 gathers at the “Quad,” formed by four walnut-top Saarinen tables, fostering a sense of communal dining and conversation. Weather permitting, lunch moves to their new terrace, offering alfresco dining with city views. This established lunch hour is more than a meal break; it’s a crucial opportunity for team members to connect, share ideas, and step away from their desks, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines Tom Stringer Design Partners.
Tom Stringer’s day, a blend of design innovation, team collaboration, and cultural engagement, exemplifies the ethos of Tom Stringer Design Partners. His commitment to both global inspiration and local Chicago roots shapes a design firm that is not only creating exceptional spaces but also contributing meaningfully to the world around them.
