Joan Craig founded Craig & Company, successor firm to Lichten Craig, in 2018 as a natural extension of her career in architecture, design, and decoration. With offices in Chicago and New York, Joan’s practice—and life-long inquiry—is sparked by her interest in exploring the intersection of architecture and interiors. Originally from Moorestown, New Jersey, Joan is a graduate of Wesleyan University, where she completed her studies in art and architectural history with a particular focus on the decorative arts. Working in Paris and then at Sotheby’s further honed her eye for art and antiques. Subsequently, fulfilling an ambition to design and build, she went on to receive her Masters in Architecture from Princeton University. Joan worked in the architectural offices of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Buttrick, White and Burtis prior to forming her firm Lichten Craig and twenty-year partnership with Kevin Lichten. Initially based in New York, Joan opened the firm’s Chicago office in 2005 and established a presence in both cities that continues to this day.

Joan’s portfolio features a range of residential, hospitality, and commercial work that includes an urban club’s aquatic center; the historic restoration of a Chicago landmark; the design of a private New York restaurant; a master plan for the architecture and design for a three-generation family compound in New Hampshire; interiors for a resort in the Dominican Republic; and a new bar and lounge for a private Michigan Avenue club. Regardless of scale, Joan’s work is guided and informed by her architectural expertise. She loves the process of discussing drawings with her clients especially as ideas beget ideas and a project’s program becomes refined. In conversation about collaboration, Joan talks about research, discovery, and the importance of developing designs and motifs that are tailored to a specific client and place. “Curiosity, exploration and literacy are how we develop memorable buildings and spaces.” Joan lives in Chicago with her husband, architect Peter Ruggiero, and divides her time between New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. She is passionate about her profession, traveling, and spending time with her three children.

A Michigan native, Christina earned her BA from Kenyon College, then moved to Chicago where she graduated from Harrington Institute of Interior Design in 2000. She gained design experience and insight through her work with Leslie Jones & Associates and Jessica Lagrange Interiors before arriving at Craig and Company in January of 2016. Christina believes that the most successful designs are the result of cultivated relationships and collaboration. Her ability to engage with her clients on a personal level allows her to create designs that have a lasting and personal impact. Christina’s portfolio of completed interiors includes numerous single-family residences in new and historic buildings, corporate offices, and a variety of significant hospitality projects, including restaurants in New York and Chicago, and a conference center in Santiago. She and her husband reside in Chicago.

Inspired by her architect father, who put a pencil in her hand and encouraged her to draw and see space in three dimensions, Nina Wong recognized her love for architecture and design early. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Columbia University and studied Fashion & Textile Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology before embarking on her professional career. Nina worked for several Manhattan firms including Tansuya/Ohta Studios Corporation, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Rosenberg Kolb Architects, and Friedman McAlpin Associates prior to moving to Chicago in 1994. In Chicago, Nina was an Associate Partner at Leslie Jones before arriving at Craig & Company. Her thirty years experience in all phases of design, construction, project management, and client relations make Nina a highly skilled collaborator in both residential and commercial projects. Further, Nina’s projects benefit from her expertise in custom furniture, furnishings, and material selections. Happiest with a pencil and a straightedge to this day, Nina generates extraordinary designs by hand and then assembles extraordinary materials palettes for them in Craig & Company’s library.

In her role as Craig & Company’s Business Manager, Catherine brings inordinate care, detail, and precision to the financial structure of every client’s project. Her expertise and perspective come from over twenty-five years’ experience in corporate, hospitality, and residential design management. Beyond working on project-specific finance, Catherine oversees accounting and HR matters, develops new business proposals, and manages FF&E procurement. Clients and vendors value her professionalism and the Craig & Company team can do its best work knowing that Catherine is on top of every detail. When away from managing the firm, Catherine enjoys relaxing weekends at her family’s Michigan lake house with extended family and friends.

Tracie Cote joined Craig & Company in 2015 bringing with her over twenty years experience in high-end architecture. Her practice includes residential projects, renovations, additions, vacation homes, and distinctive commercial and upscale retail designs. In her role as project architect, Tracie focuses on integrating contract documents with the required trades to ensure the design intent meets and exceeds client expectations. Tracie particularly enjoys construction administration, corresponding with tradesmen, and detailing development throughout the process. A licensed architect in Illinois, Tracie received her Bachelor of Environmental Design from Miami (Ohio) University, and her Masters of Architecture from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Tracie is originally from Chicago and loves to cook, travel, run, and spend time with family and friends.

Taylor Stein joined Craig & Company in the fall of 2015, bringing a passion for classical design and training received while earning a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Inspired by the intricacy of fine residential design, Taylor appreciates the way sophisticated, nuanced design can transform a space, and he enjoys the thorough approach it requires. In particular, Taylor takes pleasure in developing designs for custom millwork that encompasses both aesthetics and assembly. His close collaborations with craftspeople have contributed to successful projects and are a fulfilling part of the architectural process for him. With his talent for watercolor, Taylor also produces renderings throughout the design process and for prospective client presentations. He has lectured at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago on the history and techniques of watercolor as a medium for architectural rendering. In his free time, Taylor is studying fine woodworking, designing and building furniture for his Gold Coast apartment.

Jacquelyn Morrison is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri with a BS in Architectural Studies with an emphasis in Interiors. She began her career in her hometown with firms focused on residential design before moving to Chicago in 2016. Jacquelyn continued her professional pursuits at Jessica Lagrange Interiors before joining Craig & Company in December 2018.

Drawing from her experiences working on projects around the country, including homes in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, Jacquelyn thrives in the collaborative process. Beginning foremost with the client, she listens, distills, and works hard to comprehensively realize their vision. The entire creative enterprise draws from her sensibilities—especially her love of natural materials—and she particularly enjoys working with vendors and artisans in the fabrication of custom furnishings and interior millwork.

Jacquelyn currently lives in Lakeview, where she appreciates the urban context, proximity to the shoreline, and Lincoln Park. When not at work, she spends time with friends and family, follows the cultural scene, and tracks real estate as an avocation.

Lauren Siatczynski was born and raised in metro Detroit and has always been focused on the arts. She followed her passion for design to the charming town of Savannah, Georgia where she attended Savannah College of Art and Design, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and a minor in Fibers (2021). While attending SCAD, Lauren gained a breadth of experience working throughout the Midwest on high-end residential, hospitality, and corporate projects. She moved to Chicago in 2021 and began her career at Lamar Johnson Collaborative, where she worked on building repositions and other corporate spaces throughout the country. In 2022, Lauren joined Craig and Co. Beyond the office, Lauren enjoys investigating the arts and culture of Chicago. An avid cook, she also appreciates exploring the city’s restaurants and neighborhoods.

Chris Sylva is a licensed architect in the state of Illinois who joins Craig & Company after serving as a designer for several major luxury residential, office, and hospitality developments in Chicago, Europe, and the Middle East. Prior to his professional experience Chris received his bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame, which was defined by a year spent living abroad in Rome. Drawing on these experiences, Chris strives to make architecture directly sympathetic to the local traditions, context, and environment of each site. Influenced by his upbringing in Northern California, Chris spends his time outside of the office cultivating his interest in ecology, travel, history, and fly fishing.

Growing up in northern New Jersey, Caitlyn was surrounded by the historic homes of
Upper Montclair and the iconic New York City skyline painting the horizon. Early on a
love for art and design transitioned into Architecture. This passion was substantiated
after a high school internship and led her move to Chicago to continue education at the
Illinois Institute of Technology. There, she earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree
with a minor in construction management.

During her time at Illinois Institute of Technology, Caitlyn honed her skills in
collaboration and design development, working on projects of varying scope and scale,
including a design build studio where she and her peers developed a micro house from
initial concept through construction. Her passion for collaboration in architecture
remains strong as she believes it can result in unparalleled design solutions.

Over the past few years, she has worked on residential, retail, restaurant and hospitality
projects nationwide. However, her love for residential design led her to join Craig and
Company.

Outside of the studio, Caitlyn enjoys exploring Chicago accompanied by her dog or
planning her next travel adventure.

Mara Drape was born and raised in Seattle, Washington where, as the daughter of an architect, she was exposed to design from the very beginning. She began her schooling in New York City studying economics, curation, and design, eventually leading her to Savannah College of Art and Design where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and a minor in Preservation Design (2020). Following her graduation from SCAD, Mara began her professional career with Hoedemaker Pfeiffer and Lucas Interior, both award-winning residential design firms in Seattle before moving to Chicago in September 2022 to start working at Craig & Company. When not working, she enjoys exploring the city through going to farmers markets and local shops, and cooking.

Morgan Gaudet is a Chicago native who spent much of her childhood looking up to admire all the architectural details in the city above her. In 2018, she graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a degree in architecture and studio arts.

She joined the Eric Cohler Design team the summer following her graduation, and worked on high end interior projects throughout Manhattan and the East Coast before joining Gensler where she worked on commercial office design. Before joining Craig and Company she embarked on an adventure of a lifetime with Accidentally Wes Anderson [AWA] as the team’s creative director. While with AWA she traveled the globe to document architectural wonders and tell the stories behind their facades. This project focused on curating her ability to art direct bespoke social media marketing campaigns for renowned companies like Sotheby’s, William Grant and Sons, and global tourism boards. Along with the digital realm, she also directed the layouts for AWA’s global exhibitions in Tokyo, Seoul and London.

While away from her desk, Morgan enjoys sailing on Lake Michigan and taking her film camera for a spin around the block.

Julia Soufleris was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Julia’s lifelong love of creating and design began with early exposure to art classes and camps. She further explored art and dimension through ceramics and sculpture in high school, which led her to discover architecture and interior design, her true calling.

Julia attended the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Arts and Planning (DAAP) where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (2023) from the School of Architecture and Design (SAID). This five-year program included five semesters of internships, translating to two full years of invaluable, relevant work experience. Julia joined Craig & Co for her senior internship and the fit was perfect; she was invited to join the team upon graduation.

She now enjoys exploring her new home in Chicago, often orchestrating her adventures to include sampling the city’s great food.