ABOUT US

OUR STORY

CM Studio is a Chicago interior design firm, born from Carly and Magda’s shared belief that design is stronger when approached as a team. We created CM Studio to combine our expertise in new construction and home renovations, creating spaces that are elegant, refined, and deeply personal. We blend our unique styles to design homes that are modern and inviting, all while reflecting each client's individual taste. We love a clear, thoughtful process just as much as we love beautiful design.

We thrive on clear deliverables, consistent communication, and creative solutions. Our approach to interior design is deeply collaborative, ensuring that each project is not only beautiful but also fully curated to our clients’ unique lifestyles. Importantly, we also prioritize having fun through the process, and usually find ourselves becoming close friends with our clients.
Read more below.

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CO-FOUNDER / PRINCIPAL DESIGNER / HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Carly Zuba

With a background in law and a lifelong passion for design, Carly brings a unique blend of precision, creativity, and empathy to every project. After practicing law for over 10 years and attending design school in the evenings, she finally made the leap into interior design—driven by a desire to create beautiful, meaningful spaces and to build lasting relationships with her clients. Known for her thoughtful approach and eye for detail, she believes that great design is not only about how a space looks, but how it makes you feel. Whether she’s sourcing the perfect piece or guiding clients through the design process, her goal is always the same: to create spaces that reflect who her clients are and how they live.

When not working, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband and two young boys, who literally never (ever) stop moving.

CURRENT DESIGN CRUSH: WEST OF MAIN DESIGN

A woman with dark hair, dressed in an elegant cream-colored outfit, stands near a textured dark gray wall, next to a small wooden stool with carved tribal pattern backrest.

CO-FOUNDER / PRINCIPAL DESIGNER / HEAD OF CREATIVE

Magda Rauscher

Magda's passion lies in creating spaces that are both timeless and modern. She specializes in blending classic lines with contemporary style, transforming spaces that reflect both character and functionality. Magda is particularly drawn to the details that make a space unique — from selecting the perfect artwork to finding vintage furniture that adds warmth and personality. By working closely with clients, she takes pride in creating spaces that feel both personal and inviting. Whether harmonizing old and new or curating thoughtful accents, Magda ensures each design is a beautiful, functional expression of the client's style. Above all, she is dedicated to helping clients express their individuality throughout every stage of the project.

CURRENT DESIGN CRUSH: ALYSSA KAPITO

A young woman with long, wavy blonde hair wearing a white button-down dress with puffed sleeves stands with her hands in her pockets and smiles at the camera. She is standing on a wooden floor against a dark textured wall, with a small brown vase on a tall, rectangular stone pedestal to her left.

Chloe Endicott

ASSOCIATE DESIGNER

Chloe has a deep love for design that stems from her innate ability to create. She started her schooling in graphic design then pivoted to interior design. Before joining CM Studio, she worked on high-end residential vacation homes, as well as luxury casinos and hotels at a large architecture firm in Salt Lake City. She believes that our everyday spaces affect our emotional and physical well-being. Her aim is to design homes that are functional, timeless, and completely personalized to each homeowner.

CURRENT DESIGN CRUSH: MILLIE TURNER DESIGNS

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Ania Ignas

ASSOCIATE DESIGNER

Creativity has always been a driving force in Ania’s life. As a child, she was constantly rearranging her bedroom and begging her parents to let her remodel the bathrooms — a clear sign that design was in her blood. Driven by her passion for creativity, Ania pursued a degree in fashion design, where she honed her eye for aesthetics, materials, and style. However, it wasn’t until she connected with the interior design world that she discovered her true calling: creating beautiful, functional spaces.

After furthering her education in interior design, Ania immersed herself in high-end residential projects, helping clients craft homes that are as practical as they are beautiful. Along the way, she has fallen in love with the rewarding process of helping clients turn a house into a home — designing stunning spaces that reflect their personalities while providing both comfort and style.

A woman with blonde hair wearing a cream sweater, white pants, and nude high heels sits on a wooden bench against a dark gray textured wall, looking to the side.

Courtney Becker

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

What began as a personal hobby and a passion for interior design—expressed through her own home and those of her friends—eventually led Courtney to a career in the field. She was honored to join Magda’s former firm three years ago, where her enthusiasm for sourcing unique furnishings and capturing each client’s distinct aesthetic naturally evolved into a deeper interest in the logistics behind design execution. At CM Studio, Courtney now serves as the Procurement Manager, overseeing the purchase and delivery of all products and furnishings. She also ensures each project is completed in alignment with the design vision, while staying on budget and on schedule.

When not at CM Studio, Courtney loves to travel, read, binge watch the latest show, and spend time in the sun with her family.

CLIENT REFLECTIONS

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Magda is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is trustworthy, kind, and a joy to be around. In every which way, she exceeded our expectations for each space. Our home is very much a home because of Magda.

- Pammy & Scott, Project Park

“Working with Carly on our new build was an absolute dream! Her keen eye for detail and impeccable taste transformed our new build house into a stunning home.”

- Jon & Sulema, Project Wagner

“What truly sets Carly apart is how easy she was to work with. She took the time to listen to our ideas, understand our lifestyle and then crafted designs that were both stylish and practical. We couldn’t be happier with the end result!”

- Alexis, Project Douglas

FEATURED PROJECTS

From historic brownstones in Lincoln Park to contemporary lakefront residences, our portfolio reflects a dedication to design excellence and livable luxury.