The Tran + Thomas

Team

Tran + Thomas Design Studio owners, Jill Tran and Carmen Thomas, have a unique story in that their brothers have been best friends for over two decades. It is that relationship which brought them together in 2011 to form Tran + Thomas Design Studio. Their uniquely varied strengths complement one another perfectly, making for a powerful alliance that benefits their clients in ways other interior designers can’t compare.

jill-tran

Owner / Principal Designer

Jill Tran

IDS

A true creative, Jill is brimming with endless ideas, and her talents, knowledge and experience to bring them to reality. A people pleaser at heart, her goal is to create spaces that support her clients and make them truly happy. Jill has owned her own design business since 2001 and her years of experience has […]

carmen-thomas

Owner / Principal Designer

Carmen R. Thomas

IIDA, ASID, LEED AP, NCIDQ Cert. No. 28327

Carmen’s passion for creativity began at an early age, evolving from a love of fine arts into a deep interest in the built environment. She pursued degrees in Interior Design and Business at Kansas State University, following initial studies in Fine Arts at the University of Arizona. Driven by a desire to shape beautiful, functional […]

melody-mirakian

Senior Designer

Melody Mirakian

Although native to St. Louis, Melody has called Kansas City her home after obtaining an Architecture degree from Kansas State University. During her design studies she was drawn to the art of storytelling, specifically through theatre, and accomplished a minor. During her two decades in the field, she has explored design through various lenses in […]

juliane-lewis

Senior Designer

Juliane Lewis

NCIDQ, IIDA

With over a decade of experience, Juliane brings a thoughtful, creative approach to every project. As a Senior Designer at Tran + Thomas, she draws on a diverse background—from shaping energetic stadium interiors to designing student-focused K–12 environments. Her work blends functionality with personality, creating spaces that truly connect with those who use them. Originally […]

lucy-crowder

Senior Designer

Lucy Crowder

Lucy grew up in Beatrice, Nebraska, and went on to pursue her passion for design at Kansas State University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design. Before joining the Tran + Thomas team, Lucy was instrumental in leading the interior and architectural design of numerous cinema and family entertainment center […]

Designer II

Patrice Mendelson

Born and raised in upstate New York, Patrice’s love for interior design and art started at a young age. After college, she began her career in the art world, working both in the showroom and retail realms. After raising her children, and earning her degree in interior design, she combined both art and design in […]

jenna-schulte

Designer

Jenna Schulte

Originally from Pella, Iowa, Jenna pursued her passion for design and athletics at the University of Central Missouri, where she earned a degree in Interior Design with a minor in Marketing. During her five years at UCM, she was a dedicated student-athlete, competing on the university’s collegiate volleyball team. With two years of professional experience […]

maddie-sprenger

Designer

Maddie Sprenger

A Kansas City native, Maddie’s passion for design blossomed exploring the unique design throughout this great city. She pursued her passion at Missouri State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with a minor in Sustainability. Maddie believes that every space should not only fit the functionality of its owners but reflect their […]

lori-wallis

Purchasing Manager / Office Manager

Lori Wallis

Lori grew up in Owego, New York and moved to Kansas in 1996 to attend college. She loved Kansas City so much that she stayed. She received her degrees in Business Administration and Interior Merchandising and began her career working at a local interior design trade showroom for over 15 years. She then started her […]

brandi-hendrix

Bookkeeper

Brandi Hendrix

Brandi Hendrix has been counting beans since the tender age of 16 when she took her very first accounting class in high school. After college, she started down an ambitious career path with a large accounting firm but decided to take a step back when her first daughter was born and work with small business […]