Our Team

Cook honed her intuition for creating highly-livable interiors while working for the distinguished partnership of Jack Childs and Gene Dreyfus. Starting as an assistant-level designer, she quickly rose to become the company’s east coast vice president of sales and marketing. Inspired by her mentor Gene Dreyfus, Cook was confident that she could deliver top-quality interiors with her unique vision. In 1986, Cook founded Mary Cook & Associates and had a successful first year mostly through word-of-mouth referrals. 

The company has since expanded to encompass multiple industries. Projects include golf, yacht and country clubs, senior living facilities and residences, lobby and corridor design, fitness centers, residents’ clubs and other amenity spaces, and single and multi-family homes. Cook is well known for designing spaces that deliver an emotional impact, demonstrating her unique ability to understand the demographic influences in specific markets and create exceptional interiors that cater to certain lifestyles. Her ability to anticipate client objectives and create a product that is both esthetically pleasing and functional is what drives her company’s success.

Cook is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the National Association of Home Builders, the NAHB 50+ Senior Housing Council, the American Institute of Architects, the Home Builders Association of Illinois & Greater Chicago, the National Golf Course Owners Association, the National Recreation and Parks Association and the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. She is also a highly in-demand guest speaker and her most recent speaking engagements include the International Builders’ Show, Iowa Club Managers’ Association Tall Corn Chapter, Golf Inc. Conference, and the NAHB 50+ Housing Symposium.   Read Less

Timothy has designed and managed all types and sizes of projects, including fabrication and installation of custom furniture, fixtures, and equipment, from concept to completion, throughout theUnited States, Europe, Asia and theMiddle East.  Some of his clientele includeMGM-Mirage Properties, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. and Hard Rock International.  Timothy was recently awarded Best Design of a Private Residence in the MADE-EXPOMilan Architecture Building Design Competition 2009.

Timothy assures proper design and technical review and execution of contracts, specifications, and documents along with construction supervision and administration.  He has led design competitions, presentations, learning sessions along with developing marketing strategies to build new clientele base and press materials for publication.  He is also involved in the strategic planning, management, operations, and client relations.  He participates in industry councils, national and local conventions, judging and speaking panels.

Timothy holds a Bachelor of Architecture in Design with College Honors and Distinction in Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  He is a LEED® Accredited Professional and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.  He is also a member of the Friends of the Arts (FoTA) organization that promotes young and aspiring artists throughout the world.  He has served as Director of the Artist in Residence Program as well as Co-Chair of the Arts Committee at the Cliff Dweller Club in Chicago.   Read Less

“In the interior design business, it is really rewarding to witness how our work improves the quality of life for the people who use our spaces,” said Kate. “In my role, we start with a concept on how we are going to help our client achieve their goals. It’s very fulfilling to see how that vision takes shape. We think of each new project as an opportunity to exceed expectations.”

Kate holds a fine arts degree from the University of Iowa and a design degree from the Harrington Institute of Interior Design, and is currently working to become a Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). She has served as a judge for the NAHB Best in American Living Awards and Multi Family Pillars of the Industry Awards, and has spoken at the International Builders Show. Her involvement in the local community includes active roles as a volunteer for the Lincoln Park Community and Public Action to Deliver Shelter.  Read Less