Get to know our studio
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, our studio is led with vibrant, artistic energy and cross-disciplinary creativity, from mathematics to fine art, architecture to graphic and industrial design. Clients of all sizes trust us to interpret their DNA — their personality, voice, heartbeat and soul — into multi-dimensional experiences.
KARYN WANASKI, PRESIDENT
As President of Spark and mom of five, Karyn’s day-to-day ranges from the big picture to the gritty details. Her unwavering passion for exceptional design, and mentorship brought Spark to life and continues to grow our studio.
TOM SUTTON, DESIGNER
A 15-year industry veteran, Tom is always adding new skills both professionally and personally, including learning to play the drums. Tom is an expert designer with an operational mindset, keeping projects on track.
OLIVIA WENDT, DESIGNER
A creative powerhouse, Olivia draws inspiration from her passion for fashion and all things handmade. One of Spark’s most tenured employees, Olivia is a color theory and patterning guru.
MOLLY RUPPEL, DESIGNER
A Cali Girl turned Chicagoan, Molly is known for being a plant lover, exceptional hostess and music aficionado. To Molly, every detail matters whether it’s nuances in large scale design, or finishing touches on a space through staging.
MADDIE GALLO, DESIGNER
With a background in fine arts, it’s no surprise Maddie loves to create anything from a gourmet dish to a handmade gift. She is an expert in material selection and makes it her mission to lead clear communication.
AMANDA VANEK, DESIGNER
A Cleveland-native, Amanda is a self-proclaimed cat lady, and lover of travel, books, cooking, and quality time. She is Spark’s go-to wordsmith, problem-solver, and marketing expert.
JULIA BOVA, DESIGNER
A dedicated fan of all things Chicago sports, Julia soaks up everything the city has to offer and devours books in her spare time. Julia’s keen listening skills and get-it-done attitude drive exceptional results for our clients.
ZAK JACOBS, DESIGNER
A former Broadway Company Manager, Zak’s passions range from theater to yoga. Leading Spark Staging, Zak is a master at plant design, décor curation, and placemaking.
We are proud to work with a diverse network of partners — architects, interior designers and engineers, as well as project managers, developers and building owners. Our creativity is fueled by the brands we work with, allowing us to provide customized solutions for every client type.
