Nicholas Moriarty,
Founder + Principal Designer
Tastemaker + Rule Breaker
I have a taste for the finer things. I also have a talent for mastering technical skills, acquiring cutting-edge industry knowledge and relationships, applying strategic and transparent business practices and injecting my designs with a personalized, livable aesthetic — all of which set our work at Nicholas Moriarty Interiors apart.
Educated at the University of Northern Iowa (BA Marketing) and Harrington College of Design (AA Interior Design), I pull from modernist designs to inspire the unique, eclectic, contemporary interiors I conjure for each client. I am particularly inspired by the art and design of iconic figures such as Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus Movement, and artists like Andy Warhol, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, and Jasper Johns.
But as they say, the journey is just as important as the destination, and in design, that journey is characterized by process. What do I mean by that? For me, every project starts and ends with being on the same page as the client. I conduct my business with acute transparency. And that starts from the ground up. It’s a blend between architectural and interior design, it’s reimagining a space without losing the essence of what makes it beautiful: the people who breathe life into it every day.
The Team
The people who make it happen
Beth DeBonis, Senior Designer/Project Manager
Beth fell in love with environmental design at an early age, growing up in a passive solar home that she witnessed her father build. She combined this transformative experience with her training as an artist to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Harrington College of Design. Her work is grounded in her love for and connection to color, form, texture and spatial relationships, along with her interest in architecture. And she has the credentials to show for it. Beth is heavily trained in AutoCAD, is a LEED AP and has trained in Chicago firms ranging from high-end residential to small boutique design companies. She brings her passion for green architecture and her love for client connection to every space she helps to “solve” with beautiful, intuitive design. And a glass of champagne to cheers at the end.
Joshua Lewis Grabowski, Associate Designer
Creative expression has always been high on his priority list, but designing interiors fell upon Josh’s lap. Seeking the advancement of knowledge and skillfulness, Josh relocated to Chicago to study Fine Art at Columbia College in the city’s South Loop. His practical understanding of construction, however, comes from getting his hands dirty growing up at his step-father's painting company. His ability to translate inspirational ideas into uniquely new concepts is a talent that cannot be taught; it's innate within him and speaks to his passion for looking at interiors and architecture as an art form. When not wearing his NMI design cap, you can catch Josh instructing group fitness classes throughout Chicago (he's hands down the best spin instructor you'll ever take!) painting in his art studio, or his favorite place in the world: anywhere on his bicycle. As a bonus, Josh is also one of the nicest humans you'll ever meet and brings a tremendous amount of positivity and joy to NMI.
SHALEE WILKINS, ASSOCIATE DESIGNER / PROJECT MANAGER
Since elementary school, Shalee knew she was going to lead a creative life. She earned her BFA from Harrington College of Design. Upon graduating, Shalee landed a job as an in-house designer at a custom cabinetry and millwork studio. There she gained 7+ years’ of experience and multiple awards designing extremely intricate pieces, ranging from stand-alone furniture to full kitchen remodels. Shalee is drawn to analyzing the function, purpose and efficiency of each space. Through this, she reworks the plans and elevations, to match the client’s unique personality and life style. This special attention anchors the expert application of interior detailing, scale and proportion. Benefiting from master mentorships, she has expanded from designing specific pieces of furniture to entire homes. The collaboration and teamwork of innovation and imagination throughout each journey creates awe-inspiring results that is the fuel behind her excitement and joy. At the end of the day, you will find Shalee curled up with a good book and her two dogs, preferably on a cold winter night!
Rachel Herz, freelance Designer
Born and raised in the Pacifc Northwest, Rachel studied Interior Design at Washington State University and received her NCIDQ certification in 2019. Like the rest of the NMI team, Rachel is inspired by Mid-Century and Modern designs, which she approaches with her own edgy, bohemian and minimalist twist. She brings her passion for finding beautiful and pragmatic solutions to elevate clients’ spaces to the work she does across the entire design process. When she isn’t in client meetings, sourcing the perfect materials or making the design process as creative and flawless as possible, you can find Rachel creating fibre art, reading mystery novels or spending time outdoors.
