What It’s Actually Like to Work With TRAY

Hiring a designer can feel like a big step.

Not because you don’t know what you want —

but because you want to get it right.

At TRAY, our process is designed to make that happen.

Clear. Thoughtful. Intentional from the start.

Because great design doesn’t come from guessing.

It comes from understanding — and building from there.

Team TRAY: Tracy Ahern, Co-Founder and Principle Designer (right) and Derek Bonney, Co-Founder and Director of Operations (left)

It Starts With a Conversation (Not a Commitment)

Every project begins with an initial call.

This isn’t a sales pitch.

It’s a conversation.

We’ll talk through:

• What you’re thinking about changing

• What’s working (and what’s not)

• Your timeline and goals

And just as importantly — we’re both deciding if it’s a good fit.

Because not every project is.

And that’s a good thing.

The Consultation: Where It Clicks

Next is an in-home consultation (or Zoom, if you’re not local to the Galena, IL area).

This is where we walk the space together and start connecting the dots.

We’re looking at:

• Flow and function

• Opportunities you may not be seeing

• What’s worth changing — and what’s not

This is often the moment clients realize:

“Oh… this is going to be different.”

Defining the Plan (and the Investment)

After the consultation, we outline your project clearly.

No vague scopes. No surprises.

You’ll receive:

• A defined project direction

• Recommended scope (refresh, renovation, or remodel)

• Investment guidance

This is where clarity replaces uncertainty.

Design Development: Where It Comes Together

Once we move forward, we begin building your design.

This is where the vision takes shape:

• Layout and space planning

• Materials and finishes

• Lighting, furnishings, and details

Every decision is made with intention — not in isolation.

Because this is where cohesion is created.

Procurement + Oversight

We handle the details that make a project run smoothly.

Ordering. Coordination. Communication.

And when construction is involved, we work alongside our contractors and builders to ensure everything is executed as planned.

Because a great design only works if it’s carried through properly.

Installation + Reveal

This is where everything comes to life.

The layers come together.

The details land.

The space finally feels… right.

Not just new. Not just updated.

Finished.

What Makes TRAY Different

We don’t start with what needs to be done.

We start with how you live.

That shift changes everything:

• The process feels clearer

• The decisions feel easier

• The result feels cohesive — not pieced together

This Should Feel Good — Not Overwhelming

A well-run project doesn’t feel chaotic.

It feels guided.

That’s what we’re here for.

Thinking About Starting a Project?

Whether you’re ready to move forward or just starting to explore ideas, we’ll help you understand what makes sense for your home.

Start your project with TRAY