Meet the Team

Jonathan Gordon

Lead Designer

Jonathan Gordon is the Lead Designer, founder, and owner of Design by the Jonathans, LLC. A native of Stamford, CT, he's had a life-long interest in, and propensity for, design of all types. He uses his wide range of experiences, his creative vision, and his ability to truly connect with and understand clients to produce stunningly beautiful, effective, and practical designs for any space, combining the best in finishes, furnishings, and technology.

Jonathan holds a Professional Commercial Certificate in Interior Design from Fairfield University and a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science and Technology with a Minor in Design from The George Washington University. In addition, he holds a Certificate in Universal Design and Aging in Place from Harvard University.

Jonathan Rohner

Advisor

Jonathan Rohner is the Business Advisor of Design by the Jonathans, LLC.

Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from The University of Texas at Austin, and a Master's degree in Arts Administration from Columbia University.

Renee Leimgruber

Chief Operating Officer

Renee Leimgruber is the Chief Operating Officer of Design by the Jonathans, LLC. Her warmth, sense of humor, and attention to detail ensure that our clients know that they are in good hands from their first interaction until the completion of their project. When she is not helping out with the day-to-day operations of the business you can find her crafting engaging content to build the firm's social media presence locally and worldwide.

She is a mother to two teenage daughters who constantly keep her on the go. Splurging on a great dinner and a Broadway show brings her joy. She also enjoys photography, healthy living and celebrating special occasions.

Renee holds a Bachelor of Home Economics in Fashion & Retail Merchandising with a Business Minor from Ohio University.

Denise Lindsay

Textiles Designer

Denise Lindsay is the Drapery Designer and Textiles Specialist of Design by the Jonathans, LLC. Her industry experience of over 30 years, fantastic design eye, and dedication to accuracy ensure that all window treatments, pillows, duvets, and anything made from a fabric or textile are created with the utmost care.

Rachel Malenfant

Purchasing & Procurement Specialist

Rachel, a Connecticut native, has always been captivated by the creative facets of life and design. She earned her degree in Business Management from Sacred Heart University, and went on to spend nine dynamic years at Interlude Home, where she adeptly wore many hats.

Rachel's passions extend beyond her professional life. She delights in music, frequently attends concerts, and enjoys exploring new culinary experiences. At home, she loves cooking, diving into mystery novels, and organizing her living spaces. Her keen sense of adventure often takes her to new destinations, with vacation planning being a favorite pastime.

When not enjoying long weekends at her family's lake house in Middletown, Rachel resides in the serene woods of Monroe. There she lives with her husband, two sons, a cat named Paboose, and Finn, their lovable 110 pound Labradoodle.

Michelle Raiti

Senior Designer

Michelle brings a broad knowledge of interior design to our firm with her 20 plus years of experience. She has worked with many design firms throughout Connecticut including those specializing in hospitality and kitchen design. Michelle grew up with an affinity for interior design. As a child you would find her drawing floor plans of her dream home or making condo's for her cats out of cardboard boxes. These days she considers herself lucky to be able to do what she loves and create beautiful and unique designs for her clients. Today she lives on the shoreline of CT with her family and studies Italian in her spare time.

Michelle holds a fine arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Masters Degree from Boston's School of The Museum of Fine Arts with Tufts University.

Lana Nguyen

Senior Designer

Lana Nguyen is our Kitchen & Bath Designer. She has six years of experience in residential and hospitality interiors, and has work experience at Tihany Design and Rockwell Group. She worked with some of the most prestigious hotel brands on the market like the W Hotel, The Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental. Lana's attention to detail and knowledge of materials help her to create phenomenal and timeless designs with a focus on functionality. Lana understands the importance of the home as a living and breathing space, and she loves getting to know her clients though the design of their spaces and helping to bring their ideas to life.

"Life is beautiful - why not enjoy and savor every moment in the comfort of our own home." -LN

Lana holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Architectural Design from Parsons The New School of Design.

Monica Velez

Designer

Monica Velez is an Interior Designer with 11+ years of experience in the residential design industry. Working for multiple boutique design firms in New York City, Monica has grown a collection of resources which have assisted her in projects in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester, Connecticut, and Florida.

With an extensive city portfolio and as a Connecticut native, Monica specializes in creating functional cozy spaces with unexpected details.

When she's not designing, Monica likes to spend her time creating modern art. As a creator, controlling the flow of color and texture serves as the backbone for her keen eye for paint, design, and textiles.

To Monica, each project is unique as she believes clients are her greatest collaborators.

MADISON MORGENSAI

Designer

Madison Morgensai is a Chicago native who cultivated a love for architecture and interior design at a young age. She moved to Massachusetts to attend school at Wellesley College where she completed a dual degree program with MIT to receive her Bachelor of Art's in Architecture.

With diverse industry experience working for both retail shops and design build firms, Madison has developed an acute knowledge of kitchen and bath design, spatial planning, drafting, rendering, project management, plumbing supply, and furniture and furnishings design. This translates into her ability to evaluate spaces and provide in-depth product knowledge and concepts which will both complement a client's space as well as well as conform to their own vision.

When she's not designing, Madison loves thrifting/antiquing original works of art, playing with her dogs, and travelling to New York. She is a proud devotee of Frank Lloyd Wright and will take any opportunity to tour his properties and study his life story. Madison's personal aesthetic combines elements of Arts and Crafts, Mid Century Modern, and Coastal Design. Madison is passionate about providing clients with personal and compassionate customer service as well as aiding them in designing spaces they will love for a lifetime.