CUSTOM CREATIONS

Designer Zora Spahiya says that 2025 ushers in a new era for her Z Living Interiors with daughter, Ada Spahija Smith, joining the Northfield firm she founded more than a decade ago. This means that Z Living will be relaunching its website, services, and socials to better showcase the breadth of services it offers. Spahiya’s business is built on 20 years of expertise in residential and commercial architecture and interior design across the North Shore and Chicago’s most prominent neighborhoods, including Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast, and the West Loop. Spahija Smith brings a background working in corporate settings at Gensler in New York and RVK Architects in Texas, along with hospitality experience at Avroko/Brand Bureau. Together, they collaborate to create custom timeless designs, treating each project as a valuable investment for their clients—always striving to exceed expectations to achieve the desired outcomes.

How do you tailor your designs or services to meet the unique needs of luxury homeowners?
At our firm, we understand that luxury homeowners seek more than just aesthetically pleasing spaces—they desire environments that reflect their personal tastes, lifestyles, and aspirations. To achieve this, we take a highly customized and strategic approach to every project, ensuring that our designs are both functional and inspiring. By combining our deep appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility with a client-driven approach, we deliver luxury interiors that stand the test of time while reflecting the individuality of each homeowner.

How do you maintain consistency and quality across different projects, while still ensuring that each project feels unique?
Our discovery process is a constant—we take the time to deeply understand each project and client, recognizing the trust placed in us for both personal and financial investments. We guide clients through possibilities they may not have considered, offering strategic solutions that maximize budget, time, and space. By prioritizing each client’s unique context, we naturally create a diverse portfolio of one-of-a-kind projects.

How do you approach sustainable or eco-friendly design in your work?
One of our guiding principles is that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive but rather, they complement each other to create timeless, responsible, and beautifully crafted spaces. Our approach to eco-friendly design is seamlessly integrated into our process for selecting materials and finishes, ensuring that every choice aligns with both environmental consciousness and uncompromising quality.

For more information about Z Living Interiors, visit zlivinginteriorsllc.com.