The Tran + Thomas Team

A true creative, Jill is brimming with endless ideas, and her talents, knowledge and experience to bring them to reality. A people pleaser at heart, her goal is to create spaces that support her clients and make them truly happy. Jill has owned her own design business since 2001 and her years of experience has made her an expert in fabrics, soft goods (upholstered items / window treatments) and construction.

Jill’s work has won numerous awards, and her insights have been featured in national publications. Beyond design, Jill finds joy in family time, cooking Vietnamese food, caring for animals and teaching her children about art and health.

Carmen’s passion for creativity began at an early age, evolving from a love of fine arts into a deep interest in the built environment. She pursued degrees in Interior Design and Business at Kansas State University, following initial studies in Fine Arts at the University of Arizona. Driven by a desire to shape beautiful, functional spaces that enhance how people live, work, and play, Carmen has cultivated a dynamic and versatile career in interior design.

Her professional experience spans a wide range of project types, including exhibit design, retail spaces, hospitality venues, sports facilities, multifamily developments, and high-end residential interiors. Her diverse portfolio is complemented by industry licensure, LEED accreditation, and recognition through numerous design awards and publications.

Outside of work, Carmen enjoys spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors. Whether camping, boating, stand-up paddleboarding, skiing, hiking, or playing tennis, she embraces an active lifestyle and a deep appreciation for nature.

Although native to St. Louis, Melody has called Kansas City her home after obtaining an Architecture degree from Kansas State University. During her design studies she was drawn to the art of storytelling, specifically through theatre, and accomplished a minor. During her two decades in the field, she has explored design through various lenses in both commercial and residential applications. From notable projects such as the Kansas City Chiefs training facility, various tenant build outs in Corporate Woods, magazine-worthy residential interiors and a KC Design Award, it is clear that Melody has a great passion for guiding clients through a dialogue driven creative process that ultimately results in design solutions that convey a powerful story and provide an optimized user experience.

Aside from the profession, Melody enjoys nothing more than her family. They are avid world travelers, curious about cultures, natural and urban landscapes and uncovering new design perspectives. Weekends often consist of a cocktail with her husband, a soccer field watching her son, dance parties with her daughter and, of course, a good book.

With over a decade of experience, Juliane brings a thoughtful, creative approach to every project. As a Senior Designer at Tran + Thomas, she draws on a diverse background—from shaping energetic stadium interiors to designing student-focused K–12 environments. Her work blends functionality with personality, creating spaces that truly connect with those who use them.

Originally from Maryland, she now lives in Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood with her husband Brandon (also an architect), their two boys, Archer and Oscar, and two mischievous cats. Outside the studio, she’s usually chasing toddlers, sipping coffee, or planning their next family adventure.

Lucy grew up in Beatrice, Nebraska, and went on to pursue her passion for design at Kansas State University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design. Before joining the Tran + Thomas team, Lucy was instrumental in leading the interior and architectural design of numerous cinema and family entertainment center projects at her previous firm, bringing immersive and engaging spaces to life.

Driven by a deep passion for the human experience, Lucy believes interior design should do more than look beautiful—it should evoke emotion and create lasting memories. Her approach blends elegance with functionality, always prioritizing thoughtful, human-centered solutions.

Outside the studio, Lucy finds balance through community workouts at Blush Boot Camp and relaxing evenings with margaritas and Mexican food alongside her family, friends and boyfriend. A devoted dog lover, she cherishes time with her beloved (and very large) St. Bernard, Gary. Since childhood, Lucy has also embraced tap dancing as a creative outlet—where rhythm and movement continue to bring her pure joy.

Born and raised in upstate New York, Patrice’s love for interior design and art started at a young age. After college, she began her career in the art world, working both in the showroom and retail realms. After raising her children, and earning her degree in interior design, she combined both art and design in managing a local art gallery and consulting with clients about their needs. She took a position at a high-end designer showroom, working with textiles and wallcoverings, where she met Jill and Carmen and instantly clicked.

Patrice enjoys being with her husband and three children, hiking in the Rockies, biking, playing games, seeing live music, attending art museums and festivals, and sipping a glass of wine on her new back porch with good friends.

Originally from Pella, Iowa, Jenna pursued her passion for design and athletics at the University of Central Missouri, where she earned a degree in Interior Design with a minor in Marketing. During her five years at UCM, she was a dedicated student-athlete, competing on the university’s collegiate volleyball team.

With two years of professional experience in collegiate sports, she brings a strong team-oriented mindset, discipline, and creativity to every project she takes on. She is passionate about designing spaces that are both empathetic to the client’s needs and inspiring to everyone who walks through them. Her goal is to create environments that feel authentic, functional, and full of life.

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, spending time at the lake, and sharing moments with family, friends, and boyfriend. She is also a devoted coffee enthusiast and always up for a coffee run.

A Kansas City native, Maddie’s passion for design blossomed exploring the unique design throughout this great city. She pursued her passion at Missouri State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with a minor in Sustainability. Maddie believes that every space should not only fit the functionality of its owners but reflect their personality.

In her free time, Maddie enjoys traveling the world, reading a good book, and going to concerts and musicals.

Lori grew up in Owego, New York and moved to Kansas in 1996 to attend college. She loved Kansas City so much that she stayed.  She received her degrees in Business Administration and Interior Merchandising and began her career working at a local interior design trade showroom for over 15 years. She then started her own business, WALLS Design, doing professional organizing and interior design. “Organize. Simplify. Design.” is her motto! Her path led her to Tran + Thomas in 2022 where she fell in love with their vibe and team energy.

Her fabulous kids, Lillian & Levi, always keep her busy. She enjoys working out, reading, being outside and visiting local coffee shops.

Brandi Hendrix has been counting beans since the tender age of 16 when she took her very first accounting class in high school. After college, she started down an ambitious career path with a large accounting firm but decided to take a step back when her first daughter was born and work with small business owners. She now has both a thriving career and 2 thriving daughters. When not working, Brandi enjoys watching her daughters play volleyball and taking them on adventures all over the country.