MARIA TENAGLIA

Maria Tenaglia

Maria Tenaglia’s practice is rooted in the belief that a well-designed interior is a dialogue between architecture and atmosphere. With a degree in Architecture from UC Berkeley, Maria brings a structural rigor to her work that allows her to bridge the gap between a home’s shell and its final expression. Her career began with senior roles at Hambrecht Terrell International and Pat Kuleto Restaurants, where she managed the intricate demands of high-concept environments in New York, London, and Los Angeles. Since founding her San Francisco-based firm in 1998, she has focused on refined residential projects that prioritize craftsmanship, proportion, and a sense of permanence.

Maria’s involvement often begins at the structural level, encompassing architectural interior design that shapes the very fabric of a home. Her scope frequently includes the development of custom cabinetry and millwork, ceiling and trim details, and comprehensive lighting and material layouts. By refining these "bones" of a space, she ensures that the interior architecture feels intentional and cohesive, providing a grounded foundation for the layers to follow.

While her technical precision provides the framework, it is Maria’s extraordinary sensibility for color that gives her projects their specific soul. She approaches palette with a subtle, editorial eye—using hue and texture to ground a room or capture a particular quality of light. Whether she is working within a restrained contemporary framework or a more classical vernacular, her use of color remains sophisticated, balanced, and deeply personal to the client.

Navigating a high-end residential project requires a rare combination of creative vision and disciplined execution. Maria remains deeply involved at every stage, providing a seamless transition from the initial architectural concept through to the final decoration and installation. The result is an environment that feels both elevated and effortless—a space defined by clarity, cohesion, and a timeless quality that transcends trends.

THE TEAM

CHERYL RYNER

Cheryl is Managing Principal and Senior Designer at Maria Tenaglia Design, bringing over 17 years of experience in interior design. Since joining the firm in 2016, she has become integral to its operations, overseeing project management, budgeting, and execution from design development through installation.

Highly organized and deeply connected within the industry, Cheryl manages custom furnishings, vendor relationships, and trades with precision. Known for her discerning eye and calm, capable presence, she is equally adept at sourcing, curating, and guiding clients through every phase of a project with professionalism and warmth.

AMY PERRY

Amy is Senior CAD Technician at Maria Tenaglia Design, bringing extensive technical expertise and nearly two decades of experience in architectural and interior design documentation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural/Building Engineering Technology and is highly proficient across industry-leading design and visualization platforms.

Since joining the firm in 2017, Amy has played a key role in large-scale new build and renovation projects, producing detailed drawings and renderings spanning plans, elevations, millwork, custom furnishings, and specialty materials. Known for her precision, versatility, and reliability, Amy supports multiple projects simultaneously and consistently delivers complex work with clarity and efficiency.

ELSIE JUDY

Elsie is a Designer at Maria Tenaglia Design, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from California State University, Fresno, and a CIDA-accredited education. She supports projects from concept through completion, producing sketches, renderings, and concept boards while assisting with material and product selection.

Detail-oriented and highly organized, Elsie helps manage schedules, sourcing, specifications, and installations, while maintaining close coordination with vendors and contractors. Her thoughtful design sensibility and disciplined approach make her a valuable contributor to the studio’s creative and operational work.

ETCETERA

FIRM CAPABILITIES

Interior Design, Decoration and Project Management for new and refurbished Residential and Commercial projects
Interior Architectural Construction Documentation including Cabinetry  and Millwork Design
Project Budget and Scheduling Work prior to Design Development
Project Management from Schematics thru Construction
Kitchen and Bath Design
Finishes, Materials, Lighting, Fixtures and Fittings Selection and   Specification
Selection, Purchase and Tracking of Furniture and Furnishings
Custom Furniture, Furnishings and Lighting Design 
Art and Accessory Consultation and Staging

COLLABORATORS

Architects and Landscape Architects:
Butler + Armsden Architect, San Francisco, CA                   
Bennett Christopherson Architect, Oakland, CA
David Thorne Landscape Architect, EHDD, San Francisco, CA
Ground Studio, Monterey, CA
Hertel Architects, Lafayette, CA
Jeff George Landscape Architecture & Design, San Rafael, CA
Justin Pauly Architects, Monterey, CA
Patrick Houck Landscape Design, San Rafael, CA
Poss Architecture and Planning, Aspen, CO
Suzman + Cole Design Associates, San Francisco, CA
Richard Camp Landscape Architecture, Aspen, CO

General Contractors:
Blue Zone Builders, San Leandro
Branagh Custom Homes, Lafayette, CA
John Olson Builder, Inc.  Aspen, CO
Nick Ozier Construction, Oakland, CA
Richard Frye, Monterey, CA
Red Horse Construction, San Rafael, CA
Remick and Associates, San Francisco, CA
Richard Minna, Aspen, Co
Steen Construction, Concord, California
Stocker & Allaire, Monterey, CA.
Zcon Builders, Oakland, CA

RECOGNITION

Maria Tenaglia is proud to be recognized by the AD PRO Directory (2023–2025), Architectural Digest’s exclusive list of leading design professionals. This distinction highlight, Architectural Digest’s exclusive list of leading design professionals. This distinction highlights her commitment to excellence and places her among a curated group of top-tier interior designers shaping today’s design landscape.

PHILANTHROPIC AFFILIATIONS

Fog Forum Member, Fog Fair, SFMOMA
Chairperson for Bay Area Treasure 2014 Honoring, Jony Ive, CDO, Apple
Decor Chairperson for SFMOMA events between 2007-2015

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Associate Member, American Institute of Architects, A.I.A
Professional Member, Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, ICAA