A Visionary from Concept to Creation

With a degree in Architecture from UC Berkeley, Maria Tenaglia began her career designing retail and restaurant environments both in the U.S. and abroad. She held senior design roles at Hambrecht Terrell International, working across their New York, London, and Los Angeles offices, and later at Pat Kuleto Restaurants, where she refined a highly versatile, detail-driven approach.

For more than 26 years, Maria has led her own firm, delivering comprehensive interior design services with a primary focus on refined residential projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Her work spans a wide range of styles—from timeless and classical to clean, contemporary expressions—always grounded in craftsmanship, proportion, and intention.

Maria is known for her mastery of color, her architectural sensibility, and her ability to guide projects seamlessly from initial concept through final installation.

Her scope often includes custom cabinetry and millwork, ceiling and trim design, lighting layouts, material and finish selection, stone and metal detailing, and complete furnishing and decoration.

Deeply involved at every stage, Maria brings clarity, cohesion, and confidence to complex projects. The result is spaces that feel both elevated and deeply personal—thoughtfully composed, beautifully executed, and built to endure.

Amy Perry 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.

Cheryl Ryner

Cheryl Ryner 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

ELSIE JUDY

Elsie Judy 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.

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