ABOUT STUDIO DB

Studio DB is a Manhattan based architecture and interiors firm headed by partners Damian and Britt Zunino who bring their diverse backgrounds together to offer varying perspectives and approaches to design.   Our studio includes designers with varying backgrounds which allows us to have a unique vision and approach to the spaces we design.

Studio DB engages in and oversees every aspect of the project from architecture, interior design, construction administration, through furnishing and styling. We begin each project by looking for unique, creative and site specific solutions for each client and take a hands-on approach implementing our design.

We thrive on the challenge of finding unique solutions to design and construction limitations, working with skilled craftspeople to create conscious and livable spaces. Through clear communication and in depth team leadership, we provide our clients with valuable project scheduling and cost restraints, resulting in beautiful projects that meet their expectations of time and budget.

WHAT WE DO

Studio DB is a multi-talented design studio that offers some of the following services to it's clients:

  • architectural and interior design

  • complete project management and scheduling

  • building department proposals and structural coordination

  • floor plan drawings and millwork details

  • construction administration and project management

  • custom finishes, lighting and furniture design and fabrication

  • sourcing of finishes, furniture and accents

  • purchasing, coordination and selection of furnishings

  • contractor negotiations and coordination of trades

OUR TEAM

 

BRITT ZUNINO / PRINCIPAL

Britt studied painting in Colorado while pursuing a career in professional snowboarding. She later attended the Interior Design program at F.I.T. in New York. Britt pursued her design career working for Ellen Tracy, managing their merchandising program throughout the Northeast, and for Downtown by Philippe Starck. She has been a stylist for such magazines as Martha Stewart Living, Weddings and Blueprint. She enjoys building cardboard forts with her four children.  

DAMIAN ZUNINO / PRINCIPAL

Damian received his Master in Architecture from Yale University, and, after building several homes in New Haven, began working for Cook + Fox Architects in New York. He has worked with Zuberry Development on the development, design and construction of several large scale commercial and residential projects. He became a LEED Accredited Professional to encourage and facilitate the building of green design. Damian is a licensed architect in the states of New York and Connecticut and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

 

SUNNY SALKAR / DIRECTOR - ARCHITECTURE

Sunny received his Bachelor of Architecture from Mumbai University and his Master of Science in Architecture from Pratt Institute. He is a licensed architect in India, certified LEED AP and holds a RIBA – part II recognition. Sunny began his work as a designer at ‘Salkar & Associates’, while still pursuing his B.Arch degree education. After graduating, he joined IAG Consultants Pvt. Ltd where he designed and documented prestigious residential projects, office towers, transport hubs and master planning projects. Sunny has a keen interest in the field of computer animation, enjoys outdoors, sports, and photography.

GABRIELA BONILLA / DIRECTOR - OPERATIONS

Gabriela received her Bachelor or Arts in Art History and Business Studies from New York University. She had a long career in the auction world working in fine art logistics then in the wine department at Sotheby's. Most recently she worked at Christie's in the Post War and Contemporary Art & Design Department as a Business Manager. Her love for Design objects, interiors and functional art brought her to Studio DB. Always ready to take a creative approach to solving any problem, Gabriela is drawn to having an analytical role in a creative environment. On the weekends she can be found exploring the city's museums, trying a new cafe or riding her bike along the New York City waterfront.

LISA FINKENSTAEDT / DIRECTOR - INTERIOR DESIGN

Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts in History and French Language at Trinity College before pursuing interior design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Spending her formative years in Montreal, Toronto, London and New York City has shaped her love of travel, art, antiques and interiors. She honed her skills working on residential and commercial projects at Groves & Co. and Jessica Schuster Interior Design. She enjoys spending her time travelling, skiing, and exploring the city with her family.

VICTOR BADAMI / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - INTERIOR DESIGN

Victor received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia and his Masters of Industrial Design from Rhode Island School of Design. He got his start at Olson Kundig Architects in Seattle before moving to NYC where he has done numerous private residential and hospitality projects for Murdock Solon Architects and Roman and Williams Building & Interiors. His work spans from architecture and interiors to custom furniture and product design. Victor is the co-founder of an indie card game company — WALDAMI. For him, beauty is in the details and his passion for design is all encompassing. When left to his own devices, Victor enjoys traveling, photography, antiquing, and when with friends — late night dinners and G&Ts.

JENIFER JESSEE / SR. ARCHITECT

Jenifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Florida State University and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.  Her time spent in a post-industrial city like St. Louis informed her love of adaptive reuse, work within an existing infrastructure and the power of architecture to tell a story. Moving to New York City shortly after graduation, she has worked on a wide range of projects from large-scale School Construction Authority rehabilitations to single-family apartment gut renovations. Jen enjoys discovering new music, coffee with friends and getting lost in the city.

LAUREN PASSARO / SR. INTERIOR DESIGNER

Lauren received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Boston College, where she focused primarily on Modern and Contemporary art and architecture.  While in Boston, she worked at several art museums and galleries, sparking her passion for art and design. Upon moving to New York, she received a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design at Parsons The New School for Design, where her studies were founded in and guided by her background in art history and museum studies. For inspiration, Lauren loves traveling, exploring the city, visiting museums, and spending time with family and friends.

RYAN WILSON / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR -ARCHITECTURE

Ryan received his Bachelor of Design Studies and Master of Architecture from the University of Adelaide, Australia. He began his career in Melbourne where he worked on the design of high-end single residences through to multi-family buildings and towers. He became a registered Architect in Victoria, Australia and a Greenstar Accredited Professional before moving to New York where he took up a role at Morris Adjmi Architects and led the design and execution of several multi-family projects and a major renovation of a 1901 Brooklyn warehouse. His personal ethos is founded on the idea that good design should be environmentally sustainable. He will always be found with a book on him whilst wandering around whatever city he is in or sipping a negroni with friends.

JULIA BIALKE / SR. INTERIOR DESIGNER

Julia received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she also minored in Art History. She gained experience in high-end residential projects at Pembrooke and Ives and Morris Adjmi Architects, and hospitality projects at Soho House and Roman and Williams. Endlessly fascinated and amused by New York City, she can be found after hours biking around Brooklyn, gallery hopping in Manhattan, or walking her Cavalier King Charles spaniel in Prospect Park.

EMMA MURRAY-CARROLL / INTERMEDIATE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

Emma received her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Hartford and a Master of Architecture from the City College of New York, Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. Her post grad time has been spent in NYC working on high end residential projects as well as adaptive reuse ranging in scale. She enjoys traveling, reading, spin, any ocean related activity and spending time with friends and family.

MICHAEL POWELL / INTERMEDIATE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

Michael received his Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University. During his time in school, he focused on material studies and fabrication techniques, which led to his thesis on Sensory Inclusive Design. Through continued research and professional practice he hopes to evolve his understanding of the relationship between space and identity making. He enjoys spending his free time sewing, taking his dog on walks and having picnics.

PEYTON MAXWELL / INTERMEDIATE INTERIOR DESIGNER

Peyton received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from The Savannah College of Art and Design. She was able to hone her technical skills while getting to explore various forms of creative industries such as painting, textiles, and ceramics. Peyton loves collaborating with others and bringing visions to reality through design. Outside of her career Peyton enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, craft parties with friends, and curling up with a good book.   

JADA NOLAN / JR. INTERIOR DESIGNER

Jada received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. During her time in school, she focused on concept and storytelling techniques which allowed her to pursue projects of cultural, inclusive, and educational design. As she matures within the design industry, she hopes to continue creating spaces that not only allow harmony between people and space but also empathy between people and each other. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends.

KATE EANELLI / INTERMEDIATE INTERIOR DESIGNER

Kate received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from High Point University. Attending college in the hub of furniture production allowed her to work both fall and spring furniture markets throughout her college career. These exhibitions provided a variety of hands-on experience in all fronts of the industry. Her professional background encompasses both interiors and furniture sales, where she grew her client facing, product, and technical knowledge.  In her off time, Kate enjoys exploring markets, trying new food, going on hikes, and traveling with friends and family.

NICOLE NEIL / OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Nicole received her Bachelors of Science in Human Development at Binghamton University. During this time she gained a passion for social justice and an understanding of complex human conditions and relationships. She grew up in NYC and has always admired both the more classic architecture as well as modern buildings, and her time here has given her an appreciation for the fine arts. Nicole enjoys spending time outside, reading, crocheting, and learning to cook new recipes with her family.

ANELA IVANOVIC / PROCUREMENT COORDINATOR

Anela received her Bachelor of Computer Science degree from the University of Prizren in Kosovo. She moved to New York City to pursue a career in information technologies and telecommunications and has experience in customer service. While living in the city, she discovered a love for travel, architecture, and fine arts. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and traveling whenever she can.

MADELEINE GAWRONSKI / DESIGN ASSISTANT

Madeleine is currently a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design with a minor in Art History. With an expected graduation date of May 2025, Madeleine is currently developing their thesis on gerontological design. Although still new to the industry, their passions as a designer lie in concept development, community building, and universal accessibility. They enjoy spending time exploring New York's art scene, having dinner parties with friends, and vinyl DJ sets.