Our Design Legacy
Fifteen years of crafting extraordinary interiors, one thoughtful design at a time.
Our History
Founded on Passion, Built on Trust
Fortunato's Designs began in 2009 when founder Maria Fortunato returned to her hometown of Lewiston after training at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York. Armed with a vision to bring world-class design to Maine, she opened a small studio on Lisbon Street with nothing but a sketchbook, a computer, and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves a beautifully designed space.
The early years were about building relationships and proving that luxury design wasn't just for New York penthouses. Maria took on projects ranging from modest apartment refreshes to historic home restorations, treating each with the same attention to detail and creative passion. Word spread quickly through satisfied clients and their referrals.
By 2015, the team had grown to include James Thornton, a commercial design specialist, and the studio relocated to its current location on Randall Road. This expansion allowed us to take on larger residential projects and commercial clients, including several notable restaurants and hotels throughout the region.
Today, Fortunato's Designs stands as a testament to what dedicated, passionate design can achieve. Our team of six designers has completed over 500 projects, earned multiple regional design awards, and most importantly, built lasting relationships with clients who trust us with their most personal spaces.
Our Mission
Design That Transforms Lives
Purposeful Design
We believe every element in a space should serve a purpose. Our designs balance aesthetics with functionality, creating rooms that are as livable as they are beautiful.
Thoughtful Choices
From sustainable materials to timeless design that avoids trends, we make choices that stand the test of time and minimize environmental impact.
Client Partnership
We view our clients as partners in the creative process. Your vision, lifestyle, and aspirations guide every decision we make together.
Meet The Team
The Artists Behind Your Vision
Our team combines decades of experience with fresh perspectives, united by a shared passion for exceptional design.
Maria Fortunato
Founder & Principal Designer
With over 20 years in the industry, Maria's visionary approach has shaped hundreds of spaces across New England. Her background in fine arts informs every design decision.
James Thornton
Senior Commercial Designer
James specializes in creating dynamic commercial environments that enhance brand identity and employee productivity. His portfolio includes over 50 restaurant and office projects.
Sophia Chen
Residential Design Specialist
Sophia's warm, approachable style helps clients feel comfortable expressing their desires. She excels at translating family needs into cohesive, beautiful home designs.
Our Achievements
Recognition of Excellence
Best of Houzz 2023
Customer Service Award
Maine Home + Design
Featured Designer 2022
5-Star Rating
200+ Google Reviews
Industry Certified
All Designers NCIDQ Certified
Our Philosophy
Design With Purpose
At Fortunato's Designs, we believe that great interior design goes far beyond selecting beautiful furniture and choosing the right paint colors. It's about understanding how people actually live and work in spaces, then crafting environments that enhance those experiences.
Our design philosophy centers on three core principles: authenticity, balance, and sustainability. We create designs that feel authentic to who you are, achieving balance between beauty and function while making sustainable choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
We reject the notion that good design requires excessive spending. Instead, we focus on strategic investments in pieces that matter most and creative solutions that maximize impact without breaking your budget. This approach has earned us trust with clients across all budget levels.
Whether we're designing a luxury penthouse or a first-time homeowner's starter apartment, we bring the same level of commitment, creativity, and care. Because to us, every project is an opportunity to make someone's everyday life a little more beautiful.
We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your vision, lifestyle, and goals. Then we develop comprehensive design plans including space planning, material selections, and furniture specifications. Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication and present options that align with your preferences and budget.
We believe collaboration produces the best results. Our clients are actively involved in the creative process through regular presentations, material mockups, and design reviews. We listen carefully to feedback and refine our proposals until every detail feels exactly right.
We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. Our team is available for questions and concerns throughout the project and beyond. If any issues arise with our design specifications, we'll work with you to find solutions at no additional cost.
While based in Lewiston, ME, we proudly serve clients throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Our team regularly travels to Boston and surrounding areas for consultations and installations. Remote design services are also available for clients outside our primary service region.
Ready to Work Together?
Let's create something beautiful. Schedule a consultation with our team today.
Schedule Free Consultation