Dawn Chapman started Talo Studio in 2011 with a commitment to create spaces that are warm and personal for each client. She accomplishes this with a collaborative approach to design. By taking the lead from her clients, she expands their inspiration and clarifies and organizes design themes to make the process less overwhelming. She also believes in providing clear illustrations of concepts and plans so owners can make informed choices about their own homes. This client centered approach produces design that are truly personal and unique to each project.
Dawn received her bachelors from the University of Minnesota in Art History and Classical Civilizations. She later returned to the University of Minnesota to attend the College of Architecture & Landscape Architecture (CALA).
She began her professional career working as an architectural designer for a large architecture firm in Minneapolis focusing on municipal projects, schools, restaurants and casinos. Wanting to gain more insight into the housing market, Dawn signed on with a developer to work on senior and student housing, multi-family and mixed-use development projects. Dawn was also one of the original founders of Firm Ground Architects and Engineers which is still focusing on commercial work today.
​
In addition to residential work, Dawn's corporate clients:
​
Mad Hatter Tea Room, Anoka, MN
Nighthawks Bar & Diner, Minneapolis, MN
Ramen Kazama, Minneapolis, MN
Vivo Kitchen, Eagan, MN
Big Watt Beverage Co., Minneapolis, MN
O'Brien Public House, Shakopee, MN
Dundas Dome, Dundas, MN
Five Watt Beverage Co., Minneapolis, MN
O'Brien Dental Clinic, Shakopee, MN
Lucky Street Thai Food & Sushi, Plymouth, MN
​