About

No two spaces designed by Studio Thomas James are ever alike; each home by the Dallas-based firm is individual to the respective homeowner and reflects their specific ideals and lifestyle.

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With principal and founder Philip Thomas Vanderford at the helm, the studio has built a portfolio of projects rich in expression, seemingly understated but that are highly detailed with their own unique emotional intelligence; classic yet innovative, playful yet refined. From a project’s inception to the final installation, their team works hand-in-hand with each client to flawlessly execute interiors that evoke emotion with rich color, pattern, scale, and texture. The studio has completed homes worldwide, including in Paris, Aspen, California, Wyoming, the British West Indies, and Shanghai. 

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Vanderford utilizes his architectural expertise and artistic vision to give a room’s form and function mutual consideration. His passion for the aesthetic form was cultivated early, having a grandfather who, as a master craftsman, machinist, and woodworker, taught Philip his unique skill set — even insisting that he learn to weld. Thanks to this intimate experience, Philip knew the inner workings of construction before he attended the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. 

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Studio Thomas James’ work has been featured across the covers of multiple notable Shelter Publications, as well as across Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda, Modern Luxury publications, Patron, Southern Living, Business of Home, PaperCity, D Home, and more.  The studio was also a featured designer in the inaugural Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas in 2020, won HGTV’s Designer of the Year Award in 2021, and has been in D Home’s Best Designers for multiple years running.
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