Meet Tomas Frenes of Tomas Frenes Design Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomas Frenes.

Hi Tomas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Son of immigrant Cuban parent .My love for music, art, and storytelling shaped every moment. Creativity wasn’t something I learned — it was in the air I breathe . After moving to New York at a young age , I began my career under Gianni Versace, an experience that forever influenced how I see luxury, craftsmanship, and emotional storytelling in design. Over the years, I built Tomas Frenes Design Studio, creating interiors for renowned hospitality and residential clients including the Beverly Hills Hilton, Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, and St. Regis Bal Harbour, and Creed boutiques among others.

My work has evolved into a style what I call “Nouveau Cuban” — a design language that fuses old-world deco elegance with modern clean lines, inspired by my roots and global perspective. Today, through projects like Trifecta Glass Studio in Lexington — a working glassblowing studio, gallery, and speakeasy — and collaborations with Dorcia Kelley ,Materia Nuvo, I continue to explore how design can connect culture, emotion, and experience. Whether it’s a luxury residence, wellness retreat, commercial projects or custom product line, my mission remains the same: to tell stories through design that move people and celebrate identity.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been anything but smooth — but I’ve learned that the bumps in the road are what give the story texture. Coming from a Cuban immigrant family, I didn’t have a roadmap or a safety net. Everything I’ve built came from passion, persistence, and a willingness to start over when necessary. There were moments when I had to completely reinvent myself — both personally and professionally — to keep growing as an artist and entrepreneur.

The design world can be glamorous from the outside, but behind the scenes it takes grit, faith, and resilience. I’ve faced everything from financial risk and creative burnout to the constant pressure of staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. But every challenge has pushed me to dig deeper into my purpose. It’s in those moments that I found my real voice — one rooted in authenticity, culture, and reinvention. Those lessons shaped not only my design philosophy but also who I am as a human being.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Tomas Frenes Design Studio?
At my core, I’m a storyteller who uses design as my language. Through Tomas Frenes Design Studio, I create spaces and products that balance architecture, emotion, and culture — from high-end residences and hospitality, commercial projects to custom lighting, furniture, and glass installations. My work has always been about more than aesthetics; it’s about how a space makes you feel. I approach every project as an experience — one that blends functionality with soul, luxury with humanity.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing for properties like the Beverly Hills Hilton, Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, St. Regis Bal Harbour, and Creed perfume boutiques throughout the US , I also have had product shown and showcased in publication’s, but what I’m most proud of are the concepts born from my heritage and personal evolution — like “Nouveau Cuban,” a design genre I created that fuses old-world deco elegance with modern minimalism. It’s a reflection of where I come from and how I see the world: layered, vibrant, and timeless.
Working with Dorcia Kelly and our collaborations like Materia Nuvo, which unites fashion, design, and cultural storytelling. What sets me apart is my belief that design should move people emotionally. I don’t just build spaces; I craft experiences that honor culture, awaken the senses, and remind people that beauty can be both powerful and deeply personal.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe luck is real — but it only finds you when you’re already in motion. There have been moments in my life when timing, chance encounters, or unexpected opportunities opened doors I could never have planned for. Working with Gianni Versace early in my career was one of those moments — it shaped my eye and gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to live and design with passion. But even those “lucky breaks” only mattered because I was ready to rise to the occasion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Tomasfrenes.com
• Instagram: @tomasfrenesdesign
• LinkedIn: tomasfrenes