When Jim and Michele Evanger purchased Barrington, Illinois-based Designs of the Interior (DOTI) in 1993, they had big plans for expanding their new company. The couple added two locations by 1997 and started franchising in 1998. DOTI has recently shifted its franchise concept from that of a small design studio to a larger design store. DOTI's stores average 5,000 square feet in size and provide everything from upholstered furniture and rugs to accessories, lighting and window treatments. The company offers both single-store and multistore development programs. DOTI has reached agreements with various manufacturers to develop its own private-label line of furniture. Franchisees that take advantage of the program can then sell merchandise reflecting the DOTI brand to their customers.