I studied illustration at the Art Institute of Chicago, architecture at The University of Chicago's AIA Design Center and advertising & design at The American Academy of Art. At 24, I was partner at a successful advertising agency, Howell Mitchell Design. Our clients included InternationaI Harvester and Bank of Ravenswood.
I have 35 years of experience in both residential and contract interiors. My focus is Modern, from sleek and minimalist, to warm and inviting. My strength is problem solving... how to accent a room's assets while mitigating it's shortcomings. I am adept at making a space seem far more expensive than the budget would suggest.
I can also provide expert renderings to communicate the look and feel of the finished rooms. I began my career doing renderings and painting murals for Richard Himmel Design. At 17 years old, I created a 2,000 square foot work in oil on glass for McCormick Inn, a luxury hotel on Chicago's north shore.
I enjoy collaborative interaction, working with a client to create solutions that are stylish, tasteful, functional and timeless.
Work Terms
As a seasoned professional in the applied arts, I know that confining our work to an 8 hour day just 5 days a week is rarely an option. Where deadlines are an issue, I am at the clients disposal seven days a week. The bulk of my clients are here in New York and the surrounding area. however, I am happy to travel for a mural assignment. I can also design a mural or decorative painting concept based on the clients skills or lack thereof. Illustration and design projects are based in my studio. Interior consultations can be arranged to occur onsite in the NY area, or at my studio using photos, floor plans, Skype, etc.
I typically require a retainer of 1/3 of the projected fee at the onset of work, with the remainder to be paid upon completion, unless otherwise specified.