Richar Takes Chicago Designer of the Year Award

February 12, 2014  by in Designer Weekly   

The Chicago design event recognizes interior designers who have made an impact on the city’s design community. John Cannon and Cary Frank, founders of Cannon Frank, received the second annual Chicago Interior Designer of the Year Award and celebrated their achievement with hundreds of attendees last February. 

This year’s nominees included 10 of Chicago’s most recognized design firms including Richar of Richar Interiors; Susan Fredman of Susan Fredman Design Group; Jessica Lagrange of Jessica Lagrange Interiors LLC; Gary Lee of Gary Lee Partners; Carlos Martinez of Gensler; Frank Ponterio of Frank Ponterio Interior Design; Arlene Semel and Brian Snow of Semel Snow Interior Design, Inc.;  Janet Shiff of Blutter Shiff Design Associates; Eva Quateman of Eva Quateman Interiors; and Stephanie Wohlner of Stephanie Wohlner Design. 

“We saw a record number of votes this year, almost tripling last year’s votes, which shows us the incredible success of this type of awards program in the Chicago design community,” said Julia Chappell, managing director of marketing for the Design Center. “Our goal with the Chicago Interior Designer of the Year Award is to bring recognition to the vast array of design talent in the Chicago-area. I am happy to celebrate this win with Richar.”

Richar is French Canadian from Ottawa, Ontario. Richar started his own firm in 1982 after serving an apprenticeship with James Callahan Interiors of Palm Springs then working for several years as an assistant to Bruce Gregga of Bruce Gregga Interiors.

Richar Interiors embraces aesthetic and technical excellence in every facet of interior design. The firm’s work, represented in the homes and offices of discerning clients around the country, encompasses a full spectrum of periods and styles from classical and traditional to transitional and contemporary — but always elegant and timeless.

“What a thrill it was to be included in such a group of talented nominees,” said Richar. "I would like to thank The Merchandise Mart and Luxe Interiors + Design magazine for sponsoring this annual event. Also big hugs and sincere thanks for all those who supported me. Definitely a memorable evening in my career.”