Designwire Daily: from the editors of Interior Design magazine

Design Chicago Names Four Designers “To Watch”

by Staff | Tuesday, October 4, 2011 | 1 Comment

Design Chicago is around the corner and The Merchandise Mart Design Center has chosen young designers who are quickly making their mark on the industry with creativity, originality, and great overall design. Added to the Midwest design center’s annual “Ones to Watch” list, they include: Beth Downs of Beth Downs Interiors, Ltd., Jun Chun of Gettys, and Michael Stornello & Tom Konopiots of Vincere Ltd.

The Mart is honoring this year’s “Ones to Watch” at a reception on October 12 kicking off Design Chicago, a three-day educational interior design conference running from October 12 to 14.

“Ones to Watch” Profiles

Beth Downs, Beth Downs Interiors, Ltd, designs sophisticated, functional interiors for clients with a wide variety of styles, uniquely reflecting her clients’ personalities and styles, emphasizing client service and attention to detail. Downs received a B.A. from Smith College and pursued interior design at Parsons School of Design and Harrington College of Design. She began her career with Hinsdale Interiors and J. P. Regas and has completed a broad range of projects from private residences to corporate offices throughout the United States.

Jun Chun, Gettys, is a perhaps best known for his take on elegant interiors and the luxury lifestyle. Chun has designed select high-end residential projects in the North Shore and Downtown Chicago; 4-star hotel complex in Grand Rapids, Michigan, including public spaces, ballrooms, guestrooms, and restaurants; and a the public spaces of a downtown Chicago high-rise condominium including the lobby, corridor, conference room, and party room. Jun previously worked at Gooch Design Studio for nine years and recently started his latest post as senior project designer at Gettys’ headquarter office in Chicago. A Korean native, Jun studied architecture at Pratt Institute in New York City and received his Bachelor of Interior Architecture from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago.

Michael Stornello, Vincere Ltd., established Vincere in 2007 after a successful 15-year career as a syndicated television executive. His design philosophy focuses on interpreting client wishes and transforming them into beautiful interiors. Vincere projects include homes in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Europe.

Tom Konopiots, Vincere Ltd., joined Vincere in 2010 after 20 plus years in the financial services industry as COO and CEO, during which time he also designed and developed residential properties in the Chicago area. He shares Vincere’s design philosophy and constantly exceeds expectations in superbly realized living environments for discerning clientele.

Images courtesy of The Merchandise Mart.