DESIGN CHICAGO closed its two-day festivities with the Chicago VIP Luxury Gala, its ninth-annual celebration of the Midwest’s best design. Five industry professionals were named to the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame during the October 4 event.
The new inductees represent the industry’s top talents, with awards for architect, designer, residential developer and lifetime achievement.
“To me, it means we—and that means our entire team—is getting it right,” Jessica Lagrange, the newest designer inductee, tells EAL. “We have forged wonderful and productive partnerships with our colleagues and we are meeting and exceeding the mark for our clients. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Architects Stuart Cohen and Julia Hacker, who were also named to this year’s Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame, share in the appreciation. “We’ve spent 30 years trying to do good work in a field that is fraught with difficulties—to get something done, to get paid for the work, to maintain high ethical and design standards,” says Hacker. “To be recognized is an honor.”
Find the full list of winners below.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
David Sutherland, president and CEO, DAVID SUTHERLAND SHOWROOMS
ARCHITECT
Stuart Cohen and Julie Hacker, partners and co-founders, STUART COHEN & JULIA HACKER ARCHITECTS
DESIGNER
Jessica Lagrange, founder and principal, JESSICA LAGRANGE INTERIORS
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER
Alan D. Lev, president and CEO, BELGRAVIA GROUP
