Each year in preparation for Design Chicago (October 8 – 9) the Design Center showrooms at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart nominate up-and-coming interior designers who have demonstrated creativity, originality and overall great design.

This year’s “Ones To Watch” winners include three of Chicago’s rising design stars: Elizabeth Krueger of ekd; Gemma Parker-McKeon of Lichten Craig; and Rita Lashmet of RL Designs.

From left: Krueger, Parker-McKeon, Lashmet

“We are very excited to celebrate these three designers who have demonstrated their commitment to creating innovative design and who the Design Center showrooms regard as some of the next big names in the industry,” said Julia Chappell, managing director of marketing for the Design Center.

The winners will be honored at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, October 8, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the new Lounge 1447 on the 14th floor of The Merchandise Mart.

Design Chicago is a two-day educational interior design trade conference bringing together industry leaders and design professionals to showcase the latest trends in interior design, featuring four renowned keynote presentations, innovative CEU accredited seminars and more than 50 new product introductions from Design Center showrooms.

This year’s featured presenters include Ralph Rucci and Michael S. Smith. Additionally, the Hearst Design Group—ELLE DECOR, House Beautiful and VERANDA—will come together for a signature event series, Inside Design, on October 9. Newell Turner, editorial director of the Hearst Design Group, will give the morning keynote address, followed by engaging events and discussions in showrooms throughout the day.

Here’s an in-depth look at the schedule for Tuesday, October 8:

Fabric Selection 101: The Wrong Fabric for the Right Chair, Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, 8:30 a.m.

When selecting a fabric for a particular piece of upholstery, there are some important factors to keep in mind as they relate to the specific item: suitability of the pattern, suitability of the texture and stretch and full–aniline leather. Steve Mittman will take attendees through the steps necessary in making the correct choice of fabric and leather for all their upholstery needs.

How Fashion Design Inspires Interior Design, Ralph Rucci, 10:00 a.m.

Ralph Rucci, renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur, will lead a discussion into the emergence of fashion design throughout the home. Take a close look at his new line through Holly Hunt and learn how his fashion design background inspired his furniture collection.

Building Beauty: The Alchemy of Design, Michael S. Smith, 11:30 a.m.

Acclaimed designer Michael S. Smith discusses themes from his latest book, Building Beauty: the Alchemy of Design¸ as it relates to American design today. Smith will walk attendees through his vision for the perfect American house, its myriad rooms and gardens, explaining many decisions he made. Smith will provide a complete, invaluable, and up–to–date design vocabulary that every homeowner and design aficionado would be keen to know, from initial renovation plans to the finishing details, indoors and out.

Design Embellishments, Century Furniture, 1:00 p.m.

This presentation will introduce the participants to outstanding techniques that can be applied to high–end casegoods furniture. The instructor will guide participants through construction, physical and finish distressing procedures. Several unique and invaluable design embellishments will be demonstrated—gold and silver leafing, dry–brushing and hand-applied wax.

Lighting Controls as a Component of Interior Design, CAI, 2:00 p.m.

Lighting controls allow homeowners to control lights, ceiling fans and small appliances from anywhere in the home without the need for special wiring or expensive master controllers. They can be integrated into a home for single–room, multi–room or whole house systems. Learn how the role of lighting in design and more specifically how lighting controls can impact the lives of occupants and performance of the home, including enhanced energy efficiency.

Owning Design: Protecting Original Design in an Age of Knock–Offs, J. Robert Scott, 3:30 p.m.

From film to fashion, creative industries are taking steps to protect and promote original work. Designers and manufacturers need to know what steps they can take to protect their designs, their businesses and their profits. Join Michael Wollaeger, editorial director, INTERIORS Magazine; Sally Sirkin Lewis, founder, J. Robert Scott and a panel of industry experts for a presentation with insight into what goes into creating original designs and how these differ from copycats.

On Wednesday, October 9, the Hearst Design Group will present its keynote discussion and various showrooms will be open for new product debuts and design professional mingling.