The mononymous designer Richar of Richar Interiors was bestowed the title of Chicago Interior Designer of the Year by the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart and Luxe Interiors + Design magazine at a reception earlier this month.

"Chicago has a rich history in architecture and interior design with a vast array of design talent," said Julia Chappell, managing director of marketing for the Design Center. "We started the Interior Designer of the Year Awards to fill a void in the industry that lacked such an honor for those who have contributed to Chicago's interior design, civic and overall community well-being.”

Richar accepting his award at the gala

This year’s nominees included ten of Chicago’s most recognized designers and firms who have made an impact on the city’s design community including Richar, 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.

“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.”

Cary Frank (2013 winner), Julia Chappell, Richar and John Cannon (2013 winner)

“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 Chappell. “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. He started his own firm in 1982 after serving an apprenticeship with James Callahan Interiors of Palm Springs, then worked for several years as an assistant to Bruce Gregga of Bruce Gregga Interiors.

Richar’s current work, represented in the homes and offices of clients around the country, encompasses a full spectrum of periods and styles from classical and traditional to transitional and contemporary. His firm is in the process of completing projects in Big Sur, California; Carmel, California; a ski chalet in Park City, Utah; and a number of jobs in Chicago and its suburbs.