Inside Illinois

Designers About Town
Peer Groups
Both the Northwest Suburban and North Shore Peer groups met during
November. The Northwest Suburban group did a little something different
for this month’s meeting and participated in a cooking class to learn how to
make delicious desserts. Peer groups are a great way to meet and network
with other designers in a more intimate setting. Check the ASID Illinois
calendar for meeting information.
DIFFA Dining by Design
ASID board and committee members
attended DIFFA’s (Design Industries
Foundation Fighting AIDS) annual
Table Hop and Taste at the Dining by
Design event. The fundraising event,
held at the Merchandise Mart, showcases
three dimensional dining installations
by some of Chicago’s most
talented and creative designers. The
one-of-a-kind kind creative spaces
range from the practical to the fantastical.
Event goers were also treated to
food samplings from some of Chicago’s
top restaurants. It was a fun and
inspiring event for everyone and truly,
the food and libations were fantastic!
The Jonathan Adler installation,
featuring his new textile line, utilized
these large upholstered
chairs to create the “walls” that
defined the dining space.
Linda and Karen’s lovely tablescape featuring non-traditional elements and
colors. They advocate using colors that complement a home’s existing décor
for a more cohesive holiday display.
Christmas on the Fox
Karen Riordan and Linda Navara participated in the Christmas on the Fox
Art and Craft show in November. They created a beautiful holiday
tablescape and gave presentations to show attendees how to set a festive,
whimsical and elegant holiday table. They also gave show attendees
holiday decorating tips for the whole house. Participating in events like
Christmas on the Fox is a great way to not only promote your own business
but also the value of working with an ASID designer.
ASID Illinois Chapter President, Pat Baily (center) and President-elect Janet
Davidsen (on Pat’s right) with other board and committee members in one of
the dining installations.
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would like to implement an ASID IL Chapter Day of Service, either at one of
the three Food Bank locations, or at one of their network partners. More information
will be forthcoming regarding volunteering for the day of service.
Rick Gilman, Finance Director:
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) DIFFA/Chicago’s
fundraising process includes a series of events throughout the calendar year
driven by dedicated professionals inside and outside the design industries.
DIFFA’s big event is the annual Dining by Design event held in November.
Each year, the DIFFA /Chicago Auxiliary Board will host two or more social
events designed to raise funds for DIFFA/Chicago and create a greater awareness
of the DIFFA/Chicago cause. Please check their website at
diffachicago.org/events about their exciting events or contact Rick to see how
you can get involved.
Emily Case, Student Representative
The Morning Star Mission of Joliet, IL provides food for the homeless, has
a rehabilitation program for those recovering from drug abuse and provides
housing and assistance in finding employment. They also provide support
for homeless veterans. The Treasure Chest resale shops in Joliet and New
Lenox helps raise funds for the mission. Donating items to the Treasure Chest
and helping decorate the rehabilitation homes is how I hope ASID can
assist the Mission.
Paul Ramoie, Student Representative
Designing for Veterans is a nonprofit interior design organization that
believes the built environment can have a tremendous impact on the physical
and psychological life experience of disabled veterans when returning
home from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It is the mission of Designing for
Veterans to aid and assist these disabled veterans through pro bono interior
design services, that address their individual needs.
10 | WINTER 2013 | ILLINOIS