Tracy Hickman
The Design Center at the Merchandise Mart andLuxe Interiors + Design magazinehave named Tracy Hickman winner of the first annual Chicago Interior Design Hall of Fame. Tracy accepted the award Thursday, Feb. 2 at an Awards Gala held in the North Lobby of the world-famous Merchandise Mart in Chicago. More than 500 trade professionals, industry leaders and design aficionados gathered for the first ever Chicago Interior Design Hall of Fame, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA and Chicagoland Mercedes-Benz Dealers.
Second runner up, Darcy Bonner of Darcy Bonner and Associates LLC and first runner up Shea Soucie and Martin Horner of Soucie Horner Ltd were also recognized.
“The event was a huge milestone for the Chicago design community as it’s the first award of its kind,” said Julia Chappell, Managing Director of Marketing for the Design Center. “Our goal with the Chicago Interior Design Hall of Fame was to bring recognition to the vast array of design talent in the Chicago-area and honor the many designers who have contributed to interior design, civic endeavors and overall community well-being.”
The 10 nominees were selected by a jury of Design Center andLuxe Interiors + Designrepresentatives. The nominees also included Susan Fredman of Susan Fredman Design Group, Alex Jordan and Dan Smieszny of Gregga Jordan Smieszny Inc., Gary Lee of Gary Lee Partners, Suzanne Lovell of Suzanne Lovell Inc., Margaret McCurry of Tigerman McCurry Architects, Frank Ponterio of Frank Ponterio Interior Design and Tom Stringer of Tom Stringer Design Associates.
In addition, Judy Niedermaier was honored with a special video tribute at the Awards Gala and received Posthumous Recognition for her many contributions to the design community.
“Winning and making a difference does not happen alone. It takes great clients, talent, passion as well as votes from industry colleagues,” said Jennifer Matthews, VP and Group Publisher forLuxe Interiors + Design.“We are particularly excited because there is no lack of talent in Chicago. We are looking forward to honoring and celebrating interior designers for many years to come, both in the pages ofLuxe Interiors + Designand in celebrations like this.”
As principal of Hickman Design Associates, Hickman works closely with her clients to accommodate their lifestyles. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University’s selective 50-student interior design program in 1988. During that time, she studied architecture and interior design in Milan, Paris and London, experiences that made her particularly sensitive to the architectural dictates of space and the possibilities they create. After obtaining her NCIDQ certification and spending four years with Chicago-based Vert and Associates, Hickman began Hickman Design Associates in 1992.
Specializing in residential design, Hickman works with her colleagues Elizabeth Krueger and Chad Munger to provide attentive, complete service throughout every aspect of the design process. She employs her personalized approach with both primary and seasonal residences, designing homes in locations ranging from the Cayman Islands and South Carolina to Lake Geneva, Wis., and Chicago.
“I love interior design and feel lucky to have been able to make it a career,” said Tracy Hickman. “Being recognized as part of such a talented group of designers was a pinch yourself moment. Being selected as the first Chicago Interior Design Hall of Fame inductee, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues is just plain humbling.”
Visitwww.chicagointeriordesignhalloffame.comto learn more and view pictures from the event.
