What is your past work
experience/education?
I received my Bachelors of Art degree in Fine Arts at Illinois Institute of Art- Schaumburg. I interned at a design firm then stayed with the firm as a Jr. Designer for 2 years. I then worked at Robert Allen for 8 years and Pindler for 7 years in Sales.
Where were you raised?
Palatine, IL.

What is your most rewarding project, and why?
My most rewarding project is helping designers select materials/fabrics for their presentations to clients. When designers are in the showroom I get to see what they are working on and I like knowing that I’m there to help when needed.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Burton James, the furniture selections on the sales floor at our Arlington Heights showroom are wonderful!

How would you characterize your design style?
Traditional.

What is your favorite color?
Blue.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to go boating on Lake Michigan, camp, travel, do any water sport or even just sitting on the beach. I hike, read novels, ride my scooter when weather permits and hang out with family members!

What is your favorite TV series?
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Big Bang Theory and Friends.

Carrie can be reached in the Arlington Heights showroom at carriey@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785 x6763.

What is your past work
experience/education?
I have worked for over ten years in the nonprofit and education fields with a few retail positions, all primarily customer facing roles. I have always been drawn to the design field as I have a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in Sculpture and Art History from Millikin University. I spent the last seven years working in museums in the northern IL suburbs. I was the museum director for four years at the Fabyan Villa Museum, a Frank Lloyd Wright home located in Geneva, IL. I have always had an eye for design and a heart for helping people that I hope will bring a different perspective and approach to C.A.I. that will help clients.

Where were you raised?
Oak Park, IL.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
I am always drawn to a good piece of art such as The Nighthawks by Edward Hopper or the great writers such as Rick Bragg or Louise Eldrich or any music from the Sun Records catalog.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
I love Hubbardton Forge because I worked primarily in welding metal as a sculpture major so I understand it’s structure and the beauty and time it takes to create pieces like that. On the furniture side I am drawn to Lee Industries for the simple lines and classic aesthetic.

How would you characterize your design style?
Classic, comfy and colorful.

What is your favorite color?
Ruby.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time is seemingly an oxymoron as I have a very active 2.5 year old, but I do enjoy reading, primarily well written memoirs and biographies, as well as family saga drenched fiction. Our family is active outdoors and do a lot of camping, hiking and canoeing when able. I have traveled to Europe, mainly Germany and Italy, and would love to go back someday.

What is your favorite food?
Most pasta based dishes I will never turn down.

What is your favorite TV series?
Mad Men.

Hannah can be reached in the Arlington Heights showroom at hannahw@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 590-9835 x6782.

What is your past work
experience/education?
I’m currently studying at Harper College, but I have worked for C.A.I. during my summers as a part time job to help inventory at the AH location. Working during the summers allowed me to have a good base for the Inventory position and hopefully I can fill the shoes of Ernesto as he’s been such an amazing worker here.

Where were you raised?
Arlington Heights, IL.

What is your most rewarding project, and why?
As a part time hobby I do video game streaming on the platform Twitch and have built a small brand and following in a short amount of time. I have worked my way up to be able to receive revenue from ads and people paying to be a subscriber to my channel.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from professional athletes from any sport due to their drive to always be better than they were the day before. I live by striving to be the best in my field and to never be satisfied.

How would you characterize your design style?
Comfortable, functional and fashionable.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
My favorite product line is Brownstone because of the sleek modern look of their products.

What is your favorite color?
Red.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Stream video games, hang out with my family, and hang out with my girlfriend at her apartment in the city.

What is your favorite food?
Anything seafood or any Asian dish. When both of those combine for a meal it is perfection.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go?
I would travel back to the beginning of the 80’s to experience Rock ‘n Roll at it’s peak.

What is your favorite TV series?
New Girl as it is extremely funny when I wasn’t expecting it to be. Top tier sitcom.

Anything else you would like to share?
I can’t wait to meet everyone working here and hope everyone has a great up and coming 2021.

Zack can be reached in the Arlington Heights showroom at ahinventory@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785 x6764.

What is your past work
experience/education?
I studied Interior Design at Indiana University and graduated in 2019. I then moved to Chicago where I started working for
Haywoodmade Interiors as a Design Assistant.

Where were you raised?
Indiana.

What is your most rewarding project, and why?
Sourcing all furniture & lighting for a 3-story townhome in Lincoln Park at my last position. It felt especially rewarding because I got to take the lead and it felt more like my own project compared to others.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Observing all things design in my daily life, but also through photography and my favorite social media accounts.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Regina Andrew, I love the materials used and the mixture of different elements and styles to make unique pieces.

How would you characterize your design style?
I’m drawn mostly to mid-century modern.

What is your favorite color?
Blue or green colors.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two dogs that I spend majority of my spare time with. I enjoy studying astrology, refinishing old furniture, painting, and traveling.

What is your favorite food?
Strawberry Mochi.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go?
Probably the 60s – I like the clothing and interior styles of that time period.

What is your favorite TV series?
Stranger Things.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Following your heart is always worth the risk.” – Danica Gim

Logan can be reached in the Chicago showroom at chicago.admin@caidesigns.net or by phone at (312) 755-9163 x7007.