Honoree Profile

Kate Daly

LJC

Title: Senior Associate
Tenure at Firm: 4 Year
Nominating Principal: Alfred Fiesel, Executive Director
School: The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago
Major: Interior Design

Inspired By:

In one word: people. A big part of my ‘why’ for this career is knowing that our work impacts people’s lives day to day. Knowing that everyone’s lived experience is unique is a reminder to consider not just my preference and experience but how those different than I might use, interact with or feel in the space. And of course, my coworkers; working with a collective of creative, intelligent and talented people is definitely inspiring!

Keys to a Successful Project:

The baseline for a successful project is a happy client. That means we designed spaces that function for the intended use, specified products that meet the client’s priorities (sustainability, durability, comfort, acoustics etc.), and worked within their budget. My next measure of success is good design. That means cohesive design language, thoughtful details/alignments/transitions, appropriate lighting for the space type, user adjustability, variety and choice in furniture and room settings, and responsible materials. We can make these intentional decisions regardless of the project budget. Number three on the list is process and execution. There are so many consultants, vendors, contractors, etc. on any given project. When we are aligned on the notion that each of our teams is a part of the whole, the process is smooth, collaborative and even fun! Good project partners really make or break the success of the project from that lens.

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?

Something that I am so grateful for is getting exposure to more than just the design phase of projects from a very early point in my career. There is so much more to be learned outside of school to really understand the breadth of what we do and need to know as Interior Design professionals. Having an awareness of documentation, constructability and the business side of things are all important factors to a well-rounded design approach. Being involved in the construction process, going to site, working with field conditions and having to quickly pivot from your original plan to resolve the conflict on site is difficult to replicate in an educational environment and essential to a project’s success.

“Kate represents exactly what all great designers embody- the desire to only produce great design. I am most excited to realize and experience her continued growth and creation of dynamic places for people to work”

Alfred Fiesel
Executive Director

Favorite Haworth Collection Piece & Why:

Archibald Lounge Chair. It has a unique form and substantial mass yet has a lightness with its gently folding top seaming and slim, elegant base. It is both tailored and soft. It is a piece that is clearly special and still inviting; it’s not too precious that it gives the impression that you shouldn’t sit on it. It is comfortable and experiential. It has beautiful detailing and is a celebration of great craftsmanship.

Your current favorite color (RGB, CMYK, or HEX#):

I don’t have a favorite color and I don’t want to say black again, so I petition to make this question: ‘what’s your go-to white paint color?’ My answer: Benjamin Moore OC-65 Chantilly Lace