Written by Dan Howarth
In a time when the world can feel uncertain and divided, many of us are craving meaningful connection more than ever. We naturally gravitate toward the people who support us, inspire us, and make us feel grounded, both in our personal lives and in our work. The pandemic gave us all a chance to rethink how we connect with one another, and it also reminded us how valuable it is to come together, share ideas, celebrate wins, and simply enjoy being in the same space.
One of the many reasons I love working in design is because community is woven into the very fabric of the industry. Compared to the fashion and art worlds, design cultivates a more welcoming and conversational atmosphere. Those who work within its orbit share a deep appreciation for collaboration, exchange, and generosity. While cities like New York and Los Angeles may get the spotlight, places like Chicago often foster even closer connections, especially in the Chicago design community. Designers freely exchange ideas, refer clients, and celebrate one another’s successes. It’s a community built on generosity and mutual support, and that’s something truly special.
Creating spaces where these connections can grow takes intention from individuals, brands, and studios alike. Thankfully, the Chicago design community truly values that effort, whether it’s supporting new ideas, learning from one another, or simply coming together to enjoy good conversation (often over champagne and a few bites). Although I’m based in New York, I’ve already made three trips to Chicago this year, attending everything from large-scale events like NeoCon to beautifully curated dinners and intimate discussions. As a freelance editor, I’m especially mindful of the coastal focus that still shapes much of our industry, and I feel it’s important to actively seek out and celebrate the people shaping design culture in cities that may be smaller, but are every bit as influential.
It was truly a pleasure to co-host Skyline Window Coverings’ very first Evening of Design Excellence dinner earlier this year. On a warm June evening, we gathered interior designers, real estate brokers, design retailers, and the Skyline team for a night filled with great conversation and shared moments. Alongside our wonderful guests, Skyline President, Chrissy Roellchen, designer Tracy Dyer, and interior designer Tracy Kurc, we talked about design trends, how to work thoughtfully beyond them, and the importance of creating with intention. The atmosphere felt like a big family dinner, even though many guests were meeting for the first time. That’s the magic of this community: connections form easily, genuinely, and often last well beyond the evening.
The dinner also marked the launch of Skyline’s premier Design Trade Program, a personalized, hands-on service that helps designers choose beautiful, custom window treatments for their clients. It was a wonderful chance to showcase all that Skyline offers, while also building stronger connections within Chicago: a city full of incredible talent and creativity. Experiencing this, Skyline is proud to be investing in the Chicago design community more than ever before.
This fall, Skyline launched a new awards program to celebrate the creativity, skill, and impact of the Chicago design community. This initiative will highlight excellence across six categories, one of which will be chosen by public vote, and will culminate in a festive awards evening in January. This will be a perfect time to come together, reflect, and raise a glass.
Recognition matters. Even in supportive communities, emerging designers can struggle to get visibility, especially outside the coastal centers. That’s why Skyline’s Interior Design Awards are proudly rooted in Chicago: to shine a spotlight on brilliance wherever it’s happening. Nominations are open until December 15, and we warmly encourage designers, whether just starting out or long established, to share their work.
When we celebrate each other, we lift the whole field. In design, as in life, we rise higher when we rise together.