DESIGN TEAM

There is nothing comparable in the Chicagoland area. The Design Team at Susan Fredman Design Group is infused with a nurturing, collaborative spirit that has helped each dedicated design professional produce award-winning solutions for a variety of residential and commercial clients. Bolstered by the finest design resources, the team approach proves that the sum of the whole is indeed greater than its parts. With over 150 collective years of experience, our designers are devoted to meeting our clients’ needs and providing the best solution to the challenge at hand.

As the result of numerous hours dedicated to her own firm’s pro bono design projects, Susan Fredman was motivated to act on her beliefs and vision, and thus, this idea was born. In 2000, she founded Supporting the Spirit Foundation, now known as Designs for Dignity of Heartland Alliance, as an avenue for interior designers to truly transform the lives of those served by nonprofit organizations. A nonprofit design resource, Designs for Dignity (DFD) provides pro bono design services by professional interior designers to area nonprofits as well as Heartland program sites to create environments that reflect dignity, hope and comfort.

Our design team includes:

Lonnie Unger
Co-President
Susan Fredman Design Group Team Leader

Lonnie is a versatile, trend-setting designer who has been an asset to the firm for over twenty years. Lonnie’s diverse talents have enabled her to create a wide range of designs for a variety of residential and commercial clients across the United States including high-end homes in Arizona, Palm Springs, and Vermont. Her projects have been published in several publications including Chicago Tribune, Showcase of Interior Design, Spectacular Home, Woman's Day, and more. In 2007 she was a featured speaker at the American Craft Exposition. Lonnie also lends her leadership talents to the firm by serving as the company’s Co-President with Susan Rossie, the firm’s President.

Barbara Ince
Vice President
Design Director

Barbara came to the firm with over 15 years of experience. Drawing on her training in architecture as well as interior design, she transforms spaces into unique living environments. From bold and dynamic urban condominiums to personal and intimate lakefront beach houses, Barbara’s creativity reflects the style and personalities of her clients. She strongly believes in the power of design: to inspire, to comfort, to define a space and to call it home. Several of Barbara’s awards and accolades include 2005 ASID Award for Design Excellence, 2006 ASID Award for Design Excellence, 2006 Feature in Spectacular Homes, HGTV’s Designers Challenge and her recent publications in House Beautiful, Chicago Home Magazine, 2007 ASID Design Excellence Award Winner, 2007 Feature in Trends, and was a featured speaker at ASID’s National Convention in 2007.

Barbara Theile
Vice President
Chicago Team Leader

Barb Theile is especially skilled in designing projects that embody a definite sense of place and the personality of the inhabitants. Whether working in a rustic European style for a lakefront retreat or designing an urban penthouse with a cosmopolitan sensibility, Barb creates spaces that reflect both lifestyle and aesthetic choices that make each special. Her own home, a loft in the heart of Chicago’s South Loop was featured on HGTV’s new series, “Small Space, Big Style” and as a cover story for the Chicago Sun-Times. She was recently featured in 2007 in Northshore Magazine and in the 2006 book Spectacular Homes.

Roger Boike

Roger, outdoor environment specialist at Susan Fredman Design Group, has been creating exquisite exterior spaces in Michigan’s Harbor Country for approximately 20 years. A certified master gardener with a specialization in garden design from Michigan State University, his expertise lies in English and cottage gardenscapes. Known for his creative environments that beckon you to enjoy yourself outside, Roger’s skills range from garden design, stonework and firepits to outdoor kitchens, showers, decks, arbors and pergolas.

Sarah Davis

Sarah Davis’s extensive design experience and knowledge is founded in her education, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and subsequent years of design experience in the Chicago area. This training lent her the expertise to be a specialist in design and creating environments as a whole. She is committed to constructing beautiful interiors for her clients that incorporate space planning, furniture, window treatments, wall and floor coverings, and all the finishing touches. Sarah’s design philosophy is to communicate beauty and comfort into a physical form. Her inspiration for beauty comes from a variety of sources, including nature, art, history, and human relationships. It is through this emotional connection that Sarah is able to create a living environment tailored to her client’s unique lifestyle.

Ruth E. Delf

Ruth is an artist above all else. In addition to graduating with honors from Wayne State University with a BFA in Interior Design, Ruth has several years of fine art training. Design allows her to express her imaginative ideas in new ways and she very much enjoys the opportunity to work with dynamic clients. She passionately tackles every design project as if it were a painting, carefully considering line, color, and composition.

Jase Frederick

Jase’s design work encompasses residential, retail, restaurant and corporate office projects. Past clients include a North Michigan Avenue boutique and Bank One. Her extensive background in public relations and marketing gives her a flair for understanding and working with a diversity of clients and projects. Her affinity for simplicity of style and design, as well as a keen eye for color and the incorporation of touches unique to each client, give her designs an individual and highly personal quality. Jase was the recipient of a 2007 ASID Design Excellence award in Green Design. In 2007, The Cooking Light Fithouse was published locally in the Chicago Sun Times, the Pioneer Press and had a 10 page national feature in Cooking Light Magazine. Jase is in the process of becoming a LEED accredited Professional and currently sits on the U.S. Green Building Council.

Kathy Hoffman

Kathy's strong background in residential design, renovation and new home construction, in addition to her business marketing skills, brings a diverse new talent to the design team. Her design philosophy developed out of an innate desire to create welcoming spaces tailored to each client's specific needs. She also finds inspiration for her design projects in nature, art and travel. Recent awards and accolades include the First Place Award for Design Excellence at the 2006 ASID Design Excellence Awards and 2007 Qualified Remodeler's Master Design Awards as well as several beautiful features in 2007 Woman's Day Special Interest Publications. This year Kathy in collaboration with Susan Fredman has launched a private label furniture line available exclusively through SusanFredmanAtHome.com.

Ruth Mortensen

Ruth’s passion for color and texture greatly influence her sophisticated design solutions. This versatile designer has eclectic tastes and is at home with old world furnishings and classic architecture as she is with new construction and contemporary furniture. Ruth’s inquisitive nature contributes to her love of different genres and she readily partners with clients to create environments that fit the homeowner’s lifestyle and personality. Ruth is the recipient of 2007 Design Visions NKBA Chicago Midwest Chapter Design Competition, Best Overall Design, Edmund L. Zielinski, CKD Memorial Award and 2007 Design Visions NKBA Chicago Midwest Chapter Design Competition, First Place for residential kitchen.

Jamie Myers

Jamie’s educational background, a BS in Interior and Environmental Design from Illinois State University, and her apprenticeship with a classically trained Susan Fredman Design Group architect provides the perfect fusion of her technical comprehension and creativity. She maintains that collaboration is an essential ingredient in every design project, and in doing so, creates spaces that reflect comfort, functionality and beauty. Her personal fulfillment is derived from actualizing uplifting environments for her clients that are both physically and spiritually nurturing. The breadth of her diverse work includes projects ranging from urban condos to suburban and vacation homes. Jamie was the recipient of a 2007 ASID Design Excellence award in Green Design. In 2007, The Cooking Light Fithouse was published locally in the Chicago Sun Times, the Pioneer Press and had a 10 page national feature in Cooking Light Magazine.

Aimee Nemeckay

Aimee approaches her design work with an innate understanding and appreciation for how her clients want to interact with their environment. Through her application of color, integration of textures and accessories, and use of interesting materials, Aimee strives to create a mood and atmosphere that fit her clients' personalities. In addition to her design experience, Aimee has a diverse background in fine art (painting and sculpture) and marketing/communications, as well as an advanced degree in psychology/counseling. Aimee was the recipient of a 2007 ASID Design Excellence award in Green Design. In 2007, The Cooking Light Fithouse was published locally in the Chicago Sun Times, the Pioneer Press and had a 10 page national feature in Cooking Light Magazine.

Karen Straub

Karen Straub brings a fresh, exciting outlook on interior design to Susan Fredman Design Group. This talented designer received her Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. In addition, Karen studied architecture in Europe, and has over eight years of experience in residential and commercial design. She has handled projects in new construction, additions and renovations. Karen has participated in urban, town planning for new urbanism in Traverse City, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Karen strives to create inviting, comfortable spaces that reflect the client's lifestyle, taste and personality. She recently had a kitchen published in both Women's Day Magazine and Distinctive Kitchen Solutions. She currently resides in her hometown of St. Joseph, Michigan, with her husband and daughters, and works in the Michigan office of Susan Fredman Design Group.

Brooke Voris

Brooke comes to the firm as a classically trained interior designer. She is a multi-talented designer whose expertise includes both large and small-scale new construction and remodeling projects. An avid traveler, Brooke uses these adventures as inspiration, ranging from a classical European style or the rich textures found in Central America. Operating from the belief that interior design is an art form with a clearly defined purpose; Brooke draws upon her education, experience and innate sense of beauty to create inspirational interiors.

Nancy Abramovitz

A twenty-year veteran of the design industry, Nancy Abramovitz brings to the design team, experience working in both the retail and wholesale side of the home furnishings industry. In addition to her wealth of experience, Nancy’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University and an Associates degree from The International Academy of Merchandising & Design. Having solid experience with custom home projects from traditional to contemporary, Nancy has an affinity for transitional styles. Her design philosophy stems from her Midwest sensibilities and fine art appreciation. By incorporating her art background into her work, she is able to approach each interior space as if it were living art.

Marco Alexzondra

Marco brings over fifteen years or floral design and accessorizing expertise to the team. He is a gifted and multi-talented designer, and his scope includes floral arrangements, container gardening, tablescapes, and styling for commercial, retail & residential spaces. Marco’s resourceful and out-of-the box nature allows his ideas to come to life in his skillfully crafted environments. His passion for each client inspires a refreshing new look time and time again. Marco is an award-winning retail merchandiser. He is skilled in transforming environments, inside and out, for any occasion, including weddings, corporate gatherings or private dinner parties.

Penny Tanis

Penny believes that she was born to be an interior designer. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College of Art and Design, and has earned both interior and furniture design degrees. Penny’s vision for designing spaces unfolds as she sees the space transform in her mind. Her vision is flawlessly executed as she weaves colors and textures together to create warm, inviting and calming environments for her clients. Penny believes that people need to be connected to nature and she incorporates such accents into her work. Penny's work has received many deserving accolades, including an ASID award she earned for her participation in a statewide design contest.

Administrative Team

Susan Rossie
President

Susan Rossie is the President of Susan Fredman Design Group. She manages a staff of thirty, while keeping pace with the latest innovations to ensure the company’s growth. Her varied experience as a corporate executive and attorney has proven invaluable in her current position. A highly skilled negotiator and trouble-shooter, Susan manages the company operations and participates in the firm’s marketing and public relations campaigns. As a leader Susan generates positive energy among team members which enables them to effectively serve their clientele. Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Art History from the University of Illinois. She received her Juris Doctor from Loyola University in Chicago. Susan is a founding board member of Designs For Dignity and a member of the Women President’s Organization, in addition to being active in other community and volunteer efforts.

Jeanne Woods
Executive Assistant and Merchandise Manager

Jeanne joined the Susan Fredman Design Group with over fifteen years of administrative expertise. Jeanne’s wealth of experience allows her to successfully support and maintain the office as well as assist the CEO. Jeanne’s skills are also utilized in the merchandising and servicing aspects of the firm’s retail store located in Michigan and Jeanne ensures that the E-commerce site is consistently stocked with the latest must haves for the home.

Gail Costa
Accounts Payable and Receivable Manager

Gail is an essential team member of Susan Fredman Design Group. Gail is fortunate to work with all the designers and staff members at this close-knit company and keeps everything running smoothly. From furniture orders to files, Gail masterfully juggles all tasks with ease.

Jill Maremont
Director of Sales, Marketing and Ecommerce

Jill overseas and manages both PR and Marketing efforts within the firm and with outside consultants. With over ten years of experience in marketing and design, Jill has worked in diverse facets of the industry including interior designer, project manager, marketing professional, publicist, and event planner. Her commercial clients include respected local and multinational companies in the hospitality field. A Jack-of-all-trades, her design and composition talents also include graphics, renderings, drawings, and more. Her most recent endeavor is the implementation and management of the ecommerce site, www.SusanFredmanAtHome.com which offers luxury products for retreat living. Jill received a BS in Interior Design from the University of Cincinnati and enjoys meeting new people and building relationships.