Faculty and Staff

Introduction to the Department Student Aid - Amber Johnson

We are thrilled to have Amber as our student aid. Be kind to her, she is your best friend.

Jacque Mott

Coordinator of Interior Design

Full-time Faculty in Interior Design

Classes: Design Studio 1, Design Studio II, Materials & Sources, Professional Practices, 3-D Design Studio, Portfolio Review, Advanced Residential Design

Education:

DePaul University, School for New Learning, Chicago, IL - Masters in Integrated Learning, 2001

Columbia College, Chicago, IL - Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design, Honors Graduate, 1987

Winner, Stuart John Gilbert Student Design Competition

Registered Interior Designer with State of Illinois

Publications:

Authored 4 -Part "Marketing of Learning Communities" series for National Learning Communities Website

Co-authoring monograph on “Learning Communities at Community Colleges”, 2003 by American Association of Higher Education.

Contributed and edited chapters of text for “Creating Learning Communities” by Nancy Shapiro and Jodi Levine (1999).

“Learning Communities Impact on National Agenda Goals for Higher Education” co-authored with Jack Lucas (1996)

Book critiques:

o McGraw-Hill, “Interiors: An Introduction” by Nielson & Taylor (1999)

o Fairchild, “Shaping Interior Space” by Rengel (2007)

o Fairchild, “Re-de-sign: New Directions for Your Career in Interior Design” by Whitlock (2008)

Pam Atilano

Classes: Design Studio I, Problem Solving and Design Communication, Professional Practices, Theory and Fundamentals of Design

Education: B.S. Interior Design from University of Illinois 1981

Design Experience:

Lighting Design Intern, Norman D. Kurtz Consulting Engineers, New York City, 6/81 – 6/82

Residential Designer/Drafter, Mark Daugherty Design, Columbus, IN, 3/83 – 9/83

Architectural Drafter, Frank Adams, Jr., AIA, Columbus, IN, 9/83 – 8/84

Lighting Designer, Gary Steffy Lighting, Ypsilanti, MI, 9/84 – 12/84

Facility Interior Designer, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 12/84 – 5/87

Interior Designer, International Business Interiors (later changed to Business Interiors) Des Plaines, Oak Brook and Schaumburg, IL, 9/87 – 2/91

Interior Designer, Rakow’s Business Interiors, East Dundee, IL, 3/91 – 12/91

Interior Design Consultant, Commercial Interiors, Inc., later changed to Dovefield Interiors, Inc.) 10/91 – present

Chris Chwedyk

Classes: Interior Construction and Detailing, Codes for Interior Design

Christopher E. Chwedyk, AIA, CSI is a licensed architect and chief code consultant of The Code Group at Burnham Nationwide in Chicago. He was previously the principal of Gage-Babcock and Associates; a firm specialized in fire protection engineering. With 32 years of experience in the architectural field, Mr. Chwedyk has concentrated on the technical requirements of building design. Over the past decade he has performed numerous code compliance plan reviews for the City of Chicago and other municipalities. Mr. Chwedyk’s professional affiliations include the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and is currently an office-holder in both organizations. He has a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition, Mr. Chwedyk has a Masters of Project Management (MPM) from the Keller Graduate School of Management. An adjunct faculty member since 1998, Chris teaches courses on building codes and construction drawings.

Ed Cotey

Classes: Contract Design Studio, CAD Studio

Experienced in managing and directing building design solutions for commercial clients. Highly skilled project management professional with the ability to identify, develop, execute coordinate and manage creative design solutions that generate revenue. Successfully able to problem solve as well as manage both projects and people in an effort to exceed client and company goals. Ability to communicate effectively with team members and provide direction that inspires confidence among peers and associates. A strong, proven leader with a history of producing results in a short period of time utilizing capabilities and expertise in:

• Creative Design Solutions

• Construction On-Site Operations

• Stretegic Workplace Planning

• Commercial, Banking, Health Care

• Client Owner Responsibilities

• Team Building & Communications

• Customer Relationship Management

• Expert in CAD Software

Lawrence Gulotta

Classes: Kitchen Design Studio, Bath Design Studio

Larry Gulotta is a Certified Kitchen Designer and NCIDQ Interior Designer. He has been involved in the Kitchen and Bath business for over 20 years.

Certification:

Certified Kitchen Designer 1994 – number 022230

NCIDQ Interior Designer 1996 – number 014597

Education:

DePaul University, Chicago, IL - B.A., Summer 2009

Illinois Institute of Art, Schaumburg, IL

College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL, A.A.S, 2004

Chicago Technical College, Chicago, IL.

Association Membership:

National Kitchen and Bath Association – NKBA

American Society of Interior Designers – ASID -student member

International Interior Design Association – IIDA - student member

Jan Hubbard

JH Designs, Ltd. A.S.I.D.

Classes: Theory and Fundamentals of Design, Design Studio I, Furniture History, Historic Styles

Jan sees her role as one of professional consultant to her clients, creating design solution suggestions that reflect the client's personal style. She combines her design expertise with her business background to provide professional project management while blending beauty with function. A published author, Jan is also an instructor of Interior Design at William Rainey Harper College, featured speaker at national conferences, and design show house participant.

Kathy Kleiva

Classes: Design Studio I, Internship for Interior Design

I've been an Adjunct Faculty member of the Interior Design Department for about 10 years, and have taught classes at many levels. I'm NCIDQ certified, and a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Illinois.

My background includes contract design work in many difference areas, from contract furniture dealerships, architectural firms, corporate facilities departments, etc., so I have a good grasp of the contract design and furniture industry. Currently I'm working as a Project Manager of design and construction projects in the banking industry.

I'm happy to provide industry information to students so that they get a better idea of what it's like "out there in the real world". My advice is to get involved in the design industry, meet as many people as you can -- from designers, vendors, contractors, anyone who works in the industry. You will find they can provide valuable information as you begin working in the field.

Enjoy your time at Harper! Let me know if you have any questions or just want to talk about Interior Design.

Micheal Lehman

Classes: Lighting for Interior Design

Danuta Malczewska

Classes: Design Studio I, Theory and Fundamentals of Design

Timothy Manning

Full-time Faculty in Architecture

Classes: Interior Construction and Detailing

Brenda Nessler

Classes: 3-Dimensional Design Studio

More than 19 years experience accumulated from various forms of design industry; retail sales, residential design, contract design, and healthcare design. Demonstrated ability of both written and verbal communications with Architects, Contractors, Clients, Vendors, and other Project Leads. Provided strong leadership in all design projects from inception to completion. Implemented ability to interpret design problems, develop solutions creatively and thoughtfully. Energy, enthusiasm, and passion generated motivation with team players. Excellent inter-personal skills.

WRID: Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer, 1996-Present

NCIDQ: National Council for Interior Design Qualifications, 2004

Director: Wisconsin IIDA City Center, Eau Claire, WI, 1997-1998

Vice President Membership: IIDA Illinois Chapter; Chicago, IL., 2003- 2006

AIA Design for Aging: Post Occupancy Evaluation Team Member, 2006-Present

Education:

B.S. Art/Concentration; Interior Design: University Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI

Profesional Achievements:

Distinguished Educator of the Year: IADT-Schaumburg, IL, 2008

Co-Presentor: Life Service Network Conference: Chicago, IL, 2008 - Topic: Don’t Retire, Rewire.

Co-Presentor: AOPHA (Association of Ohioans for Philanthropic Homes for the Aging) - Topic: Don’t Retire, Rewire, 2007

Co-Presentor: Life Service Network Conference; Chicago, IL, 2003 - Topic: Does the Chair Fit

Co-Author: "Pull-up a Chair “. Published in Healthcare Facility Management, 2004

Suzann Nordstrom

Classes: Perspective and Rendering, Hospitality Design Studio

Education:

1991-1995, The Illinois Institute of Art, Schaumburg, Illinois - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.

1996-2000, Columbia College, Chicago, Illinois - Master of Arts in Teaching, Endorsed in Art Education.

Memberships: NKBA, IDEC, NEWH

Awards, Achievements, Continuing Education:

Passed NCIDQ

American Resort Development Award for the Scottsdale Embassy

Published on NBC5.com for an article on Kitchen and Bath Design

Competed in the IBD Charrete Competition.

Two Annual Chicago Awards for Perspective Drawing

Auto Cad 2002 Certificate at Harper College

PowerPoint Certificate at Harper College

Photoshop course at The Illinois Institute of Art

Susan Olson

Classes: Design Studio I, Materials & Sources

Thirteen years of successful teaching experience, with a reputation for enthusiasm, organization, and compassion in the classroom.

A team player with strong communication and presentation skills

Extensive knowledge of design industry materials and sources

Education:

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Bachelor of Science in Home Economics - Interior Design 1987.

ASID student member. Architectural study tour of England, Scotland and Wales.

Rene Riley

Classes: Furniture and Architectural History, Historic Styles

Lori Baker

Classes: Perspective and Rendering

Education:

The Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, March 2008

Joliet Junior College - Coursework in Interior Design, August 2001-May 2006

Allied Member, ASID

JoEllen Weingart

Classes: Design Studio I, Design Studio II, Problem Solving and Design Communication, Historic Styles, Furniture and Architectural History, Advanced Residential Design, Theory and Fundamentals of Design

A dedicated and passionate college instructor with over seventeen years of teaching experience in Interior Design; and a strong knowledge base in the history of furniture and architecture (western and non-western), textiles, and all aspects of residential design. A registered Interior Designer with over twenty-seven years experience in residential and commercial design. A self-directed learner who has traveled extensively in Europe, the Mediterranean and the United States.

Education:

MA in Integrated Studies Developing and Implementing Interior Design Curricula), De Paul University, Chicago, IL, 2000

BA in Psychology/Education, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, 1972

AA in Interior Design, William Rainey Harper Jr. College, Palatine, IL, 1991

Professional Affiliations

IDEC (Interior Design Educators Council)

Professional Activities:

Member of FIDER Task Force

IDEC Regional and National Conventions – attendee and presenter (Poster, Paper) at IDEC Midwest Conventions.

Book reviewer for Fairchild Publications (Roberto Rengel’s Shaping Interior Space).