Designer Profile

Born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Sarah Van Assche has been devoted to the creative arts since early adolescence, when she first gained her appreciation for architecture and fine antiques from her paternal grandparents, who were original settlers of that French - Belgian community. 

The designer relocated to Chicago in 1979.

After completing her post graduate education at Harrington Institute of Interior Design in Chicago, Sarah was employed by the late renowned Interior Designer, Richard Himmel, FASID. 

There she rose in the ranks to the position of Project Manager, and enjoyed the opportunity to work on many national projects of note. 

In 1991, Sarah opened her own firm in Chicago, where she continues to specialize in the practice of distinctive and elegant residential and corporate design. 

Projects include private residences in Michigan, Florida and throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area,  including the suburbs of Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Barrington, Burr Ridge and Hinsdale. 

Sarah counts among her corporate clients Holy Name Cathedral, and Northwestern Medical School, as well as several other prestigious professional offices affiliated with both Rush - Pres - St. Luke's and Illinois - Masonic Hospitals. 

Sarah is a Licensed Registered Interior Designer.

Michele Comer, Project Manager

Michele brings project management, sales, and administration expertise to the table as the firm’s project manager. Her past experiences include running the business office of a downtown Chicago architectural engineering firm and managing a recruiting staff of twelve in Madison, Wisconsin.

Her fourteen years of business experience and a BA in marketing from the University of Northern Iowa drives the SVAI business and ensures client projects are well strategized and remain on track throughout all phases of the design process.

Megan Lopez, Designer

Megan Lopez, a graduate of Harrington College of Design, partners on projects offering her extensive skills with space planning, materials selection and color theory. Her ability to quickly assess each project's needs and clearly convey creative concepts through drawings is a great asset to both the firm and to clients.

Past experience includes working in a retail design showroom and a residential design firm in Chicago. Megan is a member of ASID, has obtained her BFA in Interior Design, and won an ASID Student Competition edging out fellow Illinois students in the interior designer and architecture programs.

Publicity 

Maxwell House/HGTV, “Spruce Up Your Firehouse”: Selected to makeover Chicago/Maywood Facility.

Shore Magazine.  September 2006.

Maywood Herald. 26 July 2006.

Chicago Tribune, Home & Garden. 23 July 2006.

Chicago Tribune, Home & Garden. 11 June 2006.

Chicago Home Magazine, Spring/Summer 2005: 107.

Inside Edition (NBC), "Celebrity Home Makeover - Bill Rancic", November 2004.

The Chicago Home Book, Sixth Edition, 2002. Des Plaines, Illinois.

Cahner's Business Publications, 2001.

The Chicago Home Book, Fifth Edition, 2001. Des Plaines, Illinois.

Today's Chicago Woman. Chicago: Leigh Communications, 2001.
 

Send mail to info@svainteriors.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: July 21, 2005