SOFA CHICAGO 2018: Programming

2018 Selects

Offering SOFA CHICAGO 2018 patrons and collectors new ways to navigate the extraordinary artwork at the show, SELECTS highlights pieces chosen by noted curators, designers, and critics.Vice President Donna Davies has tapped top professionals in the art and design communities to review the fair and make their picks, which will also be noted at the fair and accessible online for easy reference. “We’re adding these selections to give our audience another opportunity to connect with the artwork,” said Davies. “Seeing what pieces each of these curators, designers, and critics have noted gives our visitors opportunities to further engage with artworks at the fair.”

Janet Blutter Shiff, ASID

Blutter/Shiff Design Associates

Janet Blutter Shiff, ASID, is a recognized professional in the design industry. Her passion and enthusiasm for the career she cherishes has made her one of Chicago’s most successful interior designers.

Blutter/Shiff Design Associates was founded over 50 years ago by her dear mother Joan Blutter, FASID who was an industry leader and visionary. Joan’s impeccable style, majestic personality, warmth and tireless work ethic made her a celebrated icon within the design world. Janet is proud to continue her mother’s legacy.

Her firm is located in the Merchandise Mart in the heart of the design community. Together with her team she provides luxury residential and commercial interiors, working in every style and vein, with no project being too large or too small. Blutter/Shiff Designs is driven by quality and timeless designs, with a genuine commitment to the highest level of service.

In addition to a vast number of residential clients throughout metropolitan Chicago, the firm is currently working on projects in New York, Florida, Arizona, and California.

Janet takes extraordinary pride in personal attention and fostering lifelong relationships with her clients, colleagues, architects, and industry partners. The first has an extremely loyal and broad client base in both primary and secondary homes throughout the country. Their work has been published in numerous trade magazines, digital outlets and consumer publications.

Mitchell Channon, ASID

Mitchell Channon Design

Mitchell Channon is an award-winning residential interior designer in Chicago known for his ingenious use of color and a talent for telling a homeowner’s story with one-of-a-kind distinction. “His selections come together in a surprisingly original way,” writes CS Magazine. His portfolio reveals a stunning range of creative power.

Mitchell’s drive for excellence has earned his firm, Mitchell Channon Design, numerous ASID Design Excellence awards and wide publication. A lifelong Chicagoan, he draws inspiration from the city’s own deep roots in innovative design. “Great design is great art,” he declares. “As Chicagoans, we live and breathe this heady equation every day. It’s in our buildings, our parks, and our neighborhoods. It’s in us, inspiring our mission: Elevate style to the level of art.”

Robin Thomas

Robin Thomas Design

Robin Thomas is an artist and interior designer with over 20 years of experience and is the founder of Robin Thomas Design & Gallery, a Chicago-based boutique interior design firm and in-studio gallery.

Her interiors capture a certain essence of the individual. With a keen eye for textiles, furnishings, pattern, and color – her designs, in a broad range of styles, are elegant and livable.

The RTD studio gallery features rare and exclusive collections by local and international artisans that is open to clients and interior designers alike.

In addition to her interior design work, Robin is the US agent for the exclusive textile collection Maison Lévy Paris, a luxury fabric house that translates original paintings into unique fabric designs and decorative objects.

Robin earned a BFA with studies in Italy. She is recognized by the ASID for Design Excellence and is active in Chicago’s River North Design District.

As the proud mother of four wonderful sons, Robin enjoys time with her family, travel, and exploring her many artistic interests.

Lectures & Events