About
Colleen Kinder, ASID, NCIDQ, is an award-winning residential and commercial interior designer. She founded her firm in 2005, with offices in Chicago and Lake Forest, Illinois.
A registered interior designer in the state of Illinois, Colleen is an active professional member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification), LPCI (Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois), and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She is also a recipient of the Ones to Watch award in recognition of her talents as a leading interior designer in Chicago. Additionally, she has graded candidates for the NCIDQ exam.
With the creation of her firm, Colleen has worked on a wide array of amazing projects with her clients. In addition to the Midwest, some residential ventures have taken her to Charleston, South Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; Delray Beach, and Admirals Cove in Jupiter, Florida. Prominent commercial clients include Pepsico, Kraft, Quinnox, Seaman Corporation, and Revival Social Club. Colleen’s design work at Joe’s Bar on Weed Street, a 29,000 square foot bar and concert venue, led to a 5- time winning streak of the Academy of Country Music’s Nightclub of the Year Award. This project included customizing aesthetics for musicians such as Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Keith Urban (a lover of boho-chic), Sugarland and Miranda Lambert. Colleen has been repeatedly featured on national television shows such as Open House on NBC and The Art Of on the Ovation Channel.
Colleen has extensive experience in both residential (homes and multi-unit condominiums) and commercial design. She specializes in kitchen and bathroom design, historic preservation, full home renovations and additions, model home design, and construction project management. She is also a certified lighting consultant.
Colleen was born and raised in Lake Forest, Illinois, and began her
interior design career at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. She earned a BS in Interior Design with an emphasis in Historic Preservation. She was presented with the Outstanding Senior Award in her major. Colleen currently splits her time between the city and suburbs.
As an avid devotee of all design disciplines, she can work within any style to achieve her clients’ vision. Everything from a love of old Hollywood cinema, vintage jewelry, contemporary fashion, cooking and entertaining has shaped her as a designer. Colleen brings a tremendous amount of energy and joy to her projects and maintains lasting friendships with all her clients. With her vast experience, education and technical background, Colleen fulfills her clients’ needs in a collaborative and creative working environment that seeks to truly realize expectations while maintaining consistency in today's ever - changing world of interior design.