ABOUT

Katharine Andrews Interiors (KAI) is a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end residential interior design, interior architecture, and historic renovation. By artfully fusing traditional architecture with contemporary design elements, KAI creates captivating interiors that are impactful and endure the test of time.

When presented with a design challenge, KAI uses a methodical approach to implement comprehensive design solutions thereby meeting clients’ needs while fulfilling project objectives. Collaboration with all team members is imperative to producing a successful outcome. We value genuine connections with our clients and make it our mission to build long-term relationships.

KAI successfully transforms interiors through the meticulous manipulation of scale, proportion, light, color, texture, furniture, fixtures, and architecture. Informed design decisions are achieved by using a multi-disciplinary approach. The result is a timeless, well-appointed, versatile space that perfectly complements each client’s specific needs and lifestyle.

“LUXURY is defined by richness of detail and a feeling of history”

- Fari Pakzad, Ebanista Founder

KATHARINE ANDREWS

MA Interior Design, BS Marketing, Allied ASID, NKBA Member
Principal Interior Designer

My passion for interior design and architecture began at a very young age. I credit my parents with my early exposure to a variety of art forms: architecture, historic renovation, and interior design quickly became my favorites. Throughout my life, Chicago has provided me with a fertile environment in history, art, and culture. My knowledge base and zeal intensified the more I explored various avenues in the design arena.

During the first phase of my formal education, I obtained an undergraduate degree in marketing with an emphasis in textiles and apparel from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign which led to a career in sales and marketing in the healthcare industry. As a highly motivated and independent individual, I have managed hundreds of clients in multiple states throughout my professional healthcare career. My strong communication skills and product expertise allowed me to build and maintain successful long-term client relationships. My achievements in medical equipment sales include top national sales awards as a result of excellent communication and problem solving skills.

After 13 years in sales, I decided to return to school to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an interior designer. Graduating with a Master of Arts in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design was the culmination of my formal education. The same disciplines and core values that enabled me to excel in my former sales positions continue to be utilized in my current role as an interior designer. My extensive business background, education, creativity, and work experience has prepared me to succeed in the interior design industry. Open communication is tantamount to building effective client relationships. By actively listening to my clients, I’m able to discover their needs and provide customized design solutions that reflect their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. I take great pride in my work; I strive to achieve design excellence on every project by utilizing my multi-faceted background and design expertise. I’m passionate about creating timeless interiors that are functional and visually stimulating. My personal design aesthetic is traditional with a contemporary twist which can easily be adapted to a diverse range of styles and surroundings.

As a Designer On-Call at the Merchandise Mart, I am paired with consumers seeking to gain access to the luxurious to-the-trade showrooms at the Design Center. Based on the client’s design scheme, I present them with exclusive resources to make their dream project a reality.

My commitment to conserving the character and architectural integrity of historically significant homes and buildings in the Village of Hinsdale prompted me to get more involved in the community I call home. I play an active role in the Hinsdale community as a Board of Trustees member of the Hinsdale Historical Society (HHS). In 2018, I was elected as the HHS Marketing Committee Chair due to my intrinsic leadership skills and extensive background in marketing which includes a bachelor’s degree in marketing. I have also participated in a plethora of philanthropic events with the HHS Women’s Board which hosts the annual Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk.

In addition, I’ve taken on leadership responsibilities as a peer group leader for the ASID Illinois West Peer Group in the western suburbs of Chicago. As a peer group leader, I’ve made excellent connections with other design professionals and vendors in the industry. My volunteer work has given me countless opportunities to expand my knowledge base, design resources, and networking capabilities. Recently, I joined the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) to further my design discipline through continued education seminars and networking events. By honing my skills and increasing my knowledge in these specialty areas of interior design, I can create state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom designs for my clients and share best practices with my colleagues. Actively participating in these organizations has allowed me to make meaningful contributions to my community and cultivate my design expertise.

“I don’t like trends. They tend to make everyone look the same.” -Carolina Herrara

INTERIORS

We've have worked with a wide variety of clients and tailored each project to meet their specific aesthetic and functional needs. Through the use of color, texture, furnishings, and architectural consideration, KAI expertly transforms an ordinary space to reflect the personality and style of our clients.  In the table of contents, please find an archive of completed interior design projects.

“An interior is the natural projection of the soul.” -Coco Chanel

MISSION

At Katharine Andrews Interiors (KAI), we work closely with clients, architects, and contractors to develop and implement each unique project and ensure that every aspect of the process is executed flawlessly. Our design team gives every detail the attention it deserves, no matter how small and we believe the best service begins and ends with open communication. Therefore, we begin each project by actively listening to our clients’ needs to gain a clear understanding of their vision and project objectives.

Our collaborative approach ensures that each and every aspect of the project—from furnishings and fixtures to color palettes and decor—will reflect the individual style and personality of our clients. Our design team creates a luxurious, sophisticated atmosphere that harmonizes with our clients’ lifestyles and personal tastes. We pride ourselves on creating innovative design solutions that always exceed expectations.

“The details are not the details. They make the design.” -Charles Eames