February 2017 | Urban and Suburban

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney

Five years ago my dream of opening a second studio was born with a single word written on a piece of paper - Chicago - and now it is about to come true. In just a few days I will be opening a new, full-service studio at 1242 N. Wells Street in Old Town. You are invited to join in the celebration. We will host a Grand Opening party on Thursday, February 23, from 4:30 to 8 PM and an Open House on Saturday, February 15, from 11 AM to 4PM. Please bring a friend or two. This latest venture reflects my never-say-never attitude and my desire to tackle new challenges!

My journey began by moving myself from my Libertyville home to a condo on the Gold Coast, where I have been making friends and settling into urban life. At the same time, I focused on building our urban clientele, making connections, leasing space and furnishing it, with much help from Junior Designer Lauren Benditzky. In the meantime, Sweet Peas Design has been attracting more attention and awards from Chicago media, all of which convinced me the time was right for expansion. My highest priority is to provide the same level of client service and expertise downtown that we have always given to clients on the North Shore.

Lauren will be on-site in Chicago full-time with a new Senior Designer, while Financial Manager Caitlin Ridgeway and I will divide our time between Libertyville and Chicago. Senior Designer Angela LaVista will continue to bring her creativity and energy to the Libertyville studio full time, as will Studio Manager Lauren Brown and Senior Architectural Associate Jennifer Tarello, though all their skills will be utilized as needed in both studios. I will continue to be the "Chief Inspiration Officer" for the two studios - I will never be able to keep my hands off the design process - and I will have the best of both worlds, urban and suburban. Yes, dreams can come true!

Sincerely,

Susan, Angela, Jennifer, Lauren, Laura, Caitlin and Lauren
The Sweet Peas Design Team

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