How important is classical design to today’s designer? Join us for an insightful exploration into how classic design values can be effectively applied when designing for our modern world. The panel discussion will explore what is the essence of classical design, discuss its core principles, historical significance, and how to incorporate into contemporary architecture and interior design.
Panelists
Martin Horner
Principal and co-founder - Soucie Horner, Ltd.
Martin Horner is Principal and co-founder, along with partner Shea Soucie, of Chicago- and Naples, Florida-based interior architecture and design firm Soucie Horner, Ltd.
Established in 2000, Soucie Horner, Ltd. is comprised of four distinct business divisions. Soucie Horner Interiors leads clients on a journey of design discovery resulting in highly personalized spaces that express each client’s individual aspirations for living well. Soucie Horner Collections creates custom-detailed lighting, furniture, and textiles. SH Studio helps stakeholders express their brand offerings by leveraging more than two decades of experience designing high-end luxury interiors to deliver elevated commercial environments that exceed expectations for return on investment. And Soucie Horner Hospitality enchants guests at the firm’s Wickwood Inn with beautifully detailed aesthetics, highly personal service, and unflagging attention to detail.
Kara Mann
Interior Designer and founder - Kara Mann
Kara Mann is a renowned interior designer, celebrated for crafting environments that blend lived-in elegance with effortless sophistication. Mann's distinctive style merges clean, classic architecture with modern elements and luxurious details, creating spaces that embody enduring beauty and comfort. With a focus on timeless proportions and authentic materials, her firm excels in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects nationwide. Mann's portfolio includes collaborations with CB2, Baker Furniture, and McGuire. Her work has been featured in top design publications such as Architectural Digest, The New York Times, and Vogue.
Scott Fortman
President - Fortman, Peterson & Associates
Scott Fortman, president of Fortman, Peterson & Associates, has spent his professional career working with the most discerning clientele. Timeless and elegant designs, impeccable finishes, custom millwork, and one-of-a-kind details are just part of the reason for his success. Above all else, Scott’s primary accomplishment has been to provide steady and trusted guidance through the design and construction process by being the client’s advocate every step of the way.
Scott is a board member and President Emeritus of the Chicago-Midwest Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. He has been an active member of the American Institute of Architects, Design Leadership Network, Leaders of Design Council, Luminarts Foundation and has served on the Oak Park Historic Preservation Committee. Scott has also donated his time to Designs for Dignity providing Pro Bono design services for non-profits.
Moderator
Joshua Levinson
CEO, Artistic Tile
Joshua Levinson, CEO, is a proud ambassador for the brand interfacing with both customers and suppliers globally. He finds great excitement in visiting the quarries of the natural stones that Artistic Tile offers, noting that the quarry is the heart and soul of the industry. “To visit a quarry is to truly know and appreciate the stone that is born there,” declares Josh.
Josh is currently a member of the Natural Stone Institute’s Board of Directors, and serves on its Technical committee. Josh is also a National Tile Contractor’s Association (NTCA) Technical Committee Member, and a voting member of The Tile Council of North America’s “TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation” committee. The TCNA Handbook Committee standardizes installation specifications for tile to ensure that installers have access to knowledge, guidelines, and techniques that make our products look and perform as perfectly as our clients deserve.