This year, Decorators’ Show House becomes Designer Showcase (DSC) and moves into the first floor of the Walter Wing. Fourteen local designers will transform blank galleries into 18 creative living spaces, including bedrooms, living room, bath, and kitchen.
All proceeds support Wonder School and other creative intitiatives.
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*Tickets also include admission to special exhibition Life in the Age of Rembrandt. This exclusive exhibition, shown only in Columbus, features Dutch masterworks rarely seen in the U.S., and is an international partnership between Columbus Museum of Art and the Dordrecht Museum, the Netherlands.
Designer Nights
Meet the designers in their rooms Thursday evenings during Designer Showcase, plus enjoy food in the atrium and a full bar from 5:30 PM-8:30 PM.
Treasures and Trinkets
Our Treasures and Trinkets shop offers an eclectic assortment of gently used delights. Find this treasure trove of décor, gift and accessory items as you exit your Designer Showcase tour. Proceeds benefit Wonder School, a laboratory preschool.
Pop-Up Shops
Look for pop-up shops every Thursday during the run of Designer Showcase.
April 25: Leather art from Lisa Miller of Dusk to Dawn Studio; Jewelry from Anne Holman & Jen Townsend from The Smithery; wood pieces from Mark Hilligoss fairTurn Studio; blown glass from Jim Delang Glass; May 2: Ceramics from Kevin Keiser of KeiserCeramics; purses from Jessica Joy Goldyfish Handbags; wood pieces from Mark Hilligoss fairTurn Studio; upscale resale from Deborah Patton of Reinstate Designs; May 9: painting by Dennis Rano Art; silk wraps and custom blouses from Heidi Ackley of Pearly Vine; wood pieces from Mark Hilligoss fairTurn Studio; mixed media by Steve Jebbett of Pieces of My Mind; Noisy Art for Bizarre Times May 16: Jewelry from Treffry Caldwell of Pluma Jewelry; wood pieces from Mark Hilligoss fairTurn Studio; mixed media art by Julia Hamilton
Visitor Information
Designer Showcase is ADA accessible.
Parking is available at the Museum and around the Discovery District.
For more information on visiting, click here.
Download the 2019 Designer Showcase program.
Group Sales
Tickets for groups of 10 or more are available. To make your group reservations, please call the Reservations Hotline at 614.629.0359.
Join us for these special events during Designer Showcase. Tickets to each event include admission to Showcase and general admission to the Museum.
When: Thursday, April 18, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets are $100 per person through March 15, $125 after that date.
($75 of the ticket price is a tax-deductible)
Celebrate the kickoff of Designer Showcase 2019 with our Go Green Gala preview party! Tour the Showcase, mingle with the designers, and enjoy other creative experiences, such as a CCAD fashion show using sustainable fabrics, and a modern dance performance by OSU. Sample hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a free signature drink. Dress to impress in your own Go Green style. During the Preview we will be presenting Doug and Rose Mary Kohler with a Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary contributions to interior design and their generous, ongoing support of the CMA Women’s Board Designer Showcase through the years.
Last entry to the Showcase is at 8:00 PM.
When: Saturday, May 4, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tickets are $100 per person
Special reserved tables of eight with a takeaway for each guest are available for $1000**
*$75 is tax deductible
**$750 is tax deductible
Start with a signature drink, cash bar and entertainment, and continue with a fabulous lunch and an interactive presentation by A Proper Garden. Free entry to Designer Showcase is included.
2019 Photo Gallery
Designer Showcase, formerly Decorators’ Show House, is a biennial event presented by CMA Women’s Board that raises funds to support creative experiences at CMA such as our new Wonder School. This signature event has been a central Ohio tradition for more than 40 years. In 2017, the event location was transferred from a private residence to the CMA galleries. This innovative move celebrates creative design while honoring the storied tradition of show houses.
All photos by Brad Feinknopf.
Designer Showcase has assembled a unique group of local designers. Take a few minutes to get to know this gifted group. And during DSC@CMA, you’ll be able to meet and talk with them on Thursdays from 5-9 pm in their rooms.
Joe D’Aversa, D’Aversa Interiors
As a Senior Apparel Industry Executive, Joe D’Aversa was responsible for the recruitment and management of design, merchandising, production and technical teams. His 30-year career encompasses senior roles at leading retailers including, American Eagle Outfitters, Ed Hardy, Iconix Brand Group and more recently, Artisan de Luxe, where Joe holds the title of President/Part-Owner.
In 2015, utilizing his extensive design experience and creative ability, Joe shifted his career from the Apparel industry to Interior Design. His interest was sparked after designing the interiors of four of his own homes, prompting Joe to further explore his keen eye for spatial arrangements and attention to detail.
Joe’s approach fuses clean, modern designs with classic, vintage elements to create a space that is sleek, yet warm and always inviting. He possesses a keen appreciation of contemporary design practices and products that translates to a gracious space centered on the use of clean lines.
Joe has extensively traveled in his career, securing relationships with some of the finest brands and suppliers here in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Glenn E. Doell, Curtis Elliott Designs
Glenn E. Doell’s work has been shown nationally and internationally as part of the Smithsonian’s American Porcelain Show and through the Theo Portnoy Gallery NYC and The Foster Goldstrom Galleries in San Francisco and Dallas.
One man shows include Denison University, SUNY Oswego, University of Dayton, Barth Gallery, Gallery 200, Ithaca College, Wells College etc. Permanent collections include the Everson, Arnot, and Robertson museums, as well as the Kohler Company where he completed a four-month residency as an Artist in Industry participant.
His set designs have been produced at ‘The Kitchen’ and ‘PS 122’ in New York, at the University of California Fresno, George Washington University, Cornell University, Middle Collegiate Church NY, Cooper Hewitt Museum, as well as several at Ohio State University.
Grant support has come through the NEA, OAC, GCAC, NYS Council for the Arts.
Reproductions and critical discussions of his work may be seen in the following books and publications:
Melinda Peters Elliott, Fine Designs & Interiors,
Melinda Peters Elliott, President of Fine Designs & Interiors, Ltd, is a 26-year veteran in the Interior Design Industry. She is an Affiliate ASID member with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer & Family Sciences with a concentration in Interior Design from Berry College in Rome Georgia. She is certified as a ReGREEN Expert and a Window Fashions Expert.
Over the last 26 years, Melinda has helped clients all over Ohio do anything from paint consultations to bathroom remodels. Some of Melinda’s clients include Ellen and Jim Tressel, past head coach of The Ohio State University, former NFL players, Madison Health in London, West Jefferson, and Mt Sterling as well as hundreds of other clients. She has been a guest on all the local news shows and speaker at the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show.
Melinda is a wife, and mom of three boys and she understands how to design a home for a family to have a practical yet sophisticated living space. She chose the Children’s Room in this years’ Designer’s Showcase because she feels that she has a special connection with clients who have children in the home, and is especially good at creating beautiful and functional spaces and environments for busy families. What makes Melinda special? She has a unique relationship with each of the clients that make them want her to keep coming back to their home not only to decorate a space but to just visit as a friend. She is a very warm and friendly designer who is not only approachable and knowledgeable but will leave you wanting more!
As an influencer in the design industry, Melinda and Danny Russo are the co-hosts of The Design Exchange. She has won 7 International Design Competitions with her work and been published nationally.
Fritz Harding, Fritz Harding Interiors
A key figure in the Columbus design community for more than 20 years, Fritz has worked with a diverse range of clients from corporate and hospitality to residential. His curious and open approach to each project comes from a deep commitment to design education — from his own extensive training to his years teaching as Chair of Interior Design at CCAD.
Fritz earned his BS in Interior Design from The University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) after prior degrees from Northwestern University (American Studies) and Southern Methodist University (Law). He also holds a Masters in Historic Preservation from Columbia University in New York.
In his current role as Principal of Fritz Harding Interiors, he continues to embrace learning as a two-way street with clients. Fritz believes the best design solutions come from listening and observing to discover their goals and aspirations. Only then can he guide the process to deliver a highly-personalized reflection of who they are. His individualized approach to design assures that no project repeats itself. The only signature style is attention to detail and follow-through resulting in unique, timeless spaces.
Neal Hauschild, Nth Degree
Neal Hauschild, entrepreneur and founder of the Nth Degree Companies consisting of Nth Degree Realty, Designs to the Nth Degree, Nth Degree Construction, Nth Degree Interiors and a law practice, established the customer-focused business entities to enable his clients to have a single point of contact for some of the most important decisions and times in their lives as well as for future planning for their businesses and their personal lives
Neal is a creative who believes in the power of beautiful interiors to transform daily life. With a well-trained eye for quality, craftsmanship, furnishings and textiles, he continues to be recognized for his classic and timeless style, with a crisp finish punctuated with something always unexpected – his style and designs remain fresh year after year.
Nth Degree Realty, brokered by Neal, currently has seven real estate agents working for the company which has offices in Central Ohio and Cincinnati. Designs to the Nth Degree is a full-service design, build, remodel, and interior design firm; this firm bridges all aspects of a project that may include architects, engineers, designers, interior decorators, and a host of subcontractors and specialists to ensure his clients achieve their desires. Nth Degree also brings the latest design trends in furniture, home décor, and home gifts to Central Ohio as a unique retail establishment offering products that cannot be found elsewhere in Ohio. As a sole practitioner of law, Neal offers services in the areas of contract law, estate planning and trust execution, real estate and construction law, small business formation and operation, and intellectual property management.
Neal has extensive knowledge of the interior design and real estate industries and its related fields including all legal aspects (including the impacts on estate planning), construction, design, negotiation for buying and selling, and property (real, intellectual, and personal) management. Neal studied electrical and biomedical engineering at Duke University and focused on the process management and the business aspects of these fields. He earned his Master’s degree in environmental engineering and engineering management while serving in the United State Air Force. Neal served for a period of time in the Middle East on post-Desert Storm operations in the mid-1990s performing construction management and interior design for military facilities, ranging from military housing, aircraft operation facilities, and medical buildings. After leaving active duty in the Air Force as a Captain, Neal continued to serve his country as a civilian working for the Department of Defense as an engineer. Neal created the Department of Defense’s sustainable development program for buildings, structures and facilities; he developed policies and requirements to focus on alternative uses of buildings and the renovation of structures for new and innovative purposes. It was during this time period, while working closely with attorneys, architects, designers, engineers, facility planners, and users of the facilities and spaces, that Neal became passionate about all these fields and their inter-relatedness.
Neal is best known for creating polished spaces that are functional, friendly and beautiful. Each project speaks to his client’s own interests, travels and lifestyle. His aesthetic is classic with a twist, timeless with a hint of edge. He prides himself on his attention to detail, obsession with quality and love for local craftspeople and furnishings.
Neal continues to grow the companies and expand services throughout Ohio; all the while, he ensures that his clients have superior service for some of the most important decisions and times in their lives as well as for future planning. Neal continues to give back to the community through volunteering for arts and humanitarian not-for-profit organizations, organizing and hosting fundraising events, and serving on the Board of Directors for a couple not-for-profit organizations.
Mark Huffman and Khara Nemitz, Huffman and Huffman
Mark Huffman, Principal Partner and Director of Design, draws on a depth of talent, skill and accomplishment. His personal and professional mantra is rooted in beauty and sensibility.
Mark is intimately involved with every project, from its conception and budgeting to interior architectural design, selections and installation. His collaborative approach, combined with a creative vision and modern classic sensibilities, results in a highly personal journey through each of his client’s homes. His talent for keeping an open dialogue with clients, architects, contractors, artisans and his design team ensures a clear and distinct outcome of the final project.
Mark graduated from The University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) with a BS in Interior Design. As well, he holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Cincinnati’s College of Arts & Sciences.
Prior to starting his own firm, Mark worked for the distinguished Suzanne Lovell Inc. in Chicago and Heather Wells in Boston. Before embarking on his career in interior design, he studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, interned at Christie’s New York in the Japanese and Korean Works of Art Departments and was part of a restoration team working on the restoration of The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York.
Mark is continuously inspired through his travels, reading and through the lens of his iPhone.
In April of 2001, Mark co-founded Huffman & Huffman with Terri Huffman, his mother.
Khara Nemitz
Khara Nemitz, Senior Interior Designer and Project Manager, was born in Sweden, has lived in the Midwest and on the East Coast. She has been involved in art since an early age. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art, she developed her creative talents at the New York School of Interior Design and Pratt Institute where she received a Masters in Interior Design.
After working for Robert A.M. Stern Architects in New York and G.P. Schafer Architect in New York, Khara came to Huffman & Huffman in 2015. She has since worked closely with Mark on many aspects of each project, including programming and schematic design, development of design details, budgeting, and sourcing, specification and installation of product.
Khara is skillful at creating interiors that layer textures and color, sourcing unique pieces from around the world and searching for artwork that contributes to each project’s story. She is NICDQ and LEED certified.
Jeremy Kelley, Partner, Rick Kelley Builders
Rick Kelley Builders is a family-owned home building, historical preservation, and remodeling company founded almost 40 years ago by Rick Kelley. Rick, who began his career as a craftsman, was instrumental in the construction of some of Muirfield’s first homes and also remodeling some of German Village’s historic properties.
Because of his love of artistic craftsmanship he can usually be found working with the company’s craftsmen doing what he loves – strapping on a tool belt and helping to create the perfect home for his clients. Many of the craftsmen who work with Rick Kelley Builders have been with the company for at least 18 years and all live in the community.
Jeremy Kelley joined his father, Rick Kelley, in the family business 19 years ago and is now vice president. After working for his father for a few months Jeremy began to realize that he had a true passion and knack for design. Since then he has acquired the distinction of being one of the only three contractors in Central Ohio to hold the designation of Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler. Jeremy personally performs all the design and decorating work for his clients. A Rick Kelley Builders Trademark is incorporating custom materials with intricate designs. Jeremy lives in Upper Arlington with his wife, daughter, and Corgi, Gracie, where he is an avid community volunteer. In addition to working and volunteering Jeremy enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and cheering on his daughter and her Upper Arlington Crew teammates at regattas.
Rick Kelley Builders has been featured in Tri-Village Magazine, Wedgwood Life Magazine, and the Columbus Dispatch.
Courtney Jones, The Jones Studio
Courtney Jones began her career in Chicago after completing a Masters of Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She joined The Jones Studio in 2011; and in the years since has worked to establish the interior architecture and design department within the firm. Her travels both domestically and abroad serve as primary inspiration for all interior projects.
Julie Paulino, Julie Paulino Designs
Julie Paulino of Julie Paulino Design believes that living beautiful goes beyond the visual. It’s a lifestyle where all the senses are at play. Consciously or not, we are uniformly influenced by our surroundings, from our choices on food, fashion, and home decor, where we inadvertently absorb feelings and emotions that play a role in our state of mind.
Based on the belief that Interior Design should be genuine to its surroundings, Julie creates interiors that are a personal reflection of her client’s lifestyle, with a sophisticated approach yet relaxed enough where families and friends can enjoy at ease. Juxtaposing modern elements and classic influences whilst enhancing interior architecture, Julie’s interiors result in Chic Comfortable Spaces. Julie’s initiation into Interior Design started as a Vintage furniture dealer, with an outpost in Stamford, CT. Raised in the melting pot of New York City, Julie’s exposure to such multicultural, and diverse upbringing, numerous and constant travel around the world granted her a profound understanding of global and refined aesthetics.
Julie honed her design aesthetics through extending her studies at Parsons School of Design and living with her family in Europe where she spent two years traveling across Europe. Julie’s lifestyle blog, Belle Vivir was the first blog of its kind in the island of Manhattan.”
Kim Pheiffer, KP Design & Associates
KP Designs & Associates was created by Kim Pheiffer to offer a comprehensive and personalized Interior Design service that involves the clients in the creative process. The team of highly experienced designers have won the hearts of many clients which is evident in the firm being recognized for their level of service by Columbus CEO Magazine as the “Best Interior Design Firm” and recognized by Houzz for their Service and Design.
Their collaborative approach has built a reputation for delivering the client’s vision in each design element. Expectations are exceeded from concept through the completion of each project with professional and well documented design solutions. We have a team approach and even though our clients work with a lead designer, that designer has the backing of the entire design team and support staff.
The design philosophy is embedded in a strong conviction that a home’s interior should balance aesthetic elegance with layers of visual generosity. Each project includes textures, warmth, refined comfort and a sense of the client’s personality. The team believes in designing a home that will be “lived in” and works with the clients to determine how they use each and every space in their home.
The designers at KP Designs & Associates work with clients and collaborate with builders, contractors and artisans towards creative, practical and cohesive interiors. KP Designs & Associates has a vision that every client enjoys the whole experience of the design journey. You will find a positive, approachable and refreshing energy with each of the designers. It is no wonder they have an impressive track record of returning clients, including some that go back to the inception of KP Designs & Associates.
Danny Russo, SRG Interiors Inc.
Danny Russo has been a part of the Interior Design Industry since 1998. He is a well-known figure throughout the design industry for his energetic personality and eagerness to learn something new. He has been mentored by some of the World’s Top Designers. His work has been featured in “COSI” (Central Ohio Science and Industry Museum), the Phillip-Jeffries sourcebook, and is recognized as one of the top Interior Designers in the Country.
As a trendsetter and Instagram Influencer you will find him at numerous charitable events across the globe. Whether you are working on a small powder room or an entire medical facility, danny is the go-to designer for the job. He is a forward minded artist who wholeheartedly believes in delivering each and every client a personalized, unique experience that they will always appreciate.
Tyler Swartzmiller, Haus Studio
Starting in the building industry with his family’s construction business, Tyler Swartzmiller has excelled in his craft with many accomplishments and accolades over the past decade. While studying at the Art Institute of Ohio – Cincinnati he was President of the ASID club (American Society of Interior Designers club). During this time Tyler joined a high-end interior design firm, where, after graduating with honors he moved up to Lead Designer. Experience in the firm led to many opportunities including the privilege to participate in 2009 Cincinnati Homerama and NKY home shows.
Swartzmiller later joined a kitchen and bathroom design company in 2010 where he was able to hone in on the building and remodeling side of interior design and lay the groundwork on a design process called “Design with Purpose.” Pursuing his goal to create a space that is not only beautiful, but also functional.
In 2012, he took a one-of-kind offer from a production company to be the designer on their new DIY show. The DIY Network pilot proved to be a clear hit. Tyler appears on select kitchen and bath design projects in the show’s first season while he also plans to continue appearing on the show in future episodes.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has chosen to honor Tyler under their Thirty Under 30 Program at the 2018 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. The NKBA recognizes their Thirty Under 30 as “outstanding professionals who have distinguished themselves in branches of the business from design to marketing, sales to management, construction to product development and more.”
In fall of 2018, Tyler launched his own design firm. Haus Studio is a luxury design studio and consultation firm, that ranges from traditional to modern. With his knowledge of the market Tyler hopes to bring his take on what the future holds for kitchen and bathrooms. Finding new ways of mixing metal, wood and stone with a balance of light and shadows, all to create a space that is unique and special for all his clients.
Catherine & Bryan Williamson, Mix Design Collective
Mix Design Collective is a husband & wife owned interior design studio specializing in urban design and old home remodels in Columbus, OH and beyond. After moving from New York to Columbus in 2012, owners Bryan and Catherine Williamson unknowingly began creating Mix Design Collective (“Mix”) by sharing the renovation progress of their first home on their now popular blog, Beginning in the Middle.
They got their hands dirty with home improvement projects and quickly realized that they had a mutual passion for renovating, designing, and working together.With lots of hard work, the passion that was born in their first home lead them to design and renovate seven more investment properties in the downtown Columbus area. After receiving many inquiries from people asking for their design and renovation services, the couple started Mix, a company that focuses on both residential and commercial design projects in the urban core of the city. Bryan’s education in construction management & interior design coupled with Catherine’s aesthetic & eye for details has allowed the couple to create unique spaces recognized nationally in publications such as House Beautiful, Country Living, Design*Sponge, and The New York Post.
John Wilson, Yuliya Blain, Marielle Young, and Julie Wheeler, CRI Interiors
An established designer for more than 20 years, Interior Designer John Wilson opened his own studio in 1997. Located in the vibrant Italian Village Short North Arts District, John has clients locally and across the country. Clients often refer to the design process with John as more fun than work, saying he keeps their personality and comfort in mind. His designs have won numerous awards and been the subject of multiple magazine and newspaper articles.
John has expanded in recent years and added two up and coming designers.
Interior Designer Yuliya Blain, a Bowling Green graduate interned with John before joining the team. Yuliya has been with John for over four years. She specializes in commercial application, but has worked on projects in both the residential and commercial markets. Yuliya is excellent at managing her projects, and her attention to detail is impeccable.
Interior Designer Marielle Young joined CRI in March of 2017. She primarily works on residential projects but has also been a part of many of CRI’s commercial projects. Marielle is most passionate about color and fabric selection and is very talented at home staging and accessorizing.
Julie Wheeler is an Interior Designer who strives to plan and organize spaces that allow her end user to feel comfortable within their space. Julie loves problem solving and discovering creative solutions that meet her client’s needs. Julie’s holds a Bachelor of Art – Interior Design, from The University of Akron and a Master of Art – Public Administration focus in Urban Planning, from The University of Akron.
Sponsors
In-kind printing graciously provided by:
Silver Sponsor:
Konkus Marble & Granite
Graphic Design Sponsor:
Revel Branding
Paint Sponsor:
Media Sponsors:
Prizm Magazine
The Scout Guide
Thank you to WBNS-10TV and their Community Calendar for their support.
In-Kind Sponsors:
A Proper Garden
Brad Feinknopf
Copious
Miam Cakes
Mukha Spas
Oakland Interiorscapes Sean O’Farrell
Sweet Ries
Additional Support:
Cambria
Columbus College of Art and Design
Columbus School for Girls Grace Notes
First Community
First Federal Savings and Loans
G. Michael’s Maggie Watkins
The Raines Group Tom Holliday
Tucci’s
Circle of Friends
Benefactors
Rhoma Berlin
Sandra L. Byers
Robin H. Comfort
Cole & Michele Ellis
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Fairbanks
Dareth Gerlach
Beth Grimes-Flood
Alice and Gavin Larrimer
Annegreth T. Nill
Bob & Cindy Olmstead
Floradelle Pfahl
Ann L. Royer
Jeanne and David Schoedinger
Janet Steitz
Margaret and Robert
Walter Foundation
Patrons
John and Blair Adams
Lois H. Allen
Lisa & Mark Berens
Carla L. Cefaratti
Lorrie Clark
Mary Kay and Bill Dickinson
Tom and Janet Holliday
Wendy & Chris Johnson
Susan and Leon Kessel
Susie Kirchner
Markéta & Ewout Leeuwenburg
Carol Llewellyn
Mo and Vince Orsatti
Shawn & Barb Sentz
Janice Weiser
Special thanks to our Designer Showcase 2019 planning team
Co-Chairs: Eleanor Harris and Katelyn Kelley
Designer Liaisons: Beckie Ciminillo-Keys and Mary Hickey | Designer Nights: Kate Wannemacher | Finance: Donna Gerhold and Elaine Pollack | Garden Party: Dawn Franz, Carla Cefaratti and Joanne Kick-Raack | Garden Shop: Michelle Berger | Group Sales: Cathy Appel and Barb Hackman | Marketing: Sharon Brink and Abigail Fredelake | Pop Up Shops: Susan Kessel and Mary Schleppi | President: Markéta Leeuwenburg | Preview Party: Susan Witten, Janice Weiser, Eleanor Harris and Katelyn Kelley | Sponsorship: Pam Georgiana and Mo Orsatti | Secretary: Susie Kirschrer | Staffing: Blair Adams, Barb Fairbanks, Carol Llewellyn, Cindy Olmstead, and Susan Paolicchi | Ticketing: Barbara Kocab, Marilyn Dennis, and Robin Hall | Treasure Dusters/House Ops: Karen Kaufman | Treasures & Trinkets: Kimberly Kelly, Robin Larivey, and Lisa McDowell