Todd Hase (class of '90) of New York was destined to work in the interior design industry. Born and raised in Palos Heights , a Chicago suburb, he says he practically “lived” in his parents´ antique shop.

As a young boy, Todd was dropped off at auctions to bid on furniture selections for his parents. “They trusted me to make a good purchase, because I knew what to look for. I even signed the checks,” he says.

Todd, whose passion for design continued to grow, studied architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago and found himself increasingly interested in the interior spaces. He sought out projects that emphasized space planning and interior design.

While attending UIC, a professor noticed his enthusiasm and suggested he consider interior design as a career. The professor recommended the Harrington College of Design based on its curriculum for interior design.

Todd remembers that every class at Harrington was inspirational and challenging. He says his biggest obstacle while attending Harrington was using the computer as a design tool. “I was not exposed to that technology. To this day, I find myself using my pencil far more than some of my employees.” After graduation Todd worked as a freelance interior designer in Chicago and New York.

In 1996, he met his wife Amy, who encouraged him to market the furniture designs that he developed for various projects. The market was full of beautifully crafted traditional reproduction furniture and innovative modern designs, yet there was a lack of finely manufactured new designs. Todd's pared down, simplified silhouettes crafted with Old World techniques and proportions created ultimately modern, 21 st century furniture.

New York gave such a positive reception to his first collections, that it prompted him to launch first showroom in SoHo.

The seeds of design were planted within Amye Charfoos at a very young age. Topics of dinnertime conversations between her mother, an interior designer, and her father, a developer, often included design projects and material sourcing.

Amye (class of ‘06) grew up in a Detroit suburb and moved to St. Louis in 1998 to pursue an education in photography and business at Washington University. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography with a minor in Business in 2002.

Amye moved to Chicago after graduation, fueled by her parent’s entrepreneurial spirit. She successfully launched her own portrait photography business and within two years, accomplished her five-year career goals.

Yet Amye was restless; her thoughts frequently drifted to interior design.

After personal deliberation along with support from family and friends, she changed career paths. Amye visited several of the Chicago design schools and enrolled at Harrington in September 2004.

"I chose Harrington for its reputation, student-centric approach to education and learning environment that understands the needs of career changers," Amye says.

She received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design in May of 2006 and now works for SMH Development in Chicago as a Senior Interior Designer.

SMH Development builds single-family homes. Amye enjoys her involvement in all stages of development from initial floor plans and construction to finishing details. With as many as eighteen projects at a time, Amye recently hired two Harrington students for assistance.

Bonnie Bandurski (class of '06) has fond childhood memories of making shadow prints with her sister in their father’s basement darkroom in Dallas, Texas. Her father’s love for photography inspired her to develop her own artistic skills in the medium, but she never thought of photography as a career choice.

Bonnie earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago in May 2000 where she was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society.

After graduation, Bonnie worked at Ada S. McKinley Community Services Inc. as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Q.M.R.P. (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional). She used her creative talent there to develop the Photography Education Project (PEP). The project garnered two state awards at the 2004 Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for “Best of the Best New Programs”.

“PEP ignited an absolute passion for photography and life is too short not to do what you love,” she says.

Bonnie had a good grasp of the medium but wanted to become proficient in the lighting techniques and technologies required for successful commercial photographers.

She enrolled in the Digital Photography Program at Harrington in September 2004. Bonnie worked and attended school yet still found time to channel her passion into a meaningful experience for others. She started the Digital Photography Initiative (DPI) to provide digital photography education for adults with disabilities. The project is now incorporated on campus as one of Harrington’s community outreach initiatives.

Bonnie worked as a photographer’s assistant the semester prior to graduation and in August 2006, received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Digital Photography with Highest Honors.

She launched her own freelance photography business that same year. Bonnie’s clients range from fashion and performing arts to corporations and higher education. She continues to enjoy assignments with other photographers as her business grows.

“I learn something from each photographer when I freelance plus get paid for it, it doesn’t get any better!” Bonnie claims.

Tatjana Ozegovic (class of ’02) was born in Croatia and received a business degree from the University of Belgrade.

Tatjana emigrated from her war-torn home town to the United States with her sister in 1993.

"My life was forever changed in a moment," states Tatjana. "I was separated from my family, spoke very little English and had a business degree based upon a communist economy."

Tatjana studied English and followed her life-long passion for design. She enrolled in Harrington’s Interior Design Program at the age of 32.

She worked full-time selling high-end appliances to contractors and designed kitchens on the side while pursuing her degree.

"I worked extremely hard but have fond memories of my time at Harrington," Tatjana claims. "I supported myself, my education and sent money home to my family. I value the education I received and still network professionally with class mates.”

Tatjana received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design in 2002 and was offered a design and sales position for the Boffi Studio with Luminaire.

Tatjana designed Boffi kitchens and bathrooms, presented project plans, and managed projects and installations for Luminaire clients for four years.

"I received training in Italy by leading kitchen architects on contemporary kitchen design, Tatjana says. "It was an invaluable work experience that ultimately led me to my next career opportunity."

In February 2007, Tatjana launched a luxury design showroom with business partner Jeffrey Smith, a former client.

Haute Living, located in Chicago’s River North, features unique European contemporary lines of furniture, kitchens, and custom lines of closets; doors; and modular furniture. Product lines include Fendi Casa, Vladimir Kagan, USM, Rimadesio, and Binova.

"I love what I’m doing, Tatjana says, and am looking forward to employing Harrington graduates in the near future."