Teresa Bajandas, 49, of Chicago, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Kinzie Chophouse and Harrington Institute of Interior Design for her first place rendering in a design competition.

The competition called for students at the Harrington Institute to re-design the bar area at the Kinzie Chophouse. The top three renderings will be featured in the restaurant, 400 North Wells, throughout March. Bajandas, a second semester student at Harrington, is a former fashion designer. She recently moved to Chicago from Cincinnati and decided to change careers.

"I was an underdog in this competition. The contest rules stated only third semester students and above could enter," says Bajandas. "I was able to convince the teacher of my talents and participate, but I never expected to win."

Also honored were second place winner Lisa LaCount, 31, of Hinsdale, and third place winner Karen Sabha, 33, of Chicago. Both received a $100 gift certificate to the Kinzie Chophouse.

Runners up included Leanne Tseng, 33, of Chicago, Ramona Burns, 22, of Chicago, and Natasha Chatkin 36, of Lincolnshire.

The judges for the competition were: Susan Frasca, owner of the Kinzie Chophouse; Greg Landahl, president of Landahl Design Studio; Cynthia Vranas, associate dean of education at Harrington; Francois Geneve, faculty member at Harrington; Christine Newman, editor of Chicago Magazine; Lisa Bertagnoli, freelance writer; Margaret Sheridan, senior writer at Restaurants and Institutions; and John Kvedaras, manager of the Symphony Center.

Entries were judged on the basis of presentation, creativity, and how well the design concept works with the main dining room.

"Susan Frasca met with the students to discuss what she was looking for in renovating the bar," says Joe Babula, faculty member who worked with the students. "We wanted this competition to be a learning experience for the students, and we are thrilled to see their talents get such wonderful recognition."

Kinzie Chophouse is owned and operated by Frasca Hospitality Group, which also owns the Mambo Grill. Frasca Hospitality Groups' corporate office is located at 400 North Wells Street, just above Kinzie Chophouse. For more information, please visit www.kinziechophouse.com and www.frascahospitalitygroup.citysearch.com.

Founded in 1931, the Harrington Institute seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students’ intellectual and artistic potentials. The majority of faculty are practicing interior designers, architects and fine-art professionals. Harrington is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the bachelors of fine arts program is accredited by the Foundation for Interior Designer Education Research. Harrington is also recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher education.

For more information call 312.939.4975 or visit www.interiordesign.edu.

< Back to press releases