Mitch Newman, Principal

Mitch often wandered off the safe and time-tested route. He went to medical school at the University of Chicago, became a Board Certified Family Practitioner, and shortly retired from the medical field. He traveled, skiing in mountain resorts behind the iron curtain and sleeping under the stars in Italian vineyards. He studied in Germany at the University of Tuebingen and supported himself creating and selling T-shirts, one which became enshrined in the City's Museum. Interested in Arab culture, he moved to Cairo and published his first short story in the Egyptian Times before returning to Chicago to become Artistic Director of Thirsty Theater. Building however was in his blood.  His father started a real estate development firm in 1962 and in 1999 it could no longer be resisted.  He built his first 3 flat.   Since then, hes built numerous low-rise and mid-rise buildings emphasizing exceptional finishes.  In 2005, he launched Habitar Design with Kapan Shipman, inspired by her work and friendship.