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.

Kapan Shipman, Senior Interior Designer


"Spirited…Different”…is how senior designer Kapan Shipman would describe herself. With her diminutive size and easy smile, she has a way of making her clients feel comfortable and relaxed. She is curious by nature, and always on the lookout for inspiration. Pop culture, fashion, art, and films influence in her work. Kapan’s love for design is not limited to interiors and architecture. This eccentric Jane-of-all-trades is also a fashion stylist, a personal shopper, style consultant and a jewelry designer. Kapan is a graduate of Harrington Institute of Interior Design and has experience in both commercial and residential design. Her work has been featured in numerous articles.

Karl Sponholtz, Associate Interior Designer

Karl has been a residential architect and interior designer for over 18 years. His ability to adapt his skills to a wide variety of styles and budgets is his greatest strength. He’ll tell you that design has always come naturally to him. He remembers rearranging the furniture in his house when he was 10. When his parents came home, they were shocked at how great everything looked. “It really did look better,” he laughs, “And I still use my own house as a laboratory!” His motto: “Design is a process and it needs to stay flexible, otherwise we’d have to stop shopping!”

Hannah Tindall LEED AP ID+C, Associate Interior Designer

Hannah Tindall, Interior design Associate

A recent graduate of Iowa State University, Hannah is thrilled to be the most recent addition to Habitar Design. Greatly influenced by a 15 year background in dance, recognizing how humans utilize and move through space has always come naturally to her. Many weekends were spent rearranging and re-organizing her room as a child; Dad always helping out because she was too young to move the furniture herself. Drawing from travels abroad and the nature surrounding her, Hannah finds inspiration in many places. She considers obtaining her LEED accreditation one of her greatest accomplishments.

Krzyzstoff Jachym, Carpentry Designer

Krzyzstoff Jachym is a craftsman without limit.   He came to the United States to study Hotel Management but discovered a love of building.  He’s an expert cabinetry maker, finish-carpenter, and tile layer and enjoys almost any construction challenge.  He’s old school when it comes to quality and he contributes creatively to every project.

Alex Herring, Office Manager and Web Designer

Alex Herring is the office manager for Habitar Design and Stratagem Construction.  He brings a liberal arts degree to client billing and looks forward to providing you with top-quality customer service.  Alex also built our website.

Habitar Design • 1520 N Sedgewick • Suite 5A • Chicago, IL 60610 • T 312 274 2299 • F 773 289 0714 • info@habitardesign.com