“It really all started with an e-mail that I received from a source that didn’t identify themselves” says Habitar Design owner, Mitchell Newman. Consequently, when Karl was invited to do a
design TV show, no one at Habitar Design knew where in the country Karl was going or what
show he was going to do.

Newman says, “We did know that it was going to be about ten weeks and that it was a reality
show where the losers get kicked off early.” As weeks went by without hearing from Karl,
Newman assumed the best. “Karl’s very talented and very fast. Plus he’s commanding, genuine
and passionate. We could see him as a star. ”

Weeks went by and still there was no word. The contestants are not allowed to have contact with
the outside world except for their significant others on an extremely limited basis. This keeps
the designers focused and helps create a dynamic between them for the show. Finally, Karl
called. The show had completed taping and he needed a few days to recovering before being
able to talk.

“My first question to Karl was whether he was going to come back,” Newman says: “we really
needed him.” But Newman also understood Karl’s world had changed and he might never be
back. Newman says he’s glad for him. “It was a privilege having Karl around and he’s not the
kind of guy who will lose touch.” As for other talented designers at Habitar: Newman says
they’re all “Design Stars” otherwise they wouldn’t be working for him.

For more on this story, check the recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times.