Scott Himmel & Co.
A Legacy of Timeless Luxury
We create designs defined not by era, trend, or expectation—but by an unwavering dedication to timeless beauty. Our work is built on an ethos of refined restraint, natural elegance, and a reverence for materials shaped by time. This belief in longevity over fashion reflects our philosophy that each project must “create a timelessness that defies fashion or obsolescence.”
With each commission, we seek to uncover the authentic character of a space and the people who inhabit it. By honoring the inherent soul of natural materials—aged woods, expressive stones, cast glass, and unique textiles marked by centuries—we create environments that feel grounded, meaningful, and alive. This reflects our stated approach of using materials “in their most natural state… shaped by the passage of time.”
Our studio draws inspiration from the past without being bound to it. We curate materials and influences that span civilizations and centuries, including those of the present day, echoing our practice of coordinating materials “from across centuries and civilizations… not out of nostalgia but a reflection of timeless quality.” This layered harmony—old and new, raw and refined, grounded and aspirational—is the signature of our work.
We are guided by enduring wisdom:
“The idea of the past assumes its fullest significance and value only in those with a passion for the future.” —Paul Valéry
And by the teaching that to move forward, "one must stand with one foot firmly planted behind them in history, while the rest of their body is turned toward the future, reaching for new possibilities," an ethos beautifully captured by Van Day Truex.
We design with this duality in mind. Every space is a dialogue between memory and modernity—luxury not as ornament, but as permanence.
Designing Excellence
Scott Himmel is a Chicago‑based architect whose work is defined by rigor, restraint, and a deep respect for architectural legacy. He earned his Master of Architecture from Tulane University before serving as personal design assistant to the late Harry Weese and gaining early experience with a New Orleans design firm—foundations that continue to inform his disciplined, thoughtful approach to design. Since founding his eponymous studio, Scott has been recognized as one of America’s 101 Most Influential Interior Designers, with work published in more than 65 national and international publications, including Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Luxe, House Beautiful, and Architectural Record. His firm has received ten AIA Interior Architecture Awards and was selected for The Architectural League of New York’s prestigious Emerging Voices lecture series. Scott is also a frequent visiting critic and lecturer at architecture schools across the country, contributing to the ongoing dialogue between history, craft, and contemporary practice.
Professional Honors
New York Society of Interior Designers
2017 Panelist, International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Architectural League of New York 2015 Honoree
“30 Years of Emerging Voices: Idea, Form and Resonance
Modern Luxury Interiors
2015 Best New Furniture Collection
Luxe Magazine
Gold List; 2012, 2015, 2016,2019
List of 101 Most Influential Interior Designers in America Today
House Beautiful Magazine
1994 Monsanto DOC Award
1st Award Outstanding Achievement in Contract Interior Design
Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
American Institute of Architects
1994 Interior Architecture Award
Chicago Architecture and Design 1923-1933
The Art Institute of Chicago
American Institute of Architects
1994 Interior Architecture Award
Playboy Enterprises, New York, NY
American Institute of Architects
1993 Interior Architecture Award
Boogies Diner, New York, NY
1993 Monsanto DOC Award
1st Award Outstanding Achievement in Contract Interior
Playboy Enterprises, Inc., New York, NY
1992 Energy Efficiency in Lighting for Commercial Buildings
Award of Excellence
Boogies Diner, New York
Interiors Magazine
1990 Interior of the Year
Playboy Enterprises, Inc., Chicago, IL
American Institute of Architects
1990 Interior Architecture Award
Playboy Enterprises, Inc., Chicago, IL
1990 Monsanto DOC Award
1st Award Outstanding Achievement in Contract Interior Design
Playboy Enterprises, Chicago
American Institute of Architects
1987 Interior Architecture Award
Private Apartment Chicago, IL
American Institute of Architects
1987 Interior Architecture Award
Matthew Hoffman Store Chicago, IL
American Institute of Architects
1987 Outstanding Product Display Award Neocon 19
Kruger Office Showroom Chicago
American Institute of Architects
1986 Distinguished Building Award
Stanley Korshak Store Dallas, Texas
Architectural Woodwork Institute
1986 Design Award
Private Apartment Chicago, IL
The Architectural League of New York
Emerging Voices Series Lectures
April 1985, Participant
1984 Architectural Record
Interior of the Year Award
Stanley Korshak Store Chicago, IL
American Institute of Architects
1984 Interior Architecture Award
Stanley Korshak Store, Chicago, IL
American Institute of Architects
1983 Interior Architecture Award
Polo/Ralph Lauren Store, Chicago, IL
Publications
Modern Luxury Interiors, January 2019
“Best in Design…Best Residential Bar"
A Cultured Lifestyle, 2016
“Present Tense, Future Perfect”
Veranda, October 2015
“Encyclopedia of Style …All American”
Modern Luxury, Dallas Spring 2015
“A New Old Style is Reborn”
Modern Luxury Interiors, Spring 2015
“Table Talk”
Luxe Magazine, Spring 2015
“New Beginnings, An Elegant Gold Coast Makeover”
Chicago, IL
Modern Luxury, Winter 2015
“Best in Design” …Best New Furniture Line
Angelino Interiors, Winter 2015
“Table Talk”
Architectural Digest, September 2014
“Debut – Repeat Performance”
Luxe Magazine, Spring 2012
Goldstein Residence, Chicago, IL
Freibaum Residence, Chicago
Kraff Residence, Chicago, IL
Luxe Magazine, Vol.2 Issue 4 January 2008
Karp Residence, Chicago, IL
Architectural Digest –October 2001
AD at Large, Chicago, IL
Architectural Digest –September 1999
Crane Residence, Chicago, IL
Architectural Digest - December 1998
Tannebaum Residence, Chicago, IL
Architectural Digest - November 1998
AD at Large, Chicago, IL
Interiors Magazine - June 1992
Playboy Enterprises, Inc., New York, N
House Beautiful - May 1993
Bonner Apartment, Chicago
World Space Design - November 1991
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. Chicago,
Interiors Magazine - November 1991
Boogies Diner, New York, NY
Interiors Magazine
Playboy Enterprises Chicago, IL
GA Houses #21
Eagle Residence, Dallas, TX
Interiors Magazine - June 1989
Office of Jeffrey Nemetz & Assoc. Chicago, IL
Architectural Digest - April 1988
Private Residence, Chicago, IL
Interior Design - June 1987
Stanley Korshak Store, Dallas, TX
Esquire Magazine - March 1987
Ringolevio Chicago Il
Interior Design - February 1987
Matthew Hoffman Store, Chicago, IL
Newsweek Magazine - November 10, 1986
Ringolevio, Chicago Il
Nikkei Architecture - May 1985 & December 1984
Stanley Korshak Store, Chicago, IL
Interiors Magazine - May 1985
Le Chocolatier, Chicago, IL
Architectural Record - Mid-September 1984
Stanley Korshak Store, Chicago, IL
Architecture Record - April 1983
Office of Himmel/Bonner Architects, Chicago, IL
Books
30 Years of Emerging Voices - Ideas, Form Resonance
The Architectural League of New York
Princeton Architectural Press, 2015
Kitchen
Mick De Giulio and Candace Ord Manroe
Pointed Leaf Press 2015
Kitchencentric
Mick De Giulio and Grace Klages
Balcony Press.2010
Smart Home Design
Laura Cerwinske
Reed Press 2004
It’s Your Bed and Bath
Joan Kohn
Bullfinch Press, 2003
It’s Your Kitchen
Joan Kohn
Bullfinch Press, 2003
Inside Architecture- Interiors by Architects
Susan Zevon
Rockport Publishers 1996
Chicago Architecture and Design, 1923-1933
John Zukowski
The Art Institute of Chicago, 1993
Violated Perfection
Architecture and the Fragmentation of the Modern Aaron Betsky 1990
The Chicago Architecture Annual
The Metropolitan Press, 1996
Five Years of Interior Architecture Awards
Chicago Chapter of American Institute of Architects, 1985
Chicago Architects Design
The Art Institute of Chicago/Rizzoli International ,1992
Let’s Work Together
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