Shelly’s singular talent for ushering calmness into the daily lives of his clients has been the deep-seated foundation of the firm for over 35 years. While attracting a national and international clientele, he has built a creative and collaborative team that shares his vision for a timeless aesthetic custom-fit to each individual’s lifestyle.

A reverence for nature is reflected in his preference for organic materials. His work incorporates understated yet powerful elements that bask in their unaltered natural state. Clean lines, abundant daylight, a limited use of color, and a grounding balance infuse a sense of peace. His rooms are more than just rooms; they are refuges.

The work of Shelly Handman is instantly recognizable whether it is traditional, transitional, or contemporary. Comfort and accessibility are key considerations. A sculptural chair might make a statement, but only when paired with a luxuriously comfortable sofa.

Shelly holds Bachelor's degrees in Art Education and in Interior Design from Harrington College of Interior Design in Chicago, where he served on the Board of Governors. Since his earliest training, he has been influenced by Jean-Michel Frank's refined modernist interiors of 1930s Paris and moved by the abstract paintings of artists such as Rothko, Scully, and Motherwell. Shelly mixes globally sourced artifacts and ethnographic art with modern furnishings, always incorporating a visual freedom to let the art and artifacts speak independently.

Behind each of his designs is a finely shaped set of design philosophies and techniques four decades in the making. His love for his work is evident in both the end result and his long-standing client relationships. Shelly finds restorative time at his homes in Chicago and Palm Springs.

"Observing, designing, and executing beautiful and functional spaces has always been my passion and I'm proud to bring that to Handman Associates."

James joined our team in 2017. He brings vast experience in the luxury sector of residential interior design and architecture. His design style intermingles beautifully with Handman Associate's trademark aesthetic in classic design.

James received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago.

Bringing a unique perspective from across the industry, Marika is drawn to architectural lines accentuated by authentic materials and soulful details. Her designs evoke emotion in a way that is sophisticated, exciting, and trend-free. A classically trained ballerina, Marika acknowledges the precarious balance between artistry and technique that elicits beautifully expressive and enduring environments.

Marika received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design in Chicago. She honed her skills in high-end residential design before creating award-winning interiors for hotels and restaurants with a renowned hospitality design group. Gravitating back to the more personal nature of residential design, she joined the firm in 2021.

From her 7 years in hospitality design, she retains a penchant for optimizing the flow of any room, particularly spaces for entertaining. Her highly refined organizational skills are an asset to every project, as is her sense for introducing the unexpected. Marika’s sense of adventure charts her course, whether discovering epicurean delights in local neighborhoods or traveling to the ocean’s shore with her husband and two children.

Motivated by challenges, Matt rises to meet them with exacting efficiency. As the logistical force behind every project, he facilitates a smooth and timely delivery process, keeping clients apprised with progress reports along the way. His ability to pivot through unforeseen circumstances and his keen knack for problem-solving at each phase of the design process help bring the firm’s designs from concept to fruition.

Matt joined the team in 2015 after 17 years as a Production Manager with NBC Universal. He transitioned with ease from the entertainment industry to the world of interior design as both are fast-paced, highly creative, and personally rewarding. Overseeing the operational side of the business to make each client’s dreams a reality comes second nature.

Originally from Bloomington, Matt earned his degree in Telecommunications and Business from Indiana University and enjoyed the unique vibrancy of the East Coast while living in New York City before returning to the Midwest.

“Design beyond aesthetics” is Veronica’s mantra, encouraging clients to walk her through their day to gain a practical understanding she can apply to their new spaces. She believes a cohesive color palette, comprised of well-considered choices, is key to a calming home.

Her accounting background and degree from Michigan State University lend a sensitivity toward project budget. As one of the firm’s early designers, she joined the company after graduating from the Interior Design program at Harrington College of Design in Chicago. After a hiatus to raise her son, she rejoined the team.

Veronica carries her deep affinity for the elegant side of color and texture into her artistry as a jewelry designer. Her pieces take cues from contemporary and midcentury-modern styles, playing with proportion to dramatic effect, as do all her interiors.

Russian-born Yevgeniy trained as an industrial designer and pursued his education for 10 years. With dual Bachelor’s in Set Design and Industrial Design, Yevgeniy further sharpened his skillset at a Moscow-based interior design firm specializing in high-end condominium renovation.

His design approach embraces obstacles and welcomes complexity. Unconventional solutions built on uncompromising principles are his forte. For over 20 years, he has continually surpassed expectations with his innate ability to visualize and develop dynamic and functional space plans.

Yevgeniy immigrated to the United States in 1995 and launched his career in Milwaukee, designing elaborate sets for trade show exhibits. Three years later, he established his longstanding position in the firm. He and his family frequently travel and ski together, exploring mountainous regions and the great outdoors. This lifelong skier also teaches the sport locally.

A passion for interiors led Jamie to the firm in 2021, where she thrives in a high-energy, creative environment. While balancing thoroughness and dedication to her work, her warmth, and good nature allow her to seamlessly interact with clients.

After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Hospitality Business, Jamie worked for the largest Illinois restaurant group as a Corporate Event Planner. She shifted her career focus to high-end residential design when a colleague launched a design firm and recruited Jamie for her attention to detail and exemplary work ethic. Immediately immersed in the field, she supported all facets of local and international projects, ranging from children’s bedrooms to 25,000-square-foot estates. Jamie establishes close relations with vendors to stay on schedule and ensure quality production. The team relies upon her meticulous eye and hands-on enthusiasm. She coordinates correspondence, prepares presentations, and triple-check every detail, from design inception to installation. Keeping life in balance, Jamie enjoys cooking, working out at the gym, and spending time back home with her family in Michigan.