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  • Erik Kolacz &
    Keitha A. Brathwaite
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Erik Kolacz &
Keitha A. Brathwaite

Contrast Design Group, an interior design firm co-owned by Erik W. Kolacz and Keitha A. Brathwaite, was started in January 2004 and provides a full spectrum of design services including interior architecture, lighting and furniture design/selection, spaceplanning and finish selection in both the high-end residential and commercial markets. Contrast Design believes the design process must include a solid relationship between design professional and client. They incorporate a client’s needs and preferences into the design process resulting in an interior that reflects each client’s unique personality

Prior to starting Contrast Design, Kolacz and Brathwaite worked together for six years at a national design and merchandising firm. They have worked nationally with clients in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, Philadelphia, Chicago, Michigan, Boston, Massachusetts and Arizona. Their model merchandising background and high end residential experience have come together at Contrast resulting in innovative interior design. Since starting Contrast Design they have created and implemented the design concept for State Street Barbers of Chicago, a chain of barber shops primarily located in the Chicago area with goals to go nationwide.

A born and bred Midwesterner, Erik Kolacz had an ingrained flair for the cosmopolitan almost from birth. A design education and background in theatrical lighting and set design have been translated into dramatic, inventive custom lighting design and imaginative interiors. His position as assistant design director at a premier Chicago design firm specializing in model merchandising and high end residential design has culminated in a vast repertoire of design inspiration.

Born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, Keitha Brathwaite grew up in the New York area and moved to Chicago as a teenager. A permutation of these cultural influences has resulted in a design philosophy that is unique and multi-faceted. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in interior design from the International Academy of Design and Technology, she managed the Drafting Department at a premier Chicago design firm. 

Adding to Contrast Design’s national exposure, Erik Kolacz was on season one of the Interior Designer reality television show, Bravo’s Top Design in 2007.  Keitha Brathwaite was featured in i4design Magazine’s first annual Wall of Fame as one of the most interesting and accomplished ground-breakers in 2007. Their work has also been published in several local and national publications including: ELLE DECOR, Chicago Home, Remarkable Woman Magazine and the South Bend Tribune.  Kolacz and Brathwaite were also both featured on design segments on NBC and ABC affiliates in Chicago.