Biography of Nate Berkus

Nate Berkus is one of Chicago's preeminent decorators. Inspired by his mother who is an interior designer, Nate's passion for design is fueled by his love of modern culture, history, fashion, modern furniture, city parks and architecture.

Growing up in California, Nate never imagined he'd be doing this with his life. He thought interior decorating would be something he'd do as a hobby! "I made my parents crazy. As a kid, I redecorated my bedroom every month. I would literally save my allowance and go buy things," says Nate. "I didn't know this was going to be my calling, I just knew I was sensitive to surroundings."

Eagerly anticipating joining the workforce, Nate applied for a variety of internships. The experience he gained in furniture-related internships from Dominique Aurientis in Paris, France to Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (now Sotheby's) in Chicago, Illinois shaped Nate's design eye. Nate graduated from Lake Forest College in Illinois with a degree in French and Sociology and took a full-time position at Leslie Hindman's auction house. But his passion was leading him in a new direction. In 1995 at the age of 24, Nate started Nate Berkus Associates.

Nate, who was named Chicago Social Magazine's Design Editor in 2000, House Beautiful's Next Wave in Design Talent in 2003, and Crain's Business Magazine's 40 Under 40 to Watch in 2003, has designed prestigious homes and has created the interiors of lofts and condominiums in Chicago. Not limited to residences, Nate has also designed the interiors for Wolfgang Puck's Spago Chicago, Josephine, an exclusive Wells Street boutique in Chicago; Lille, an avant-garde housewares store; Geneva Seal, a fine jewerly store in Chicago's Gold Coast; Barneys New York; W Hotels and a collection of furniture for Niedermaier. Nate is also the recipient of the Vox/Out 2002 Design and Style Award for his contribution to American design as well as The Fashion Group International's Rule Breakers and Style Makers Award for Interiors in 2003.