A panel discussion on the business case for investing in styling, photography, and social media: three disciplines that define how design work is circulated and positioned for editorial visibility.
50% of all proceeds will be going towards the Illinois Coalition for Immigration and Refugee Rights.
DATE Thursday, April 23, 2026 | TIME 6 PM - 9 PM
HOSTED BY South Loop Loft + The 847 Collective
MODERATED BY Shannon Sharpe, Writer and Editor
PANELISTS Hamid Ahmadi (The 847 Collective), Kimberly Swedelius (Interior Stylist), and James John Jetel (Interior Photographer)
Meet our Moderator + Panelists
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Shannon Sharpe
WRITER + EDITOR
Shannon Sharpe is a Chicago-based lifestyle writer covering design, travel, art, fashion and beauty. Publications include Aspire Design and Home, Luxe Interiors + Design, Architectural Digest, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Home & Design, Metropolis, American Craft and South Bay. She has also created branded content for Nordstrom, CityMD, Profoto, PetBasics and Biogen. Shannon has a BS in marketing from Boston College and an MS in journalism from Columbia University. -
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James John Jetel
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHER
James John Jetel is a highly focused A+D imagemaker and collaborated, located in Chicago. His work has been published in Luxe Magazine, ArchDaily, Divisaire, Interior Design Magazine, Frame Magazine, and Domino.
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Kimberly Swedelius
INTERIOR STYLIST + ART DIRECTOR
Kimberly is a prop and interior stylist specializing in still life and set design. With a degree in commercial photography, and experience as an art director, she has a keen understanding of light and what it takes to produce a beautiful and compelling photograph. Her passion though lies in the conception and creation of a set, working with her hands and finding the beauty in everyday objects. She enjoys a good challenge and thrives in a collaborative environment. -
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Hamid Ahmadi
FOUNDER, THE 847 COLLECTIVE
Hamid Ahmadi is the Founder and Creative Director behind The 847 Collective. Having worked both in-house and now, an agency of his own, he brings a nuanced creative-led approach approach to PR and Social Media, working closely with design-driven brands during moments of growth, transition, and refinement. His work ultimately shaping how brands show up, communicate, and endure.
Our design community would not exist without the craftsmanship and labor of immigrants who contribute to every phase of our work.
Over the past few months, I’ve felt a heaviness watching fear ripple through communities that have long been the backbone of our city. It’s been disheartening to hear from people within our own design ecosystem — tradespeople, fabricators, installers, small business owners — who feel uncertain simply showing up to work. That shouldn’t be the reality for anyone.
I wanted this event to be more than a conversation about visibility and presentation. I wanted it to stand for something. Partnering with professionals I respect and directing a portion of proceeds toward ICIRR felt like a tangible way to support the broader community that sustains our industry every day.
If you’re unable to join us in April but would still like to stand with us in supporting this cause, you’re welcome to contribute below. Every donation will be directed to ICIRR.