Top Event Designer Vince Hart – Kehoe Designs Chicago

Vince Hart
V.P. Sales at Kehoe Designs Chicago
Social, Weddings, and Bar-Bat Mitzvahs

CHEZ: How long have you been in the events industry in Chicago?
V.H.: 30 Years in November

CHEZ: Describe what you and Kehoe Designs does in one sentence?
V.H.: We bring people’s dreams to reality.

CHEZ: What sets you apart from others?
V.H.: I’m always two steps ahead of the trends and fashion curve. Every aspect of my designs are intentional, and reflect the freshest ideas in the industry. As a visionary, everyone aspires to be like me.

CHEZ: What is your most memorable moment from past events?
V.H.: I’m a huge Cubs fan, and I had the chance to design a baseball-themed Mitzvah for a family that has been close to my heart for 15 years. One of my favorite memories was getting a text from the client at 12:30 am after her son’s party that said, “Vince – no words can describe what an amazing job you did! It was such an incredible room filled with all of your magical touches!!!”

CHEZ: What event trends do you love right now?
V.H.: Boho Glam for weddings and “Return of 90s” design and colors for my Bar and Bat Mitzvah clients. To them, the 90s are retro!

CHEZ: What is the most unique request a client has ever had?
V.H.: “I need you to build the inside of an airplane, complete with windows that look out to moving cloud images,” requested by the client. The goal was not simply to create a plane, but to evoke the client’s personal memories within this event at The Geraghty. With a talented team, vast resources and “anything is possible” attitudes, we can – and will – execute anything.

CHEZ: What does a typical event day look like for you?
V.H.:  My job is 24–7. At Kehoe Designs, we’re always thinking, dreaming and planning the next party. I don’t really put a time limit on myself because my mind is constantly churning out ideas.

CHEZ: Name three things you couldn’t live without (besides the obvious!)
V.H.: 1. Fashion and Design Magazines — I still tear out pages for inspiration. 2. My Trainer — the only person I let boss me around. 3. My Clients — they allow me to do what I do, and the satisfaction of executing their dream makes for a great life.

CHEZ: Name three things people probably don’t know about you.
V.H.: I am a news junkie, I could care less about pretentious food and wish I could just wear Lululemon every day!

CHEZ: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone planning an event?
V.H.: After 30 years in this industry, I can problem-solve anything thrown my way. If you hire me, you trust me. I never fail a client.

CHEZ: What do you love about Chez?
V.H.: I love that the space is a blank slate, I have done so many different looks for clients. From French Country, Art Décor, Sleek Modern. They all work because they chose to keep the finishes to a minimum and let the clean lines of the space speak for them self.

Photography: Kehoe Designs | Event Planning: Jennifer Anderson Events