Fri. April 12, 2019
Brock Williams came to Chicago about 10 years ago to attend Illinois Tech and he is now focused on his design career. He is an account executive for Design Within Reach and has his own interior design company, Modern Impact Design.
"Working two seemingly full-time jobs, I don't have too much free time. I carve out time in my day for the gym almost every day, (as) it's what keeps me balanced mentally, energized, and feeling good all around," said Williams, 29, who lives in Uptown. "For my corporate job, I sell authentic modern design pieces. I utilize my design degree there as well because we offer design consultations to our clients. For my interior design company, I do it all there as it is currently a one-man show. For Modern Impact Design, I do everything from design inception to finished product install.
"The best part of my job is meeting new people and learning about them so that I can curate a unique space that embodies who they are and makes them feel at home in their space."
Such as the client who walked into his space, turned to Williams and said, "It's perfect – you nailed it. This space is meant for me!"
"That reaction is why I pour my heart and soul into every design. Making other people happy is truly what makes me happy," he said.
That giving approach extends away from the work place as well for Williams. For instance, at the regular tea dance parties from I Am Living Productions.
"I don't have an official title (for events from I Am Living), but was there for the inception of the idea and guided (I Am Living founder/owner) Beau Guidry in the choices of the name, 'Tea Time,' the graphics, and the overall vibe of a welcoming crowd for a bright, upbeat, fun time. Now I just consider myself an active promoter for the events and the brand.
"I Am Living events are amazing events to attend because, as planned, they are full of welcoming people who are there to dance and just have a great time. The (party) music is full of vocals and uplifting dance tracks that get you moving and bring a smile to your face. This the environment where you make lasting memories with your chosen family."
I Am Living Productions presents Tea Time on Sunday, April 28, from 5-10 p.m., at The Call (1547 W. Bryn Mawr), featuring DJ Andrew James. "I know he has put his heart and soul into the set list for this event," Williams said. "He will turn it out and have you dancing from the first beat drop to the final song."
James has certainly delivered the sounds at past I Am Living events, and "the pure joy on his face (is) infectious to the crowd and the music (is) so incredibly on point," Williams said.
Williams, who is originally from the small farm town of Bartonville in Central Illinois, is also a regular dodgeball player and is a member of the Duck Buddies team that travels nationally to compete. "I have always played competitive sports since I was little all the way through to college track and cross-country for Illinois Tech," he said. "Once I graduated (from college), I missed that competitive drive and athleticism, so I joined Stonewall Dodgeball League. I have loved every second of playing, even more, the team camaraderie."
Tea Time With ...Brock Williams
Favorite Chicago Bar: Hydrate
Drink-of-Choice: "My favorite drink will always be a frozen margarita, but when I got out to the bars, it's a Rose Kennedy (vodka soda, with a splash of cranberry)."
Favorite Chicago Restaurant: "I don't eat out much, but one of my favorite meals was at Benny's Chop House. The bacon appetizer is to die for; (it) literally melts in your mouth."
Favorite Holiday: Christmas.
Celebrity You'd Like To Meet: Beyoncé – "She is my queen and I admire her and her work."
Dream Vacation Destination: Australia
Music Motivation At The Gym: "DJs Andrew James, Sagi Kariv and Suri.
Pizza Toppings: "BBQ chicken pizza is always my first go-to pizza choice, anywhere I go."
(Complete this sentence): I'm Better Than Most ... "at creating a unique space that people can call home."
Best Part of Living in Chicago: "The people and the chosen-family that I have built here. They mean the world to me. (Plus), the city itself is one of the best in the world in almost every category you can think of, from architecture to food to entertainment. There is always something to do here."
Worst Part of Living in Chicago: The winters – "They are brutal and unforgiving, but that's what makes you truly enjoy the good days."
Boxers or Briefs: "The answer (option) is not listed here ...but less is more in my book."
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