Design Background

I started my career in Psychology, with the intention of leaning into hospital design as my career. I have always understood the impact an environment has on one’s physiological and psychological well being. While in Art School to get a second degree to pair with my Psychology background, I was hired by an Interior Design Firm. That moment made a pivotal impact towards directing me on a career of residential design.

After 3 years as an Interior Designer, I met Angela Otten, a seasoned Kitchen Designer who was just starting her own firm. While the idea of designing Kitchens and Baths seemed dull and uninspiring at the time, I decided to try a new skill under her leadership. I learned quickly how wrong I was about my thoughts of what Kitchen and Bath design truly was. 7 years later I am still becoming more devoted to this niche craft!

While cabinetry design can now be found online by AI generators and developed by other trades, a truly well designed and high end kitchen involves a deep understanding of architecture, construction, a keen eye for design details and most importantly an understanding of the clients themselves.

Notes Through The Years

-Kindness and maintaining positive, collaborative teamwork through the ups and downs of a job is the best approach. Going through a new build or remodel is stressful and not everything will go as planned. Maintaining a positive attitude can make all the difference with moving forward successfully.

-Not having a skilled team can be disastrous. While it means more costs upfront to hire a great contractor and design team, this can save a tremendous amount of time and costs down the line. Most renovations are not as they seem on HGTV (unfortunately!), and the process is only as smooth as the team is solid.

-Custom cabinets are pricey! Cabinetry can be one of the largest parts of the budget. There are different options with materials and design details that impact the prices, and being educated on these options early on is key. Cabinetry is typically an area where costs are directly correlated with quality and design capabilities. This is an investment that

-I recommend getting started on the process of cabinetry design as early as possible. As a designer, the most freedom to create spectacular designs with well designed layouts is found with involvement in the early stages of planning. Working with the architect and design team early on allows each of us to succeed with planning symbiotically.

-At times, not having cabinetry is just as important with having cabinetry. Creating moments of relief and space can provide a balance needed.

-Trendy is not timeless. I try to steer clear of kitchen and bath trends. I approach these spaces rather with a focus on timeless proportions and aesthetics.

The ability to create spaces that that not only look beautiful but that impact one’s sense of calm, happiness, and energy is what inspires me in my designs. -SKG