Where do you find design inspiration?
The old adage “the devil is in the details” should be changed to “the design is in the details.” Design is all around us, from the clothes we wear and the cars we drive, to the food we eat and places we inhabit. It is really the details that make a design come to life.

How do you approach the design process?
The design process is inherently iterative, hence the term “process.” Having an open mind, free of pre-conceived notions, along with the willingness to listen to clients as well as colleagues, is crucial to the process. A design can evolve and transform significantly from the beginning to the end of the process but the vision must remain constant.

What is the great asset you provide your client?
We provide our clients with a hands-on collaborative experience in which their opinion is influential in the design process. The combined knowledge and experience of our staff allows us to be flexible enough to tackle small additions as well as large new houses or estates.

What is your biggest challenge as a designer/architect?
My biggest challenge is a tight deadline on projects. The kitchen is one of the most utilized spaces in a home and each step from designing to material selections, fabricating the cabinetry to installation is important. You are going to have many years of happiness in the kitchen so plan ahead and enjoy the end results.

What are some of the current design trends?
Due to the recent popularity of HGTV and DIY Network, more and more people are embracing the challenges of remodeling. However, this brings with it both positives and negatives. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and open concept floor plans have become builder standards, and consequently quite ubiquitous. Clients are starting to recognize this market saturation and are moving towards alternatives such as engineered quartz countertops, fully integrated appliances, and more specialized ancillary kitchen spaces such as butler’s pantries or breakfast nooks.

Where do you see kitchen design going in the next 5 years?
Kitchens are becoming increasingly customizable with more options readily available to the general public. Gourmet or chef’s kitchens are no longer just for the ultra-wealthy and are instead becoming the expectation for many new homes and remodels. Kitchens have become the center of the home for families and are not just utilitarian spaces for cooking and storing food. In the next five years kitchens will continue to become more integrated with technology and everyday life. Efficiency and flexibility will be paramount for future kitchens, so they can better support multiple activities such as cooking, entertaining, working, studying and relaxing.