When did you first become excited about design?

When I was in elementary school, I went to work with my dad (a contractor) to a new construction home for Bring Your Daughter to Work Day. I loved the hustle and bustle and new home smell! I thought it was the absolute coolest atmosphere to work in. I loved it so much that I spent summers through high school and college working with him! Now my daughter comes to work with me and is starting to learn about the industry!

What is your favorite style of design?

I’ve liked Bohemian Chic since before it was a trend. I like to mix and match pieces and add cheerful colors to put personality into a space.

How do you approach design jobs?

I approach every job from a point of empathy. Most homeowners are only doing these types of jobs once or twice in a lifetime. It is a huge investment and can be very overwhelming. So, I always try to place myself in the client’s shoes. I try to guide them to pick out what feels right for them for the long term. I help them make choices that balance their budget and their lifestyle.

If you could design any room for any client, what/who would you choose?

I would design my own kitchen! And it would be massive!

What do you love about Kitchens by Oaks?

Everyone has a great attitude. We try to keep a relaxed ambiance with candles and music in the showroom. We’re at work a lot, so it’s important that we feel happy and comfortable when we’re here. And we want our customers to feel that easy, relaxed atmosphere when they are here.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen remodel?

Choose a designer you trust and feel comfortable working with. Your designer will help you make your kitchen a room tailored to you that you’ll enjoy living with every day.

How did you first become interested in design?

I was actually working at Kitchens by Oaks in an administrative assistant capacity when they were looking for a new designer. I shadowed Sierra, did some hands-on training and discovered that I really love design!

How do you approach design jobs?

It all starts with the initial phone consultation. I find out what the client likes and dislikes about their kitchen or bathroom and discuss what’s needed to improve their lifestyle. I like to take the time to collect as much info as possible before I go to the house to measure so I can envision the problem areas before I see them.

If you could design any room for any client, what/who would you choose?

I’d like to do something completely different. I think it would be fun to design a master closet for Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, or any of the Kardashians!

What do you like about working at Kitchens by Oaks?

Everyone here is a team player. Each designer brings something creatively different to the table, and we are always willing to help each other out. From Sierra to Josh, everyone will give you the time and tools you need to succeed.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m a crazy dog mom to my Puggle, Winston. I’m also a gym enthusiast and a certified spin instructor.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen remodel?

Come to us! That’s why we’re here! Come to the showroom and we’ll walk you through the options and everything we have to offer.

How long have you been a designer?

I’ve been a designer for close to 18 years, and I’m lucky to work on the design team at Kitchens by Oaks. I’ve been thinking like a designer since I was young — envisioning how I would redecorate and redesign homes that I visited, even if they were well decorated already.

How do you approach your design jobs?

I have a background in professional organizing, so I focus not only on a great-looking remodel but also on functionality. My goal for every client’s kitchen is to marry beauty and function in balance.

How would you describe your design style?

I’m very honest. If there’s something you’ve seen online that you want and it just won’t work in your kitchen, I’ll explain why and help you find an alternative. If you have something, in particular, that’s very important to you, we will find a way to make it work. My goal is for you to be 100% happy in your new kitchen or bathroom.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen remodel?

A kitchen remodel is a complicated process — there’s a lot of bits and pieces that you don’t even realize — and I’m here to guide you through it. Before we begin, you should know your space and budget, and have realistic expectations for your home.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Colorado, and have family in both Colorado and upstate New York. I moved to Rochester to attend college at RIT, where I earned my BFA in Interior Design.

How many years of design experience do you have?

I have 14 years of experience as a designer of kitchens and bathrooms, and I am CKBD certified.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen remodel?

To have fun! Many people can become overwhelmed with a remodeling project. The decision making process can sometimes feel daunting, but your designer can assist with the process and expectations upfront to make the process more enjoyable. That is why we became designers!

If you could design any room for anybody, who/what would you choose and why?

I would love to design and restore the kitchen in The Mushroom House in Rochester! I love unique projects like that and the idea of bringing new life to an old home and keeping with the integrity of the home’s architecture and style.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy making each design different. I love customizing projects to meet the clients’ needs.

What is a fun fact about you?

I am a long distance runner and run 25-30 miles a week! I love training for half and full marathons in all seasons (even in the winter ????).

When did you first get into design?

I was given a dollhouse when I was 5 years old.  I loved finding furniture and finishes that fit the time period.

What is your favorite style of design?

I really like most styles of design. My home has what I call a Charleston South Carolina feel. I love the soft blues and relaxing colors.

How do you approach design jobs?

I really try to listen to each customer and try to find out what they want. I’ll make suggestions to try to narrow down options so they don’t look at options that don’t interest them.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Think about the overall look you want and have a realistic budget.

What’s your favorite book?

I love anything by Colleen Hoover. And my all-time favorite book is The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to spend time with my family.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Seeing customers get excited about selecting the finishes.

What inspired you to get into design?

My parents! My mom is super design-oriented and loves to make changes and additions to our home to improve the aesthetics inside and out. And my dad can build nearly anything he sets his mind to. I really enjoy helping them implement different strategies to improve the overall look and functionality of their space!

What is your favorite design style and why?

I tend to gravitate more towards clean, organized, and calm looks with lighter color palettes. Those pairings can help customers to bring more light into their space and present a more peaceful aesthetic with less clutter. I also like the addition of rustic wood with black metal accents for a semi-industrial aspect. That said, If a customer appreciates a different design style than I am used to, I have no problem adapting quickly to ensure that we can achieve the look that the truly desire.

How do you approach design jobs?

Usually, I ask my prospective clients what they’re looking to change about their current space, and then I work on presenting some different options to gauge their reactions. Starting with one feature of the project, rather than multiple aspects, is usually helpful and aids in not overwhelming people right out of the gate. Starting slow is still a start!

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Remodeling is an investment – not only financially, but it’s time-intensive as well. When I hear that a client is interested in a remodeling project, I want to start them in the right direction to set them up for success. And knowing what ‘success’ means for each client will drive the design process and our decisions in choosing the materials and brands that are not only right for the project, but will also last for years to come. An upgrade now, might be the difference between liking your space and LOVING IT! ❤

What is a fun fact about you?

Some interesting facts about me – I sang the national anthem at a cheerleading competition when I was younger, my middle name is the color Teal, and I love to organize!!! My parents’ friends will often ask me to re-organize drawers and cabinets to better utilize their space while still having access to the necessities. My ability to solve puzzles helps when organizing an area and knowing what will fit in a space and what might need to be changed or altered.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am a people-person and thoroughly enjoy being able to talk with our customers, listening to their needs and helping update their space with designs that are not only functional, but innovative as well. I also really enjoy learning about the ever-changing industry and the technological advancements that can be incorporated into the home.

When did you first become interested in design?

I have been creative all my life, dabbling in illustration, graphic design, fine art, and curation through the years. I became more interested in interior design upon buying a c. 1910 home in Rochester and gradually updating it to better reflect my personal style, while respecting the history of the house.

What is your favorite style of design?

My favorite style is Transitional, which bridges traditional and contemporary design. I like updated forms and materials, accented with antiques and elements with historical charm.

How do you approach design jobs?

Starting with one element I love and working out from there can be a good way to start – it sets a tone that can be used to inspire the style and palette of the whole design without getting pulled in too many directions.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Remodeling can be a huge undertaking and involve a lot of big decisions, but I think it’s important to have fun with it and not take it so seriously that it becomes and unpleasant chore. Trust your instincts and trust your designer!

What’s your favorite book?

I read a lot so it’s really hard to choose just one! A few favorite authors are Proust, Capote and Nabokov.

What is a fun fact about you?

My husband and I have been hosting Airbnb guests in our home ever since we moved to Rochester in 2019. It’s been so much fun to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures! We’re continually doing little projects to improve our home and how it functions for our guests. The best part is when repeat guests book – then we know we’ve done a good job at making them feel at home!

What inspired you to get into design?

When I was younger, I was always redecorating my bedroom with new paint and décor as my style and personality evolved.  Then when I was in high school my parents asked for help redesigning their kitchen, and I think that is when I decided on my career path!

What is your favorite style of design and why?

I’m a big fan of Scandinavian design! The light and airy colors mixed with wood tones and textures makes for such a comfortable, cozy space.

How do you approach design jobs?

The responsibility as a designer is to read between the lines to figure out a perfect balance to making their dream a reality, but understanding needs versus wants. Giving our clients the tools and resources they need to create a space that they will feel comfortable and excited to come home to every day is the end goal always!

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Don’t be afraid to start the process, it’s designed to be exciting for you! From going though design, to picking colors and materials, to seeing your vision come to life, we’re here for every step of the way ????

What do you like best about working for KBO?

The atmosphere is amazing! Enjoying the work you do, and who you’re surrounded by on a daily basis says a lot about the company you work for!

When did you first become interested in home remodeling?

I’ve always enjoyed building, from Legos to tree houses! Throughout my career, I’ve been able to experience every stage of construction, from foundation to finish work. The detail and outcome of the finish work is what I enjoy the most.

What is your favorite style of design?

I really like rustic, cabin styles.

What do you admire about your coworkers?

I definitely admire the designers and how they can take a vision and put everything together. Everything in a kitchen needs to flow together and they choose the best products for the clients’ wants and needs.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen remodel?

As far as the production side goes, have fun with it. The tradesmen are great people to get to know. They take a lot of pride in their work and want you to be happy with the outcome.

What inspired you to get into design?

Growing up, I found my love for design through HGTV and rearranging my room. I was constantly rearranging my room (and still do) and I loved it-both the planning out where to put things and the actual act of doing it. My parents also had several home improvement projects done through the years. A family friend did most of them and I always loved either watching what he was doing or getting to help out with the process.

What is your favorite design style and why?

I like all kinds of design but one of my favorites would probably be contemporary or a modern farmhouse style.

How do you approach design jobs?

When starting a design job, it is important to make sure you find out the clients needs-what they like and dislike about a space, what they want improved, and their goals on how to use the space. That’s really the start of any project.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Make sure that you love your kitchen! You don’t redesign your whole kitchen or bathroom everyday so it’s important to make sure that whatever you end up with, you absolutely love and don’t settle for anything.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to play the piano. I started lessons when I was about 8 years old and took them all the way up to my senior year of high school. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Even though I’m just starting out, I love being able to help the designers with their projects and getting to see the difference they are making in their client’s everyday lives. In the future, that’s one of the parts I am looking forward to most when designing-getting to make a difference in people’s everyday lives.

What inspired you to get into design?

My passions have always been within the fashion industry, and the transition from wearable design to workable design came naturally. I enjoy watching each element of a room come together to complement one another, just like accessories do your outfit. Your home can be just as fashionable as you are!

What is your favorite design style and why?

I always love a neutral-warm space livened up with accents of jewel tones. Golds, saturated tones, and clean lines are always what I gravitate towards!

What is your all-time favorite movie/song/book?

My all-time favorite movie is The Devil Wears Prada, naturally!

How do you approach design jobs?

I like to approach a design understanding the lifestyle of my client, and how we can make their space both functional and fashionable. Understanding how they use their space the most, I will center their design around that focus to make their home customized and cozy!

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

I highly recommend sitting down with one of our expert Designers right at the beginning of your remodel journey. The possibilities are truly endless, and their knowledge will both ensure you won’t experience any overwhelming feelings, while introducing you to options you may have never heard of that are a perfect fit!

What do you like best about working at Kitchens by Oaks?

I am impressed everyday with the compassion and fun we have within the showroom. Each member of our team brings a wealth of insight they are happy to share whenever needed, and we always keep a smile on each other’s faces!

What is a fun fact about you?

I have touched hands who have styled Josh Allen’s hair…Go Bills!

What inspired you to get into design?

I’ve been surrounded by design essentially my entire life. My family has been in the design and architecture field for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always been inspired by the things they could do. So naturally I got into design myself.

What is your favorite design style?

I love anything with natural tones and clean lines, so Scandinavian and mid-century modern are some of my favorites. I also love to explore different designs styles as well.

What is your all-time favorite movie/song/book?

My music taste changes all the time, but it is guaranteed that anything Justin Bieber will be playing.

How do you approach design jobs?

The way that I start designing is getting a good understanding of the client, getting to know what they’re interested in and how they best use the space. After getting to know what their interests are I would then bring their ideas to life!

What do you like best about working at Kitchens by Oaks?

I love that everyone who works here is so kind and welcoming. They are all willing to help you with every step regardless of what you are doing. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day in such a kind environment.

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I have a lot of freckles and on one of my arms they form a big dipper.

What inspired you to get into design?

I’ve always been really into decorating spaces and organizing, but it wasn’t until my previous job that I really started to consider getting into a design career. I love to create spaces that flow and are comfortable to be in but also look pleasing and unique.

What is your favorite design style?

I can’t say I have a favorite style but I’m a bit old fashioned, I love a lot of the 60’s-70’s home styles; the funky patterns and bright colors. If it looks old/vintage/antique I’m all about it. There’s just so much personality and creativity to it all that I’m really drawn to (even an ugly green shag).

What is your all-time favorite movie/song/book?

My favorite movie is The Fifth Element. I’ve seen it at least 10 times but never all at once. I’ve only ever seen it from the beginning to the middle or the middle to the end. It’s one of those movies that’s corny and it’s bad in a way that it’s good. I don’t have a favorite song, that changes regularly but Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones are my top two bands. Almost anything by them I’m a fan of.

How do you approach design jobs?

I think for me when going into a design job I would really consider the space and the people living there. The things they like, the styles they’re into. I would want them to have the most functional space while still being coherent throughout, but also allow them to do exactly what their vision is so they can live somewhere that truly represents them and who they are as people.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Go for it! It’s not something that gets done often, and any time is a good time as long as you know you want to do it. These spaces are heavily used in people’s houses and day-to-day lives, so make it something you feel the best in and are able to use in whichever ways work for you!

What do you like best about working at Kitchens by Oaks?

The absolute best thing about working at Kitchens is the people I work with. They are so compassionate, so caring, so understanding, and they are always ready to lend a helping hand. They genuinely want to see you grow both as an individual and in your career and it’s so inspiring and they’re genuinely a pleasure to work with.

What is a fun fact about you?

This is always a loaded question because I never have an answer. I would say the most fun fact about me is that I love drawing portraits specifically using charcoal. I learned the technique in my one year of college for Studio Art and it’s stuck with me since and will probably be a part of my life to come ????

What inspired you to get into design?

I was always one of those kids that was constantly redoing their room and sketching out floor plans for my dream house, castle, luxury yacht, etc. and when I got older design became more of a serious interest to me. Originally, I was interested in doing commercial and educational design for communities in need because there will always be a need for hospitals, schools, etc., so I decided to pursue interior design for college. I was an interior architecture and design student for all four years of college because I loved it so much and never really thought about pursuing a different career path.

What is your favorite design style?

Mid-Century Modern.

What is your all-time favorite movie/song/book?

Shawshank Redemption, Vienna – Billy Joel, Slaughterhouse Five – Kurt Vonnegut

How do you approach design jobs?

I approach design jobs with an open mind to others styles and preferences.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

It’s important to do some research on your own to get some ideas of what you’re interested in because walking into a showroom with no background info or any idea of what you want can make it extremely overwhelming, and we don’t want clients to feel overwhelmed.

What do you like best about working at Kitchens by Oaks?

Everyone is so friendly, funny, and helpful. Coming in as a new hire I was intimidated but everyone has made sure to make us new hires feel comfortable and they’re willing to take the time to actually help you learn something or clarify anything. This is exactly the kind of work environment I was hoping to work in.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have 3 chihuahuas – Lily, Ivy, and Poppy

What inspired you to get into design?

My artistic mind and desire to create began as a child, and over time I found ways to apply these skills to the practical world. Design is to create with intent, and I love that its marriage of aesthetic and function poses engaging challenges with uniquely beautiful solutions.

What is your favorite style of design and why?

Japandi design has to be my favorite style at the moment. A cross between Japenese and Scandinavian styles, it elevates the functional minimalism of Scandinavian design with the natural themes of the traditional Japanese aesthetic.

How do you approach design jobs?

With a focus on the customer. From materials and colors to how people will interact with the space, I want every remodel to be tailored to the customer’s desires and needs.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

That no two projects are alike. A kitchen or bath can be designed in a certain style or with a specific piece of inspiration in mind and still be unique to the house its in and the people it’s for.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

With so many possibilities out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. I recommend finding a baseline for your project, whether it be in inspiration pictures or something you’ve always wanted to change about your current space. It can be a tile design you fall in love with, a cabinet color, or even just that trash pull-out that you’ve always wanted and never had. From there, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place revealing the picture of your dream space.

What’s a fun fact about you?

There are currently 217 books on my shelves at home (although the number is always growing), and I hope to someday design my own Beauty and the Beast style library to contain their worlds of knowledge.

What inspired you to get into design?

I’ve always been an inherently creative person and all my life I’ve felt that decorating my space brings me peace, keeps me inspired and invigorated. Being a longtime subscriber to AD has fueled my passion of space-making and focused it into the realm of interior design. I thrive on the process of extensive planning, problem solving and turning an idea into reality.

What is your favorite style of design and why?

I find it difficult to choose just one! I love Brutalism and the Industrial look for its use of exposed material, metal, and raw textures. Yet the bright colors and boldness of Color Pop, Maximalist and Bohemian aesthetics always captures my eye and heart. I would define my own personal style as Eclectic, taking aspects of each!

How do you approach design jobs?

Each project is unique and comes with its own hurdles. Considering the clients’ wish list, budget and assessing the existing aesthetic of their space are always the first step. I feel keeping an open mind and ear are the best way to set yourself up for success for these projects.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Our team is the best, from designers to production to our installation team, everyone brings a unique perspective to the world of design, and I enjoy learning new things from everyone!

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Remodeling projects are a commitment. Time, Energy, Funds; I want to make sure you love your space! I know the internal struggle of “highly custom” versus “resale value” and I am team if you are ready to start your project, let’s work on doing it once and make sure it reflects you!

What’s a fun fact about you?

I am a big advocate for citizen science! I’m into horticulture, entomology, and tissue culturing for conservation studies. It’s my biggest dream to own and design an at-home wet lab to continue my hobby.

What inspired you to get into design?

I was always one of those kids that was constantly redoing their room and sketching out floor plans for my dream house, castle, luxury yacht, etc. and when I got older design became more of a serious interest to me. Originally, I was interested in doing commercial and educational design for communities in need because there will always be a need for hospitals, schools, etc., so I decided to pursue interior design for college. I was an interior architecture and design student for all four years of college because I loved it so much and never really thought about pursuing a different career path.