Where do you find design inspiration?
For me, design inspiration comes from keeping abreast of interesting new details and style from a variety of trade magazines, Pinterest, and noting details as I am out and about at restaurants, traveling, etc. I note and photograph many details that inspire me and add them to my ever growing library of ideas. I record and tag many unique details that I hope to eventually include in upcoming projects. As well, I carefully stay in touch with appliance, plumbing and other functional state of the art introductions to the market to then be able to introduce those options to projects when applicable. As it relates to design inspiration for each specific project, inspiration comes from assessing the architectural and design style that exists in the home and the surrounding spaces of each client (i.e. fabulous earthy textures outside in a great lot, a vibrant sense of color and style in surrounding art, a love for collections of cherished items, etc.).

How does your aesthetic stand out amongst other designers/architects?
Aesthetic details are as important as function in the “kitchen of today”, as indeed most kitchens are very integrated with the rest of the house, truly being the heart of the home from which the design style and feel springboards. Including furniture-like details, repeating elements from the rest of the home, and working hard to integrate all functional needs in less than obvious ways are all important to this end. For example, I include very few traditional upper cabinets in most designs. Essential storage is worked into cabinets that blend; with more open wall space on which to add textures, lighting and art. Wonderful lighting fixtures, hardware, wall and ceiling textures, and carefully chosen colors in cabinetry and countertops are all very important to make the kitchen space feel like a qualitative room of the home, not just a functional space.

What is the great value you provide your client?
Careful listening allows me to hone in on true desires and needs for each client. This, combined with thoughtful inclusion of solid design principals, is the underlying trait I work hard to bring to the process. Being a team with my clients to co-create this important space is critical to a successful outcome. Most clients like to feel involved and empowered, and I like to think of myself as their “trail guide” to help navigate them through the process of planning and designing their new space. In successfully doing this, it is essential to assess each clients’ desire and capability to handle various levels of involvement, and then outline a custom process that varies for each client based on the amount of time they have available to invest and aptitude.

What is your biggest challenge as a designer/architect?
The most consistently difficult challenge we face is trying to educate clients and assist them in narrowing down the overabundance of choice in the market. With so much exposure to product and ideas, there is a tendency for clients to become overstimulated and not understand how to translate all that they like into their space- to which they are committing a large investment of time, finances and the desire for these changes to stand the test of time.

What does the Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest mean to you?
I am a very big proponent of the Sub-Zero and Wolf products, and also the technical and educational support the company provides to professionals in the field. They truly are leaders in the market and are committed to working with the trade to help us best utilize their products in terms of best functionality and design options. Hence, to be able to receive recognition for a project in which we specified the product because it was the best choice for the client is truly just an upside – as indeed the client is the “winner”. It’s a fabulous contest and the ability to be recognized amongst such a select group of professionals is a noted accomplishment.

What are some of the current design trends?
One of the key trends I see pertaining to kitchen design is the desire to open up the kitchen to the rest of the home, and have this room feel less "kitchen-like" than ever before. We've been working with the open floor plan concept for quite a while, and this trend will likely continue to reign. One of the key trends we are seeing is to put some of the hard-working and less attractive functionality in a side space called the "working pantry" or a "side kitchen". This allows for the main space to stay more uncluttered and for some of the harder working, and less attractive, functions to shift away from the main public view. These walk-in spaces often house extra refrigeration, clean up options including a sink and second dishwasher, plenty of storage for food and extra serve ware, and also extra countertop on which microwaves, blenders, toasters, etc. can be left out and easily used. Plus we regularly integrate appliances in modular ways at the site of best use, often with cabinetry paneling to achieve full integration.