Where do you find design inspiration?
New designs are often variations on existing designs. However, every kitchen is unique. Each has its own challenges that require the designer to focus on the space in the context of the homeowners' tastes and personalities. In the Corey Creek project, for example, the challenge was bringing the immense space to a human scale. Overcoming that challenge was a matter of listening carefully to the clients and then visualizing all the potential shapes that could be used to fill the space.

How do you approach the design process?
Function is always my first priority; the kitchen has to function well for how the client cooks and moves through the space. Effective space planning is the essential foundation for good kitchen design. Once the functional layout is in place, only then do the aesthetics of the design become a focus.

How does your aesthetic standout amongst designers/architects?
My kitchen designs are characterized by a fully integrated, contemporary style with linear lines for a clean, uncluttered space. Lighting is a special area of focus. I spend a great deal of time on each project to identify the best way to bring in the perfect amount of light for both cooking and entertaining.

What is your biggest challenge as a designer/architect?
My biggest challenge is often getting people to open their minds to the possibilities. Many clients have very specific ideas for how things should and shouldn't be done, and my ideas for the design of the space don't always match their ideas. I have to be able to help them visualize the final design. 3D software has greatly assisted this process.

What are some of the current design trends?
Contemporary design is becoming more common. Clients desire clean lines and fully integrated appliances. The technology advances that have enabled the marriage of high performance in a seamlessly integrated appliance design have had a huge impact on kitchen design by making it possible to achieve both.

Where do you see kitchen design going in the next 5 years?
The kitchen is the center of the home; this is a classic trend that will never go away. The trend toward opening the kitchen to the rest of the house will continue. The family room, dining room and kitchen is increasingly one big room that is not defined as three smaller rooms but instead is one big, open, inviting, comfortable living space. Kitchen counters open up into family rooms with casual seating that is close to a formal dining room table to create a functional design that works equally well for having a quiet family dinner or entertaining guests. The demand for high-performance, fully integrated appliances will continue to grow as it is seen as the standard for kitchen design.