Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/391330
Market Pulse { Readers' opinions on industry-related issues } C ontinual education and travel both heighten awareness of de- sign. I also like to reach out and share with others in the feld." Pamela C. Saftier, owner/designer PCS Design Redmond, WA I listen intently to our clients' con- cerns and focus on the issues they experience in their current space. I ask, 'How can I best solve the problem?' I believe that problem solving forces me to be a better designer. Space plan- ning with regard to kitchen design is extremely important, and clients are re- ceptive to ideas that enhance function." Joanne Murphy, ASID, designer Cabri, Inc. Summit, NJ I try to stay up to date on the interior design aspect to also refect new trends in styles so the kitchen relates to the whole house and is up to date in color and style." Michelle S. Olsen, CKD Details by Design East Windsor, NJ M usic, especially classical music, helps me push myself. Also, I take classes, read scriptures and over- all mentally escape to fnd a new twist on designs. Sometimes, something as simple as turning the page upside down when sketching helps me look at things diferently." Marni Vincent, Associate AIA, CID, CKD, CBD, CDT designer/associate project manager Design & Build Assistance Colfax, CA M y company is named Project Partners Design for a reason: I partner with my clients and peers when developing a design. I have always found that we all become better at our craft when we collaborate." Theresa M. Sterbis, AKBD, owner Project Partners Design Fremont, CA I like to take on projects with unique space challenges. Also, creating a unique island and not giving customers standard features help me to continually challenge myself." Pamela Chaudoin, owner KC Cabinets and Design Kansas City, MO I continue to take courses and research new products. I also com- municate with other designers to stay fresh with new designs." Betty Appleby, CKD, CBD, NCIDQ North Fort Myers, FL I stay on top of current technology and carefully analyze the 'staying power' of design trends. This helps me provide my clients with the best guid- ance while adding value to their home. I also work very hard at not only being a good creative person, but an excellent business person as well. The market has changed, and the designers who stay in business will be the ones who know how to reinvent themselves and adapt to change." Lynn M. Masiello, CKD, CBD, CAPS interior designer, president/CEO LM Designs Verona, NJ I read, read, read. I study all the de- sign elements I can possibly get my eyes and hands on, regardless of the style. I also research what is trending. Then I listen, listen, listen. If you listen to your customers' demands and throw in a couple of ideas they haven't con- sidered, you'll be well on your way to becoming a good designer. Also, be nice to the salesmen and women who come into your store. They can keep you up to date on a lot of new items." Benjamin E. Dittmar, president K.E. Dittmar Company Zanesville, OH T he Internet ofers designers and potential customers access to vir - tually unlimited design ideas. This drives the necessity to stretch and learn as a designer. There is no better way to in- centivize learning for a caring designer than a request to do something new from a client. Vendor training and trade pub- lications are a great resource, as well." John C. Schroeder managing member Village Cabinet Design Medway, MA I relax into the self and the ideas just fow. I see each space as unique and I listen well. To be a better designer, I will try to increase my ability to hear and recognize the specialness of each individual who crosses my threshold. To be a better designer, I will try to create the relationships that ensure longevity." Margaret York Caledonian Kitchen & Bath Flourtown, PA A fter completing a kitchen, I go back to the design and redraw in a completely diferent style. I also re- search all of the items in a drawing, such as appliances, lighting, countertops, etc., for the latest innovations." Christine FitzPatrick, designer FitzPatrick Design Larchmont, NY I 'm always researching what's new, whether that's a new item or technique in our feld. We are open to learning more about it and how it can work for our clients and their projects." Cathy Winslow owner/creative director Splash Kitchens and Baths LaGrange, GA I listen. I am amazed at how many clients claim that at the places they have been to before [other design frms or kitchen and bath frms], the people there try to talk them out of what they want almost immediately, without even really understanding what they want and why. The more attentive I am to my clients' needs, wants and desires, the happier they are. The smallest details seem to go a long way." Rebecca O'Rourke, designer/owner Sea Interior Design Scottsdale, AZ/Orange County, CA I challenge myself by accepting tougher projects." Andrew LaDuke, owner Michigan Kitchen Cabinets Novi, MI Kitchen & Bath Design News recently posed this question to dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: "How do you challenge yourself to be a better designer?" Designers Discuss Self-Improvement 6 | Kitchen & Bath Design News October 2014