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Teamwork between designer and client, as well as designer and work crew, is a key component of completing a remodeled or new kitchen. However, designers collaborating on individual projects is less common. Yet, at Kitchen and Bath, Etc., a Chagrin Falls, OH-based frm, that is exactly how each project is carried out. "All of the members of the design staf are adept problem solvers, and we all have our own personal styles," remarks Lonny Levenson, one of three designers at the company. But, it is the collaboration between the three designers – Levenson, Emeil Soryal and Jef Bennett – that sets the frm apart, he stresses. "Our customers don't just get a Lonny, Emeil or Jef design. They get a well thought- out kitchen or bath design," Levenson contin- ues. "Our group brainstorming sessions allow us to provide solutions that a single designer might not dream up on his own." In fact, one of Levenson's favorite projects is one that he created in collaboration with Soryal. The kitchen design called for the removal of a load-bearing wall to expand the space, but hid- ing the eyesore support beams was a challenge. At one of their weekly meetings, Soryal sug- gested a cofered ceiling in a grid confguration to conceal the beams. This idea not only solved the problem, but also created the pièce de résis- tance of the entire project, Levenson notes. "Just using another person's background and work history to come up with some difer- ent ideas [helps]," adds Levenson. SHIFT IN BUSINESS The business has grown immensely since it opened 16 years ago. When Soryal opened the frm, he had a staf of three. That has since grown to a staf of 22, including an in-house installation team. Business really heated up when the frm changed locations four years ago. Originally located in a strip mall "on the wrong corner of a busy intersection," Soryal decided to convert a standalone building located catty-corner from his business into the showroom he had always desired. While rehabbing the building, a second foor was added, allowing the company to display its logo where it could be viewed more easily. Additionally, the company took advantage of the new location's proximity to a popular grocery store. "We wrapped that side of the building in glass so you cannot walk back to your car from the store without looking into K&B; and dreaming of a new kitchen or bath!" Levenson expounds. "We get a lot of walk-in customers now who had no idea we were across the street all of those years. Now they can't miss us!" COMMUNITY TIES Forging connections with the local community is also important to the team at Kitchen & Bath, Etc., since the majority of the company's proj- ects are within 15 miles of the showroom. In keeping with this idea, Levenson teaches a free class in conjunction with Snow Brothers, a local appliance store. While Kitchen & Bath, Etc. does carry Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, "not every job is a Wolf and Sub-Zero kind of project," which is why Levenson will bring Designers Team Up to Create Spaces BY ASHLEY LAPIN OLIAN At this kitchen and bath remodeling frm in Northeast Ohio, a team approach is taken on each project to meet customer needs and keep designs unique and fresh. AT A GLANCE Kitchen and Bath, Etc. Location: Chagrin Falls, OH Principal: Emeil Soryal Areas Served: Northeast Ohio, Cleveland area Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. No. of Employees: 22 Major Product Lines Carried: StarMark, UltraCraft, Cambria, Caesarstone, Moen, Kohler, Delta Faucet, Sub-Zero and Wolf Design Software: 2020, ProKitchen Business Philosophy: "From ideas to products to service, we will happily provide clients with guidance throughout the entire design and construction process." The cofered ceiling in this kitchen hides support beams while adding a distinctive touch. StarMark cabinetry, Cambria and Caesarstone countertops, pendant lights, a mantle-style hood and a farm sink complete the space. Pantry cabinets stacked to the ceiling block the view of the washer/dryer from the kitchen in this mudroom. Included in the space are lockers for everyone, foor-to-ceiling shoe storage, wood seating and a pull-out ironing board. Photos: Lonny Levenson 24 Kitchen & Bath Design News • April 2016 DESIGNER PROFILE