What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?
"I love being a kitchen designer because it allows me to unleash my creativity. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with clients who may not have a clear vision of their dream kitchen, and I thrive on bringing their ideas to life. What excites me the most is the variety in my work - no two days are the same.
Interestingly, I didn't actively choose this career path; rather, it chose me. As a computer studies graduate with a focus on programming, I embarked on a work term at a real estate development company. Little did I know that they would soon venture into the kitchen cabinet business and that I would be tasked with programming the kitchen design software. I found myself fascinated by the intricacies of the process, which eventually led me to transition into designing and selling kitchens to builders, renovators, and anyone in need of a new kitchen. It's been a journey of unexpected discovery and fulfillment."
What was the best advice you have been given?
"The best advice I've ever received was when someone told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. At the time, it was a daunting prospect because I had no clear direction coming out of high school. But I've come to realize that sometimes, it's through embracing new challenges that we discover our true passions and aspirations.
Early in my career, I found myself in a male-dominated industry where I often felt like I didn't belong or that I shouldn't be taking on certain roles. However, I chose to persevere and committed myself to being the best I could be. It wasn't easy, but I've learned that by staying true to myself and pushing through barriers, I've grown both personally and professionally."
What does your typical workday involve? Can you work remotely? (indoors/outdoors, office/plant, travel time, teamwork/solo work)?
"I don't really have a typical workday as my tasks can vary greatly. Some days, I'm in my office, immersed in designing kitchens, vanities, or other built-in features. Unexpectedly, a client might drop in to make selections like colors, handles, or countertops. Other times, I could find myself on a job site, measuring spaces and guiding subcontractors on placement.
Networking is also a crucial part of my role, so I might attend events hosted by the Home Builders Association or the Construction Association, or any other networking event relevant to my industry. Additionally, I have the flexibility to work remotely, whether it's from home or my cabin, depending on the day's demands. This flexibility allows me to adapt to various environments and situations, ensuring that I can efficiently meet the needs of my clients and projects."
What is a common misconception about your field of work?
A common misconception about my field of work is that being a kitchen designer is primarily about making things look pretty and selecting nice colours. While aesthetics are certainly important, there's much more to it. My job involves a variety of technical skills, such as reading measurements and floor plans, understanding how cabinets are assembled, and ensuring compliance with building codes. Additionally, effective communication is key - I need to be able to connect with clients on a personal level to understand their needs and preferences accurately. So, it's not just about making things visually appealing; it's about combining technical expertise with interpersonal skills to create functional and beautiful spaces.
In what ways are you able to be creative and innovative in your role?
"In my role, creativity and innovation come into play in numerous ways. One of the most significant avenues is in tailoring designs to meet the unique requirements of each client. Every kitchen presents a distinct set of challenges and opportunities based on the individual's needs, family dynamics, and personal style preferences. This is where my creativity shines as I work to craft spaces that not only look visually stunning but also function seamlessly for the client's lifestyle.
One of my favourite challenges is tackling small kitchen spaces. In these situations, maximizing functionality within limited square footage becomes paramount. It's a puzzle that requires innovative solutions and creative thinking. I thoroughly enjoy the process of finding ways to optimize every inch of space while still achieving a beautiful and practical design. These types of projects truly ignite my creativity and drive me to explore innovative approaches to kitchen design."
What do you do when you feel stuck?
"When I feel stuck, my go-to approach is to seek assistance. I firmly believe that asking questions is essential for growth and learning. There are moments, especially during intricate design projects, where I may find myself staring at the screen for hours without seeing any breakthroughs. In such situations, I take a step back, perhaps take a short break, and then revisit the problem with fresh eyes.
If I'm still feeling stuck, I don't hesitate to reach out to another designer for their input. Often, their perspective can provide new insights and solutions that I may not have considered. Collaboration is key to overcoming creative blocks.
Similarly, if I encounter resistance from our shop team regarding implementing a creative or unique design element, I inquire about the reasoning behind their concerns. Understanding the practical limitations or constraints allows me to communicate effectively with the client and explore alternative solutions.
Ultimately, I've learned that there's no shame in asking for help. It's a valuable tool for problem-solving and ensures that I deliver the best possible outcome for my clients."
Who is your role model? What is it about this person that inspires you?
"Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of meeting and connecting with numerous inspiring individuals. However, if I were to choose one role model, it would undoubtedly be my mom. She has been a constant source of support, belief, and resilience in my life.
What truly inspires me about my mom is her unwavering faith in my abilities and her presence during challenging times. Even when I didn't heed her advice, she never admonished me with an ""I told you so."" Instead, she gently guided me, allowing me to learn from my mistakes and grow.
My mom's work ethic is unparalleled. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, she has always persevered, demonstrating remarkable strength and determination. She's achieved success both personally and professionally through sheer dedication and resilience.
Her ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and optimism serves as a constant reminder to me that no matter the obstacles I face, I have the power to overcome them. My mom's unwavering support, resilience, and determination make her my ultimate role model and a source of inspiration in all aspects of my life."
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