HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DESIGNER?
I hate to admit it, but for over 30 years.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
Shortly after graduation from college, I decided to walk in to a kitchen design showroom and introduce myself. I’m not completely clear why I did it at the time, but that simple decision changed the course of my life. The owners, Ray and Leslie Purdie, hired me on the spot and took the time to teach me the art of hand-drawn design - A skill that few designers use today.

DO YOU HAVE A PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT?
It’s probably not A moment, but two. When I came to the Seacoast twenty years ago I founded Lifestyles Kitchens and Baths. I designed that showroom in a mere few hours and felt something special the moment I had put my vision to paper. When I adopted my beautiful daughter Hannah, I decided to dedicate time to my family and sold the business. After raising Hannah, it was a natural time to open a new design company and pursue my love again. Having nurtured two businesses and a beautiful daughter are truly my proudest moments.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THIS COMPANY FOR YOU?
After three decades, the business element has taken on a life of its own and has become second-nature. This enables me to focus on what I really love to do - Spend time with clients, truly delve into their design situation and dedicate the time to every project as if it were in my own home.

DO YOU BELIEVE THERE ARE CRITICAL SKILLS FOR ANY DESIGNER?
For anyone to be a successful kitchen and bath designer, the person has to take pride in finding a unique solution for every kitchen, every bath, every project. No two should be alike and a designer has to possess the patience and tenacity to ensure no two are alike. It’s also critical that the designer thrives on working with people. They should be warm, engaging and social. I know, it sounds cliche. But the foundation of a successful design company is built on referrals alone, so the relationship and experience must be fun.

IS THERE ANYTHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’m a big dog lover. I’ve always adored dogs. In fact, Sophie the standard poodle and Riley the golden retriever spend their days in our showroom.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES?
in some ways it shouldn’t be a surprise that I became a kitchen designer and love my job, because when I’m not designing kitchens, I’m in my own kitchen cooking endlessly. When I’m not cooking, I’d choose to be on the ski slopes or helicopter skiing.

HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE?
That’s an easy one. I could watch Pretty Woman every week.