Where do you find design inspiration?
Design inspiration comes all the time - walking through a museum or walking through Home Depot. I don’t discriminate. It’s all about taking in the input, filing it away for later consideration, and then bringing it up to the surface when it’s appropriate.

How do you approach the design process?
I find I respond to a design assignment emotionally at first. That’s the stage when I’m the most excited and the most creative. I then go through the process of eliminating and narrowing down the possibilities for a concept. Then I have to consider the reality of the budget and the constraints of building or executing an idea. Function is important, but having a creative vision while making smart selections is what drives me in design.

How does your aesthetic stand out amongst other designers/architects?
I would say that my work sometimes is bold but in good taste, and sometimes conservative, but in good taste. I am comfortable incorporating a very low key, nuanced look in kitchen design. If the reserved look is the route I’m taking with a project then the design has to be beautiful in its subtlety. On the other hand, when the project calls for more of a "wow" factor, then the striking elements must also be designed to have striking but beautiful results.

What is your biggest challenge as a designer/architect?
There are several big challenges today – clients have unrealistic budgets and unrealistic timelines. This is compounded by the fact that trades are now so busy that they charge more and take longer to execute a project.

What does the Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest mean to you?
The brands have the cache and brings in the top kitchen design entries in the world. Being selected as a finalist from over 1,700 entries and being recognized for excellence in design is very gratifying. As I told my friends, "I feel as if I was nominated for an Academy Award."

Where do you see kitchen design going in the next 5 years?
Convenience and technology will go hand-in-hand. The kitchen will become the headquarters for most family activities. From entertainment – including lighting and audiovisuals - to education – with computer based information centers to servicing very busy lifestyles , to healthful living – with technology based appliance that are easy to operate and shortcut mundane tasks in the kitchen.