The Detail-Oriented Designer

Shelley Tanner, CKD

Contact Info:

JohnCookKitchens
623 Kakoi St., Bay 3
599-3533
johncookitchens.com
shelley@johncookkitchens.com
License #: BC-20322

JohnCookKitchens designer Shelley Tanner recently swept the NKBA Design Competition, taking home four awards — including Highest Technical Merit — for her “Historic Jewel Revived” project. The renovation of the 1920s Manoa kitchen illustrated Tanner’s style: detail-oriented, creative design. “I am very organized and meticulous,” she says. “My attention to detail makes me stand out.”

With 17 years of experience under her belt, Tanner prides herself on well-planned, efficient spaces that work within clients’ lifestyles and budgets. Her knowledge of space planning, products and materials enables her to share the smartest choices that will last in the long run. “Kitchens and baths are expensive areas to remodel,” she says, “but they also add the most value to the home. I know how to turn ideas into reality — the end result is my favorite part.”

Josh Chen

Contact Info:

Bekin Cabinets
565 Kokea St., G6
843-2284
232-4472 (cell)
bekincabinetshawaii@gmail.com
License #: BC-25031

Talk to Josh Chen for just a few moments and you’ll quickly notice one thing: how much he cares about his clients. A natural people person, Chen attributes his ability to understand customer needs to his background in marketing and sales.

“People need the help of a planner in life — and in kitchen design,” Chen says. With a plan, homeowners can add value to their property now and for the future. Personalized design not only improves functionality, convenience and appearance, but lifestyle, too.”

For a recent project on Hawaii Loa Ridge, Chen helped take the space from basic to beautiful with simple, quality upgrades such as solid-cherry cabinets and natural stone finishes — changes that made all the difference to the client.

Says Chen, “Acknowledgement from clients and their referrals to friends and family tell me I’ve done my job.”

Alex Butchart, CKD

Contact Info:

Highline Kitchen Systems
1276 Young St.
589-1104
highlinekitchen@hawaiiantel.net
License #: BC-10299

Prior to starting his kitchen design business in 1983, Alex Butchart spent 15 years working in construction. It’s experience that he believes has helped shape him into a more well-rounded designer. “I have the advantage of knowing how everything comes together, from a construction standpoint,” he says, “so I can anticipate any challenges that may come up.”

Butchart’s hands-on knowledge allows him to create workable kitchen spaces that are both practical and aesthetically balanced. Known for his clean, contemporary, island style, his well-honed experience with cabinetry and glasswork also allows him to add just the right amount of pizzazz “to bring a kitchen to life.”

In addition to developing relationships and satisfying the needs of clients, Butchart says, one of his favorite parts of the job is helping homeowners appreciate the value of remodeling.

The Facilitator

Edmund I. Sugawa

Contact Info:

EMEE Kitchens & Baths
Harbor Center
98-029 Hekaha St., Suite 1
484-5354
emeekitchens.com
eisugawadesigns@gmail.com

Ed Sugawa loves kitchens. In his own home, he took out his dining room to create an extra-large kitchen, where he and his family spend the majority of their time together. “We do everything in there, including watching TV,” he says. No surprise, it’s also his favorite room to design for clients.

With 22 years of experience as a kitchen and bath designer, Sugawa says, above all, he is a facilitator: “I use my knowledge to facilitate homeowners’ dreams by designing spaces that satisfy their wishes and needs and support their lifestyles.”

Because each client is different, no two EMEE kitchens look the same. “There is no EMEE Kitchens ‘look,’” Sugawa says. Every kitchen we design looks different because I’m not creating my dream kitchen, I’m creating the client’s dream kitchen. Seeing that satisfied look on the homeowner’s face after the project is finished is what inspires me.”

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