Eye on Design: 12 Designers with Talents Traversing Form and Function
Meet these local designers and get started on your remodel today.
Article by Dena Cassella, Photos by Olivier Koning
Issue Date: (Wed) June 29, 2011
Glenda Anderson of Details International
She believes green design can be implemented in any conceivable style, in any house and still be affordable. Utilizing the three R’s, “Reuse, Recycle, Reclaim,” Anderson helps homeowners and the environment whenever possible. Anderson and her company, Details International, create unique and functional spaces to better homeowners’ lives. “I put my clients’ needs and wants above my own, while translating their visions into the language of good design,” she says. Details International Gentry Pacific Design Center 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 104 521-7424 details-international.com glendaaloha@yahoo.com Tanny Esperas and Sean Bradshaw of Homeworks Construction
Bradshaw credits the “importance of design” as a driving force for his great work. “The design of a space makes all the difference in a person’s daily life,” Bradshaw says. “I really enjoy the challenge of designing functional and aesthetic spaces for our customers.” Esperas agrees. “Good design often leaves quite a legacy,” she says. “I like to compare residential design to creating music – you must know the fundamental basics in order to create opportunities to make it your own and unique.” Homeworks Construction 2111 S. Beretania St. 955-2777 homeworkshawaii.com sean@homeworkshawaii.com tanny@homeworkshawaii.com Masanori “Mark” Shigei of Snaidero Hawaii
Mark Shigei believes the art of design lies in accommodation. Shigei concentrates on personalizing the kitchen environment to fit the specific needs of a person. “My designs are inspired by my clients’ unique lifestyles,” he says. “I let my design represent the client, through enhancing the appearance and functionality of their space.” Captivated by the sleek, modern style of Italian-brand Snaidero, Shigei left his life as an architectural engineer and turned his attention to kitchen design. He’s been Hawaii’s specialized Snaidero dealer for the past 15 years. For Shigei, he’s not just remodeling a kitchen, he’s improving a person’s quality of life by redefining the way they live. “We are here to provide people with the leading, most updated designs and information,” he says. “We can solve any kitchen problem.” Snaidero Hawaii Gentry Pacific Design Center 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 120 599-4554 snaidero-usa.com snaidero@hawaii.rr.com Jessica Omoto of Homeowners Design Center
Omoto has helped many clients transform their outdated kitchens and baths into beautiful new spaces. She is inspired by her clients. “Bringing their kitchen to life is a very rewarding process,” she says. Homeowners Design Center offers free consultations and estimates. “To me, remodeling is all about peace of mind,” adds Omoto. “Knowing whom you’re ordering things from and that they’re there for you makes all the difference.” Homeowners Design Center 1030 Kohou St., Suite 201 847-0216 homeownersdesign.com jessicao@homeownersdesign.com Jill Braden of Braden & Mehta Design and Outdoor Spaces
With the mantra “Design makes a difference,” Braden’s two companies, Braden & Mehta Design and Outdoor Spaces, create life-enhancing environments, utilizing the latest materials, colors and innovations. Braden designs interiors to focus on the now, inspired by nature, art, music and anything sustainable. Braden describes her work as motivated by quality and longevity, rather than any particular style. “When it comes to taste, I’m reminded of Duke Ellington’s answer to the question ‘what type of music do you like?’” she adds. “His answer: ‘good music.’” Braden & Mehta Design 44-325 Kaneohe Bay Dr., Kaneohe 254-5000 bradenandmehta.com info@bradenandmehta.com Outdoor Spaces 44-325 Kaneohe Bay Dr., Kaneohe 254-5000 outdoorspaceshawaii.com jill@outdoorspaceshawaii.com Corrine Tadaki Davis of EMEE Kitchens and Baths
Coming into her tenth year in Hawaii’s kitchen-design industry, Davis finds each project more enjoyable than the next. “It’s really my customers that inspire and encourage me to keep doing what I do,” she says. “Every occupation has its struggles, but to see my customers happy and comfortable with their new kitchens makes it all so worthwhile.” Customers—both new and returning—appreciate Davis’ positive attitude and caring demeanor. “My goal is to apply beautiful and serviceable enhancements to a customer’s home,” Davis says. “I strive to encourage and improve people’s livelihoods.” EMEE Kitchens and Baths 98-029 Hekaha St., Suite 1 Harbor Center 484-5354 emeekitchens.com corrine.emeekitchens@gmail.com Carolyn Pace of Carolyn Pace Designs
With Pace’s constant support and care, her clients are able to get through what may seem like an overwhelming process. “Some of my designs are playful and whimsical, while others are all about clean lines and sophistication,” says Pace. “Many [clients] like my Asian aesthetics—simple understated spaces using texture instead of color for accent.” Carolyn Pace Design 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 122B 545-5460 carolyn@carolynpacedesign.com Josh Chen of Bekin Cabinets
Chen says he is “honored and surprised” by the several word-of-mouth referrals he has received from his clients. Perhaps that is because, above all, Chen cares about his clients—and it shows. Personalizing each design to fit his customers’ needs and creating unique spaces with long-lasting materials gets him out of bed every morning. “A good designer will improve a customer’s lifestyle, but a great designer will change a customer’s life,” says Chen. Bekin Cabinets 565 Kokea St., G6 843-2284 232-4472 (cell) bekincabinetshawaii@gmail.com Shelley Tanner of John Cook Kitchens
Although she’s won numerous awards for her designs, Shelley Tanner stays true to her roots. Beginning her career as an artist, with a degree in fine arts, Tanner’s attention to detail and steady drawing hand launched her into kitchen and bath design. In 1994, Tanner designed her own home, which was quite a learning experience. Since then she has designed hundreds of spaces fulfilling her clients’ dreams. By understanding the customer’s vision, tastes and environment around them she creates cohesive and timeless looks that add value to their life and home. Through her designs, she’s changed people’s lives. Building relationships and helping her clients to make informed decisions has been extremely rewarding. She takes on each job as an exciting, new challenge. “I enjoy any project that utilizes my space-planning skills,” Tanner adds. John Cook Kitchens is a full service, award winning firm that has built a reputation for excellence with professional, personalized customer service. John Cook Kitchens 623 Kakoi St., Bay 3 599-3533 johncookkitchens.com shelley@johncookkitchens.com Alex Butchart of Highline Kitchen Systems
Quality and reliability are Alex Butchart’s first priorities when approaching a project. “I try to provide my clients with the quality of work, honesty and integrity they would expect from a close friend,” says Butchart. Before starting his own kitchen and bath design company, Butchart spent several years in the construction business. He’s been providing kitchen and bath design services for Hawaii for the past 28 years—and loving every minute of it. “I love projects that allow me to be creative with color, materials and the design layout,” he says. “But, ultimately, my favorite projects are the ones that completely meet the goals and expectations of the client.” Butchart strives to fulfill both the emotional and practical requirements of the homeowner. “Good kitchen and bath design must provide a functional yet comfortable workspace that is enjoyable for the whole household.” Highline Kitchen Systems 1276 Young St. 589-1104 highlinekitchen@hawaiiantel.net Breck Dangler of Dangler Design
Breck Dangler attributes his unique approach to kitchen and bath design to his upbringing in Honolulu and extensive world travels. Raised in a family of avid sailors, Dangler began his career renovating and preparing sailboats for vast ocean crossings. “These experiences of outfitting boats for long voyages instilled certain design elements in me, such as making the best use of existing space,” he says. Dangler’s passion for architectural design and small spaces has allowed him to produce thoughtful and practical designs for everyday living. He focuses on giving old space new purpose. “I enjoy solving complex design problems and finding creative solutions,” he says. “My favorite part of a project is gathering facts and helping a client with all the pieces of the puzzle.” Dangler is most proud of the quality and affordability he can offer his clients. “I provide a road map to make the necessary decisions to suit the clients’ needs.” Dangler Design 526-4541 breck@danglerdesign.com Jamie Smith Jackson, Jenn Johnson and Aubrey Yee of Pacific Home Studio
Jackson agrees. “When we get design right, we create a home for people to create memories in.” Years of happy homeowners and content customers prove these ladies have a fresh idea and quick solution for any situation. “Design is about aesthetic and conscious living,” says Yee. “You don’t need a big budget to accomplish good design. What it really takes is the willingness to explore, be bold and try new things.” Pacific Home Studio 420 Ward Ave. pacifichomestudio.com jenn@pacific-home.com • 429-5366 jamie@pacific-home.com • 596-9338 aubrey@pacific-home.com • 216-8368 |
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