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


Glenda@detailsinternational_8

With an artist for a mother and a professional builder for a father, Glenda Anderson was destined to be a designer. “My interest in design evolved into passion all on its own,” she says.  Anderson has transformed homes with her holistic designs, eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient innovations for more than 50 years. “We put harmony back in the home,” says Anderson. “Our designs yield wellness through the use of space, colors and architectural materials.”

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


Homeworks_17

Don’t be fooled by the fresh-faced looks of Homeworks Construction’s Tanny Esperas and Sean Bradshaw. These two designers have hundreds of projects under their belts. Esperas and Bradshaw are impressing homeowners with their eclectic styles and their passion for their craft. “I love what I do,” says Esperas. “I enjoy working with the materials, finding different color combinations, and creating a design that makes the client happy.”

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@s~1-5

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


Jennifer@homeownersassociation_18

When Jessica Omoto describes her company as a “one-stop-shop,” she means it. The Homeowners Design Center possesses a bounty of options in materials, finishes and designs. The showroom is just as useful to her as it is to her clients. “I love projects where I can be creative and flexible,” she says. “I try to keep an open mind to the client’s vision and their material selections, so I can give them the kitchen or bath they will love.”

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


Jillbraden@outdoorspaces_22

Jill Braden can resolve any troubled space—indoors or out—with her holistic designs and skilled artistry. After years as a professional photographer, Braden became restless, wanting to be more hands-on with her visuals, and went back to school for interior design. “I love the element of problem solving with aesthetic solutions,” says Braden.

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

Emeeki~1

Corrine Tadaki Davis says she developed her design skills “on a whim.” After creating a website for a design company called Inside Addition, she began dabbling in kitchen design — and she’s been in love with the process ever since.

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


Carolynpace_39

Her mission statement is a common thread in all her designs, and she strives to embody it. Carolyn Pace visualizes her designs, as clear as a photograph, before implementing them. “I notice the subtle characteristic of colors, shapes and textures, and how they relate to one another,” she says. Pace’s goal as a designer is to create beautiful spaces that reflect her clients’ passions and lifestyle. “People and spaces inspire me,” says Pace. “Architecture speaks to me. I might pick up a single architectural element and build from there.”

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


Josh@belkincabinets_32

Josh Chen has solutions. To customers, he is a problem-solver and a support system. “I will assist my clients with absolutely anything,” he says. “It’s such a pleasure to help people design and plan their kitchens and interiors.”

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


Shelley@johncookkitchens_44

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

Alex@highlinekitchens_50


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

Dangierdesign_1

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

Pa157a~1

These three designers are inspiring Hawaii homeowners to create beautiful and livable spaces. Jenn Johnson, Aubrey Yee and Jamie Smith Jackson of Pacific Home Studio have furnished homes around the world with earth-friendly materials, eclectic products and their own chic styles. To them, design is beyond a form of art, it is a way to improve lives. “The built environment actually molds you into the person you are,” says Johnson. “Living in a space you really love makes you a happier person.”

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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