Meet Katie | Scottsdale Junior Furniture Specialist

What is your past work experience/education? 
I have a BA in Interior Design, and I began my career working on both residential and commercial projects. I loved the creative process of transforming spaces, but over time, I found myself especially drawn to the furniture side of design—how the right piece can define a room, influence how people interact with a space, and bring a design vision to life. That interest eventually led me to transition into a role as a Furniture Specialist, where I could focus more deeply on the furnishings aspect of interior environments. Together, my education and work experience helped me see design not just as a creative pursuit, but as a way to solve problems and connect with people.That combination is what brought me—and keeps me—in the world of design.

Where were you raised?
I was born in New York but have spent majority of my life in Arizona.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Mainly from nature especially plants and water elements, but I always keep my eyes open as you never know when inspiration will arise!

What is your favorite color?
It’s a tie between pink and blue!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love spending time with my boyfriend and our two dogs—whether it’s going for a run together, taking them on hikes, or just relaxing at home. I really enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes, especially when I can share a good meal with loved ones. Travel is also a big passion of mine—I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and finding great food along the way.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
I would love to experience the Woodstock Festival. Three days of peace, music, and cultural revolution! Also, who wouldn’t want to see Hendrix live!?

How would you characterize your design style?
I would describe my design style as an eclectic blend of glam, bohemian, and mid-century influences. I love the sophistication and luxe feel of glam — think metallic accents, plush textures, and statement lighting — balanced with the laid-back, artistic vibe of bohemian elements like layered textiles and natural materials. I also draw from mid-century modern design for its timeless shapes, clean lines, and functionality.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” — Henry Ford

What is your favorite food?
Sushi!

What is your favorite TV series?
I am boring and don’t watch a lot of TV. If I can, I’d rather be enjoying the outdoors!

Anything else you would like to share?
I am grateful to be working with such a great team. Thank you all for being so welcoming!

Katie can be reached in the Scottsdale showroom at katieb@caidesigns.net or by phone at (480)-565-3775 x6930.

Melissa’s Favorite Find

Geo Contemporary (Gaya, Lua, & Yan pendants pictured in our Arlington Heights showroom) is my favorite find for this month. Their unique collections offer endless possibilities to tailor ceramic finishes, cable colors, shapes and sizes.

Each piece is meticulously handcrafted from start to finish, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail, and unique lighting effects.

Contact Melissa, our Arlington Heights Lighting Specialist, at melissaw@caidesigns.net or (847) 590-9835 x6781

Carlita’s Favorite Find

The Lee Industries 8421-10 Ottoman is my favorite find. This 22” square skirted ottoman covering is a fun and whimsical printed Lee fabric called Wonderland Fawn and has a ribbon band at the hem of the skirt called Cassidy Lemon.

I love the playful print with pops of bright and spring-y colors. These ottomans can bring life to any space.

Contact Carlita, our Arlington Heights furniture specialist, at  carlitap@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785×6761

Steven’s Favorite Find

My favorite new item is the C1935-01SW Swivel Chair from Lee Industries. We had in on display in our vignette at the Lake Forest Design Social Pop Up.

I love the new slipcover with trim and the new option shown (“relaxed pleated skirt”). The 1935 collection has been a great seller for C.A.I. Designs, and I love featuring a slipcover from Lee.

Contact Steven, our Midwest Regional Sales Manager and Arlington Heights Showroom Manager at stevens@caidesigns.net or (847)-398-4785×6760.

Meet Steven | Arlington Heights Showroom Manager

Can you share a bit about your background?
I started with CAI in May of 2005 and can’t believe it’s been 20 years. Kyle (Chicago showroom manager) and I practically grew up together and have seen so many wonderful changes. Upholstery is my passion, and I haven’t met a recliner I didn’t like, and am always happy to try one out!

What excites you most about this new chapter in Arlington Heights?
I am so excited to work in a new space with a new team. The ladies are just amazing, and I know we will have fun building this business. 

What are some of your favorite product lines?
Working with Wesley Hall and Lee Industries has been wonderful, and seeing our businesses grow together has been amazing. I believe that everyone should have a pair of Wesley Hall Jamestown Swivels, my favorite chair! I love building the relationships with our vendors and seeing how each vendor can give our customers what they need.

If you weren’t working in the design industry, what would you be doing?
So I was supposed to be an accountant, and loved math, but got into the custom framing business, and loved it! That took me to many years in retail with The Bombay Co. and the Pottery Barn, which created my love for upholstery and helping folks make great decisions for their homes. That math background is a huge help in keeping us on target!

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m absolutely thrilled to see traditional upholstery making a huge comeback. I love pattern and trim, and feel it adds character and warmth to any space. Skirts are in, baby!!!

Contact Steven, our Midwest Regional Sales Manager and Arlington Heights Showroom Manager, at stevens@caidesigns.net or (847) 398-4785 x6760.

Kyle’s Favorite Find

Designed by Yuji Okitsu, the Focusx5 Pendant by DCWéditions is composed of 5 luminous discs in PMMA (acrylic glass).

The kinetic nature of this fixture is entrancing and magical, while providing ambient light that brings a welcome energy to any space. Captivating as a Calder sculpture, this piece always brings me such joy.

Contact Kyle, our Chicago Showroom Manager, at kyleb@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7001

Deborah’s Favorite Find

Hartmann & Forbes Window Treatments are my favorite find this month. Organic materials attract every customer who walks by our display wall in the Chicago showroom! The team at Hartmann & Forbes have a heart for the product which is helpful for every project!

The added layer window treatments bring to a room, a home of sunshine filtering, increasing palpable comfort all day long! From the most complicated window, Roberta, Dee and Chelle find solutions to every challenge.

Contact Deborah, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at deboraha@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7003

Jamie’s Favorite Find

The Alfonso Marina Tarasco Buffet is my favorite find. It features primavera wood with yew and white cedar veneers, accented by antiqued brass hardware. The detail and hand craftsmanship are truly exquisite.

I love the colors of the wood tones and how the design is both contemporary and traditional at the same time.  

Contact Jamie, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at jamiec@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7002

Melissa’s Favorite Find

The Parel Chandelier by Modern Forms is made with Spanish Alabaster beads strung in an LED loop and draped over a whimsical metal frame.

This piece is so unique and graceful, there is no other fixture that looks like this. It is truly a show stopper! Come into our showroom in Arlington Heights to see it for yourself.

Contact Melissa, our Arlington Heights Lighting Specialist, at melissaw@caidesigns.net or (847) 590-9835 x6781

Scott’s Favorite Find

The Great Room Sofa by Century Furniture offers multiple arm, base, depth, and fabric options giving you a range of different styles to choose from. It offers the comfort and quality you expect from Century, customized any modern living space.

The configurability and fabric selections make it one of my go-to programs.

Contact Scott, our Troy Furniture Specialist, at scottd@caidesigns.net or (248) 822-1300×8225