Employee Spotlight

Meet Riyad | Troy Inventory Specialist

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What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.

I am an Army Medic Veteran with a BBA in Human Resource Management. I have wide skillset with interests in all academic fields. I’ve enjoyed crafts since I was a child with an erector set building bridges with my brother, later taking a course in wood shop, assisting my father installing a wide assortment of in- ground pool equipment, then joining the military as a Healthcare Specialist. When I discharged from my military contract I pursued an education in Human Resources, moving my interests into management. The position of Inventory Specialist suits well with all my skills and combines them into a single focus of management and customer relations.

Where were you raised?

Carmichael, California.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Music and my maternal grandfather.

What is your most rewarding project and why?

Rebuilding my first automobile engine by myself as it challenged my research skills, memory, and intuition.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?

Vanguard. Their pieces are well made, appealing, and they run their company in an organized fashion always keeping their lead times updated and companies informed; this ensures that there’s no confusion on designers receiving their merchandise when they expect it and I appreciate the professional dedication of the company.

What is your favorite color?

Natural Greens.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?

822–852 AD Spain, as it was one of the highest points in human accomplishment in the arts, science, government, and social equality. It was a hub that connected Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea in many aspects.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

What is your favorite food? 

Lox.

What is your favorite TV series?

Golden Girls.

Riyad can be reached in the Troy showroom at troyinventory@caidesigns.net or by phone at (248) 822-1300 x8201.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Annette Hendrix | Furniture Customer Service

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What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.

I have a degree in Architecture & Interior Design. In addition to furniture, countertop, tile, and flooring sales, my work experience includes administration, accounting, and the natural health & wellness field! I am also the sole proprietor of a design and home staging business.

Where were you raised?

I was raised in southeast Michigan and California.

What is your favorite color?

Shades of green and plum.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)

I like traveling, cooking, boating, music, camping, gardening, and exploring on dog walks. I also enjoy expanding my creative side with painting, writing , etc.

How would you characterize your design style?

Eclectic and Transitional.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” ― Lao Tzu

Annette can be reached in the Troy showroom at annetteh@caidesigns.net or by phone at (248) 822-1300 x8221.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Kelly | Scottsdale Lighting Specialist

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What is your past work experience/education?
I started my passion for interior design at the early age of thirteen. I always had a fascination for furniture placement and lighting. I started attending I.D.I. for my certification in interior design. In 2009, I started working for Olivia’s Interior Design & Accents in Newport Beach, CA as a retail sales associate. As I started learning more about the trade and clientele, I moved up to interior design assistant and lead lighting sales associate.

Where were you raised?
I was raised in Irvine, California.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
The most rewarding project I have worked on was a home in Newport Beach where we custom built indoor and outdoor furniture. We worked hand-in-hand with a high end client of ours that had multiple patents for Ford Motor Company. It was very rewarding to see the finished project and to have delivered exactly what our clients were wanting.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Some of my favorite product lines thus far are Visual Comfort, Hudson Valley, Terzani, Lodes, and Hubbardton Forge. These are some of my favorite lines because I love the detailed work they put into their finishes and the quality of their glass. I love how some of these lines are custom to order and uncommon to see.

What is your favorite color?
Cyan.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
My hobbies include movies, baseball, football, and outdoor activities of all kinds.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
I would go back to the 70’s era in the United States. I love everything about that time including the music, clothing, and interior design.

How would you characterize your design style?
My design style is definitely modern and contemporary. I love items that have straight lines and very sleek looks.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Enjoy the little things in life for someday you will realize they were the big things”.

What is your favorite food?
Lamb with a bed of rice and veggies.

What is your favorite TV Series?
Too many to count. My favorites right now are The Handmaid’s Tale, Stranger Things, Law & Order, and Suits.

Anything else you would like to share?
I have a passion for traveling and love to be out and about as often as I can.

Kelly can be reached in the Scottsdale showroom at kellyh@caidesigns.net or by phone at (480) 565-3775 x6937.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds: Julie Dunfee Designs

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This week’s feature: Julie Dunfee Designs from Lake Forest, IL!

“The stunning prairie views surrounding this farmhouse were the primary selling point for my clients, and we wanted to bring that same beauty and warmth into the home. The color palette I selected contains many elements of the outdoors, and the furnishings include a spectacular dining room chandelier that makes one feel like they are dining under a canopy of trees.” – Julie Dunfee

Featured Products:

  • Courtney Buffet, Delaney Dining Table and Juliet Side Chairs by Old Biscayne Designs
  • Rainforest Bronze Chandelier by Currey & Company

For more information on Julie Dunfee Designs, visit juliedunfeedesigns.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds: Armijo Design Group

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This week’s feature: Armijo Design Group from Denver, CO!

“There was nothing more fun than collaborating with a long time friend and colleague to create this beautiful contemporary space. C.A.I. helped tie the space together with their eclectic assemblage of manufacturers.” – Beth Armijo

Featured Products:

  • LA Sectional by Thayer Coggin
  • Coffee Table and Table Lamp by Noir
  • Cairo Basket by Palecek
  • Accessories by Rasstro, Regina Andrew and John-Richard
  • Darcy Counter Stools by Interlude Home
  • Phoebe Table Lamps by Visual Comfort

For more information on Armijo Design Group, visit armijodesigngroup.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Employee Spotlight

Meet L | Scottsdale Customer Service Representative

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What is your past work experience / education?
Having an interest in interior design, I took a certification class at the Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach, CA. I also worked at two showrooms in the Stonemill Design Center in Costa Mesa, CA.

Where were you raised?
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
I’m appreciating all of the product lines at C.A.I. Designs because there is a very nice mix of all different styles.

What is your favorite color?
I am drawn to all shades of green.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to bike the canals in AZ, entertain, try new restaurants and travel.

How would you characterize your design style?
Eclectic, I like a mix of old, new, different design styles and a lot of color.

What is your favorite food?
I love Greek food.

What is your favorite TV Series?
Yellowstone.

L can be reached in the Scottsdale showroom at lcowie@caidesigns.net or by phone at (480) 565-3775 x6932.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds: Dan Rak Design

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This week’s feature: Dan Rak of Dan Rak Design from Chicago, IL!

“The architecture of this house in Lincoln Park was pretty traditional, but the client wanted to furnish it in a more contemporary way. As we started sourcing we went to Verellen and immediately fell in love with their Oakley chair and Theo chaise. We knew the soft, contemporary lines of these pieces would create a beautiful contrast with the square lines of the traditional architecture.”

Featured Products:

  • Theo Chaise and Oakley Chair by Verellen
  • Grace Chandelier by Tech Lighting

For more information on Dan Rak Design, visit danrakdesign.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds: Haywoodmade Interiors

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This week’s feature: Kelsey Haywood of Haywoodmade Interiors from Chicago, IL!

“We set the design vision as ‘Understated Coastal’ for this multi-purpose living room. The goal was to maximize and curate comfortable seating throughout. The custom Burton James sofa fits perfectly in the window and the 3-over-1 bench cushion feels casual, yet streamlined.”

Featured Products:

• Custom 98” Zain Sofa in Bacardi Ivory by Burton James
• 3907-01 Swivel Chairs in Sahara Sky by Lee Industries

For more information on Haywoodmade Interiors, visit haywoodmade.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds: Lakeside Interiors

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This week’s feature: Fern Allison of Lakeside Interiors from Evanston, IL!

“This room features a custom Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting pendant from their Natural Inspirations series. The inspiration for the design was the stone fireplace surround. It has an ethereal/cosmic feeling and these Fine Art globes act almost like stars and asteroids in front of the stone.”

Featured Product:

• Natural Inspirations Random Cluster and Small Hail Stones in a Silver Leaf finish by Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting

For more information on Lakeside Interiors, visit lakesideinteriors.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.