Category Archives: Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight

Meet Jamie | Chicago Furniture 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 have almost 20 years of interior design industry sales experience. In Chicago, I worked as a Corporate Art Consultant for contract projects for several years. I then moved to Thailand for 3 years & relocated to Los Angeles where I managed a trade-only furniture showroom of beautifully antiqued bench-made pieces. From there, I went to contract fabric sales & then on to an outdoor furniture sales position. I recently relocated to Chicago to start here at C.A.I. Designs.

Where were you raised?
Northwest Indiana until I was 12 and then Central Illinois.

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Mostly from nature but also from visiting different archaeological/ architectural sites and wonders. I also find inspiration from perusing design industry imagery from multiple sources.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why? 
I love several of the lines we offer. Alfonso Marina stands out as the pieces are exquisitely designed. l love all the hand detailing & fine craftsmanship!

What is your favorite color?
I love all colors and, depending on my mood, it may go from reds to blues to purples or more.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I’m an avid foodie & love trying new restaurants. I enjoy live music and outdoor concerts. I’m passionate about travel and have spent much time in Mexico, Central America and Asia. I also love hiking, beach days, yoga and sometimes just chilling on my sofa with my cat and a good book.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?The roaring 1920s just because it seems like such a fun time.

How would you characterize your design style?
I like an eclectic mix of items from different eras, natural woods, more neutral palettes with lots of splashes of accent colors.

What is your favorite food?
I love all kinds of foods, but Thai food is my comfort food.

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m very excited to be a part of the C.A.I. Team!

Jamie can be reached in the Chicago showroom at jamiec@caidesigns.net or by phone at (312) 755-9163×7002

Employee Spotlight

Meet Carlita | Arlington Heights Furniture 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 received my bachelor’s degree at Illinois institute of Art in Schaumburg for Interior Design. I worked for La-Z-Boy and Crate and Barrel as the interior designer. I worked for a real estate company as a home stager and I also worked at an architecture firm named Morgante Wilson Architects as the Design Coordinator. My love for art started in middle school with painting and I knew I wanted to work in a creative field as I got older. In high school I loved watching HGTV and I knew that wanted to be in the interior design field for sure.

Where were you raised?
Lake Zurich

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Nature

What is your favorite color?
Teal

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Dancing is my favorite hobby. I have been dancing in a small dance studio for 13 years.

How would you characterize your design style?
Contemporary design would be my design aesthetic. Warm, cozy and functional. I love neutral tones with the use of different textures with gold accents.

What is your favorite food?
Tacos

Carlita can be reached in the Arlington Heights showroom at carlitap@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785×6761

Employee Spotlight

Meet Mark | Rug Sales Manager

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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 started my career as an on-location carpet and upholstery cleaner. I was then hired as a salesman, where I was bitten by the ‘rug bug’ and have been helping folks imagine and produce whatever they can dream.  AKA… The Rug Guy . “Art for the Floor, a Soul for you room”.

Where were you raised?
Woodstock, Illinois (not the famous one).

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
I’m a visual learner so nature and anything within view.

What is your most rewarding project and why? 
I love seeing the reaction of buyers when they receive their
rugs, so all projects are very rewarding.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
All things beautiful, inspiring and of course rugs!

What is your favorite color?
Any shade of green

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Cook, make things in the kitchen. . . My S>T>B>F> brand that I
have yet to get out of the kitchen. . .(Soon to be Famous). I’m
also a drummer. Married with an 11 year old son and 34 year old
daughter, proud dad.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Back to me in HS and tell me not to stress the future, just let it
roll, and it has 🙂

How would you characterize your design style?
Mid-Century interpretive “That’s a great idea, let’s make that”.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Let me take care of that!”

What is your favorite food?
Sushi

What is your favorite TV series?
Resident Alien

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love to share great food and drinks, look me up!

Mark can be reached in our corporate office at markr@caidesigns.net or by phone at 847-398-4785 x6762.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Kristen | Denver Sales Admin & Jr. Seller

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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 was a showroom coordinator for a countertop distributor and “got the bug” so to speak! I’m a homeowner and have made significant upgrades to my home. I have a lifetime love for design inspired from my seamstress mother, numerous art classes and work as a makeup artist too!

Where were you raised?
Phoenix, Arizona

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Design shows, publications and artists of all types.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Thayer Coggin and Verellen – exactly my aesthetic.

What is your favorite color?
Olive green

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I’m a dog lover and I like gardening, cooking, and socializing with my wonderful array of friends.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Mesopotamia – because I love the B-52s song!

How would you characterize your design style?
Modern with vintage, mid-modern, and pop art thrown in.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Do not trip over what’s behind you”

What is your favorite food?
Thai

What is your favorite TV series?
Dead to Me

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am thrilled to be working for CAI Designs in the best city in the country….DENVER!!!

Kristen can be reached in the Denver showroom at kristeno@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-7997 x6972.

Employee Spotlight

MEET MARIA | TROY LIGHTING 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 have an industrial design degree from Wayne State University.
I come from a building background. I worked at a high-end
home builder for almost 10 years. After that, I had my own
interior design business for about 7 years. Then, a prominent
local design firm asked me to manage their new lighting showroom. Eight years later, I’m at CAI.

Where were you raised?
I spent half of my childhood in Georgia and the rest of my life
has been in Michigan.

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Nature and my kids.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why? 
I love Hammerton, Accord, Alora and Lodes. Learning about
Hammerton’s artisanal quality and that it’s made in the USA is
important to know. The Accord wood lighting is so unique,
beautiful and unexpected. Alora has great designs similar to
other popular lines but there are design aspects that make them
unique and easy to sell. Lodes is just simply beautiful. It doesn’t
need any wacky designs to be “cool”. I love the edited offering
they have that is not overwhelming.

What is your favorite color?
Purple.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I started watercolor painting & love it! I like cooking, gardening
and hiking. I am also a troop leader with our local boy scouts.

How would you characterize your design style?
I like new traditional with MCM thrown in.

What is your favorite food?
Mexican.

What is your favorite TV series?
Sopranos.

Maria can be reached in the Troy showroom at mariak@caidesigns.net or by phone at (248) 822-1300×2370

Employee Spotlight

MEET TRICIA | INDIANA FURNITURE & FABRIC 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 have over 25 years of experience in the design industry. I grew up helping my father who was an architect in Columbus, Indiana for several years when I was younger. I knew right away what I wanted to study in college. I worked for a designer for sixteen years right after finishing college at Ball State University. I have also worked in retail design, and have had my own design business.

Where were you raised?
Columbus, Indiana

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
ELLE Decor, museums, art, and furniture galleries.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
The most impressive project was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was in charge of designing a home that I could add my own flair and touch. The client was open and only asked for a blend of New Orleans color and style. It turned out to be a unique and bold project that was different from most.

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 are Verellen, Interlude Home, John Richards Collection, Century, Taracea, Palecek, and Made Goods. The design and elegance of these lines are unique and have many beautiful finishes and fabrics. They also have the pieces that blend with the organic modern, boho and transitional styles that I like to work with.

What is your favorite color?
Dark green, black, or camel.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I enjoy time hanging out with family and with my cat and three dogs. I am known to travel all over the country to visit friends. I also like to vacation in the Carolina’s.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
When the Biltmore Estate was finished being built and friends and family were able to stay in 1895. The house and grounds are spectacular and to be able to stay and live the way they did would be a dream of mine.

How would you characterize your design style?
Different eclectic styles from boho to organic modern to transitional glam.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.” – Maya Angelou

What is your favorite food?
Enchiladas

What is your favorite TV series?
Law & Order

Tricia can be reached in the Carmel showroom at triciaa@caidesigns.net or by phone at (317) 740-0025 x8302.

Employee Spotlight

MEET MARK | INDIANA SHOWROOM MANAGER

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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.
Started in retail merchandising / store display then joined an interior design firm. Eventually became partner in a partner in the firm for over 30 years

Where were you raised?
In the Midwest on a farm in Indiana.

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Nature provides so much – color, balance, space, light – every day is a new inspiration.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Working on a Waterfront Design Project in Florida where clients allowed involvement from the beginning with the Architect, choosing all interior finishes, furniture, art and accessories. The trust of the clients and the finished product were extraordinary and very rewarding

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
LEE Upholstery is always a go-to line due to its many designs that fulfill most design projects whether it is contemporary, traditional or transitional. Their furniture styles offer so many options that you can totally customize in both design and comfort.

What is your favorite color?
Green

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Reading spy novels & killer thrillers and attending live performances.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Ancient Rome – such an interesting time of early architecture and lifestyles.

How would you characterize your design style?
The best design style is one that is attuned to the client’s needs and lifestyle.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“No good deed goes unpunished”

What is your favorite food?
Pasta

What is your favorite TV series?
The Voice

Mark can be reached in the Carmel showroom at markc@caidesigns.net or by phone at (317) 740-0025 x8301.

Employee Spotlight

MEET AMY | DENVER LIGHTING 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.
After 10 years in finance, I went back to design school and pivoted to design-build residential construction.

Where were you raised?
Denver, Colorado

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Connection: to people, their stories, their background and history

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Winning Parade of Homes’ Best in Design for a custom build.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Bomma Lighting, Foscarini, Hammerton and Hubbardton – I so appreciate the artistry to what they are creating in the field.

What is your favorite color?
Green – always growing

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
My husband and I love to travel; we cycle too.

How would you characterize your design style?
How would you characterize your design style? I am drawn to items that are handmade with traditional lines. I am in awe of the craftmanship of bench made furniture, the artistry of textiles and the endless creativity and engineering found in lighting.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Stay curious

What is your favorite food?
Mexican – and anything with guacamole

What is your favorite TV series?
Yellowstone

Amy can be reached in the Denver showroom at amyz@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-8100 x6976.

Employee Spotlight

MEET FARIN | DENVER FURNITURE 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.
My degree is in Interior Design and I was previously at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and Porcelanosa.

Where were you raised?
Denver, Colorado

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Myself and a former colleague designed the family room for the Denver Life Magazine Designer Showhouse in 2019. It was very fulfilling to be involved with the process from start to finish and to collaborate with local designers in the industry.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Thayer Coggin, Taracea, Verellen, and Old Biscayne are my initial favorites due to the look and custom options available. But as I dive into more products, I’m finding amazing pieces within each line.

What is your favorite color?
Earth tones

What is your favorite food?
Philly Cheese Steak

What is your favorite TV series?
Big Brother

Farin can be reached in the Denver showroom at farinf@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-8100 x6970.

Employee Spotlight

MEET CAROL | SCOTTSDALE SHOWROOM MANAGER

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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.
Interior Design has always been a passion of mine, but coming from a small town, I was never exposed to the world of design like I was after moving to Phoenix. After a couple of career changes, I started my journey in design January of 2014 by attending Scottsdale Community College. I have worked in a design showroom, with an interior designer, and with a home builder. I found that working with designers in a trade showroom is the best of both worlds. I get to help design beautiful homes without having the stress of being a designer. I enjoy what I do and can’t see myself doing anything else!

Where were you raised?
Yuma, AZ.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Nature and art.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Working on full houses. Something about putting it all together and seeing the joy of the client when they start to visualize their new home sparks so much joy for me.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
OBD because of all the custom capabilities. Interlude Home because of their aesthetic.

What is your favorite color?
Jewel tones and most shades of blue.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Spend time with my family (husband and 3 boys).

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
The roaring 20’s!! I love the way they dressed. It would be fun to see how much simpler lives were back then.

How would you characterize your design style?
I would say elegant modern with a touch of earthy.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss, you will still be among the stars.

What is your favorite food?
Tacos! You can put anything in a taco and it will be delicious.

What is your favorite TV series?
I used to love watching Divine Design with Candice Olson but since she left HGTV, I now stick to watching any cooking show with Bobby Flay or Guy Feiri.

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m excited to bring my experience to the CAI team.

Carol can be reached in the Scottsdale showroom at carolw@caidesigns.net or by phone at (480) 565-3775 x7060.