Meet Claudia Clouse – Scottsdale Showroom Sales

Claudia ClauseWhat is your past  work experience/education?:
I was a dancer in Brazil and had always been drawn to Fashion, Arts & Design. My father became a carpenter later in life and he inspired me to appreciate artisans and the beauty of being a craftsman. I also like to travel and I am amazed how rich and diverse other cultures are.
I became involved in the field by “accident”- One of my neighbors was a manager for a furniture showroom in the suburbs of Chicago and invited me to take a part-time position. From that point on my appreciation and interest grew. I went back to school part-time after my son was born and have been working ever since.

Where were you raised?
I was born and raised in Brazil and lived in Sao Paulo until I was 21. The energy of a fast moving city still excites me!

What was your most rewarding project and why?
I just love to start a project with an heirloom piece, something that has been passed around. It’s inspiring to be able to build and collaborate with your client, to envision their dream home and to make that come to fruition.

How would you characterize your design style?
Definitely eclectic. Mixing Old World colors, shapes and fabrics with a new piece. I also love Mid Century Design.

In your experience working at C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
I have just started to learn about our lines, but so far I love Interlude Home, Maria Yee, and Taracea. They are clean, chic and timeless. The craftsmanship is an art form and the sustainable materials are crucial for the well being of our planet!

What is your favorite color?
Colors from nature. Greens, orange/rust, eggplant…

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family, friends and my dog. Good wine, listen to Brazilian and Classical music and to read. Yoga, meditation, and Zumba.

What is your favorite food?
Anything vegetarian with different herbs and spices. I cook rice, lentils, and vegetables with lots of garlic and onions. I do love Japanese food too!

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Is there anything you do to get you inspired when you hit a slump?
My inspiration comes from the lines and the architecture from Turkey, Egypt, France, and Brazil. I look into nature if I hit a slump. Colors and forms from the mountains and the ocean. Or going to a concert/ballet/museum works too. I just watched Loving Vincent, it was amazing.

Claudia can be reached in person at our showroom in the Scottsdale Design District, by email at claudiac@caidesigns.net or by phone at 480-565-3775 x6933

Welcome Burton James to Scottsdale

C.A.I. Designs is proud to represent Burton James in our Scottsdale Showroom. The Burton James line is now represented in all FOUR locations.

burton james seating area

Burton James was formed in 1983, with a mission to provide hand-crafted upholstered furniture with the premium on customer interaction and service. It’s three founding principals, all industry veterans, each brought their own specific talents to the company.

The company’s commitment to quality product and superior service has stayed true to its founding mission. 30 years later, Burton James has one of the most loyal customer bases in the industry.

burton james swivel chairJoin us at Desert Design Days

THURSDAY, NOVERMBER 30th

as we welcome
Mark Landres, Creative Director of Burton James together with Philip Chavez, Buyer/Merchandiser of C.A.I. Designs as they present a panel discussion
TRENDS IN THE MARKETPLACE

Lunch will be served at 12:30pm
Presentation will follow at 1:00pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Denver May Launch

Thank you to all who attended this years May Launch at the Denver Design District. It was a packed house as Jeff Lindquist of Hubbardton Forge gave an educational CEU on sustainability. Hubbardton Forge also raffled off a modern table lamp!Jeff Lindquist and staff 

With anticipation for Springs arrival, floral arrangements were custom created and displayed throughout the showrooms. Some of the arrangements were raffled off. Congratulations to our winners!

Blog Post-FlowerWinners
Raffle Winners Kristie Dinner and Chalea Fields

The evening continued with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres to end the days events. Thank you to all the guests who stayed throughout the day to make our evening a successful and relaxing end of the night!

Click Here to view all photos from the day’s event. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

The New Year is looking BRIGHT

Celesse Pendant

Look on the bright side in 2017 – Hubbardton Forge introduces the Celesse Pendant. With adjustable rings hung from two steel cables, the Celesse constellation can be personalized with soft gold or vintage platinum for the rings, and standard steel finish or the new gloss white for the core. What a beauty!

Celesse Pendant

Finalist_ColorNot only do we think that this pendant is amazing, but so does the Architect & Design Community who voted for this product in the Interior Design’s Best of Year Award…AND WON IT!

 

The Interior Design’s Best of Year is the design industry’s premiere design awards, honoring the most significant work of the year as well as recognizing designers, architects and manufacturers from around the globe. Now celebrating its 11th year, Interior Design’s Best of Year (affectionately known as BoY) has become the ultimate measure of excellence, showcasing what’s happening today in every category of design while simultaneously setting the design bar even higher for the future.

Holiday Inspirations with Candice Olson

Thank you to all who attended the annual “Holiday Inspirations” at the Arlington Design Center featuring renowned designer and TV personality, Candice Olson.

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L to R: Kay Para, Ilene Chase, Candice Olson and Randy Heller
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The crowd awaits for Candice to arrive

Over 200 guests enjoyed a special presentation in the C.A.I. Designs warehouse, where guests entered through a specially designed vignette featuring some of Candice Olsons fabrics and wallcoverings. The evening continued with an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres and carving station from Elegante Catering.

The concept of Holiday inspirations was not only created to thank our clients for a great year, but also to inspire guests with creative ideas that you use for entertaining during the holidays in your own home. Below is the vignette in the C.A.I. Designs Showrooms, created by the showroom staff.

A Red Carpet step and repeat banner stood in the center for guests to share the special event.

We thank our clients for a great year and look forward to a prosperous and Happy New Year! Cheers!