Employee Spotlight

MEET MARIA | TROY LIGHTING SPECIALIST

Leave a comment

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

Favorite Things

Amy’s Favorite Find

Leave a comment

The Selene 65 Pendant by Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting is a sculptural linear pendant inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene. It features hand cast glass in Full Moon White & New Moon Clear.

I love the attention to where light is placed along this fixture; integrated LED illuminating the glass discs and the canopy light highlighting the uncompromising craftsmanship of the metal finish. The design itself can play in both a traditional or modern aesthetic. It is a conversation piece and stands out to me for that reason.

Contact Amy, our Denver Lighting Specialist, at amyz@caidesigns.net or (303) 282-8100×6976

Favorite Things

Kelly’s Favorite Find

Leave a comment

The Mussels Cluster Pendant by Bomma is hand-blown and inspired by the organic beauty of the ocean. Finishes can be mixed and matched and you can choose options anywhere from a single pendant to a 20-light cluster.

This product is my favorite because there is nothing out there like this. The custom capabilities are amazing and the uniqueness of the artisan craftsmanship is beautiful. I love the fact that there are so many options to this series.

Contact Kelly, our Scottsdale Lighting Specialist, at kellyh@caidesigns.net or (480)-565-3775 x6937

Favorite Things

Carol’s Favorite Find

Leave a comment

The Daina Tray Set from Made Goods features a faux shagreen material and is available in various colors and sizes. It showcases a beautiful brass metal detail.

Trays are a great way to complete the design of a room, keep things nice and tidy, or add a splash of color.  It’s form and function in one and Made Goods does a great job of having tons of options available from which to choose. 

Contact Carol, our Scottsdale Showroom Manager, at carolw@caidesigns.net or (480)-565-3775 x 7060

Favorite Things

Claudia’s Favorite Find

Leave a comment

The Dakota Dining Table by Julian Chichester features a black stain oak top and a polished nickel base.

This beautiful table is a classic, a timeless piece. The bases are hand beaten, the finishes stunning, and the mid-century design will add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any space.

Contact Claudia, our Scottsdale Furniture Specialist, at claudiac@caidesigns.net or (480)-565-3775 x 6933

Favorite Things

Melissa’s Favorite Find

Leave a comment

The Bomma Dew Drops Pendant is lit by an internal LED light source that creates an iridescent glow. The crystal drops adhere to either vegan or natural leather belt. You can choose from many color options including tan, blue, black, silver and many others. There is a multitude of installation possibilities to make each project unique.

Dew drops and the entire Bomma collection is the most innovative lighting I have seen in many years. Joe and Glen discovered this gem of a line at the lighting show in Milan. Stop by the Arlington Heights Showroom to see it for yourself. It is truly a magnificent piece.

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

Favorite Things

Kevin’s Favorite Find

Leave a comment
Michel Ferrand Lounge Oval Dining Table in Sable on Oak

The Michel Ferrand Lounge Oval Dining Table is shown in Arlington Heights in Sable on oak. The light finish highlights the beauty and graining of the wood. With their custom sizing options and vast finish selection, Michel Ferrand products are able to fit any space and style.

My favorite feature of these tables is that you are able to have self-storing, center butterfly leaves. Now you can have an extension table without having to worry about where to store the leaves!

Contact Kevin, our Arlington Heights Showroom Manager, at kevinb@caidesigns.net or (847) 398-4785 x6760

Favorite Things

Marcy’s Favorite Find

Leave a comment

The LEE Industries 7071-01SW Swivel Chair is a versatile, smaller chair with many great options (stationary, swivel and swivel glider). Upholstered, slipcovered or skirted, this chair has a smaller footprint and could work in small or larger space without forfeiting comfort and/or style.

This spectacular chair fits all heights comfortably, a client favorite! There are many sofa sizes available and can also be customized by width. Lee offers many fabric choices, including a wide variety of performance fabrics. Great quality, comfortable cushions, quick shipping times and a look that never goes out of style is always why it’s a favorite of mine to show.

Contact Marcy, our Arlington Heights Furniture Specialist, at marcye@caidesigns.net or (847) 398-4785 x6761

Employee Spotlight

MEET TRICIA | INDIANA FURNITURE & FABRIC SPECIALIST

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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.