Tag Archives: furniture specialist

Employee Spotlight

Meet Jamie | Chicago Furniture Specialist

1 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 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

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 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 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 FARIN | DENVER FURNITURE 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.
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 Deborah | Chicago Furniture Specialist

Leave a comment

What is your past work
experience/education?
I most recently assisted in the opening of the Natuzzi Italia showroom in Lincoln Park, Chicago. It was an invaluable study in clean sophisticated design lines with a color palette of Southern Italy with soothing qualities to bring to every home as we work, and gather for the important events of life. With a background in fine art, I approach design in the role of curator!

Where were you raised?
I was born in Washington DC, raised just beyond the Beltway in Maryland.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from my lineage of strong women in my family, every art museum lingered in, outsider art venue experienced plus the heart of the amazing city of Chicago through it’s diverse neighborhoods.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
My most rewarding project was the client who bought the furniture first before he found the home! We worked to create the energy of leathers and fabrics on pieces which provided respite and inspiration for his global profession. You can imagine my elation when the property was purchased and all designs worked!

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
I am excited to work with Palecek, bringing outdoor ease indoors and to rooftop gatherings! I love the textures and finish detail of each piece. Also, newly landed in the Chicago, C,.A.I. Designs showroom, Verellen. The snuggly Theo swivel, the look of covered dining chair legs brings a hushed elegance to dining. Can’t wait to pair them with sculptural dining tables of Phillip Selva!

How would you characterize your design style?
Transitional, firmly planted but looking forward.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
All things art. I am working with a photo vellum series layered with gold leaf. My children are currently on 3 different continents. We look forward to safe traveling to visit each other.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Paris in the late 1800’s when it became a city of fashion, architecture and art. The international exposition changed the way we saw everything.

What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is the color of tumbled sea glass. Walking Oak street beach collecting pale greens and blues.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Trinity to Neo in the Matrix: “You’ve been down that road before…” paired with the slow motion frames of the movie where Trinity and Neo are in the back seat of the car as the back door swings open, a long telescoping look down a rain covered, deserted road.

What is your favorite food?
Right now, almost post pandemic, Small Cheval’s vanilla Amaretto shake sharing golden fries, one for me and one for my Dachshund, Will!

What is your favorite TV Series?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Crown!

Anything else you would like to share?
Please stop in and say hello when you are next at the Mart!

Deborah can be reached in the Chicago showroom at deboraha@caidesigns.net or by phone at (312) 755-9163 x7003