- September 8, 2021
- Florence Von Pelet
The Designhounds are back in action with our first IN PERSON event since 2020 with our partner brand Signature Kitchen Suite. We are thrilled to welcome 18 Designhounds to Influencer Summit: The Future is Now at Signature Kitchen Suite’s all new headquarters in New Jersey for a day filled with product and design inspiration, roundtable business discussions and much needed human to human connection and networking. Follow along on social with hashtags: #SKSxdesignhounds #Sksappliances and #TruetoFood to catch highlights from the day.
Meet and follow our Designhounds below.
POETIC MODERNISM® FOR EVERYDAY LIVING Interior Architectural Designer Michele Alfano, WELL AP, NCIDQ, ASID, IIDA, ASSOC AIA, principal of Michele Alfano Design, LLC has developed a new evolution in the modern design movement: reviving your space and recharging your life with POETIC MODERNISM®. Her purpose is to design innovative spaces that will recharge her clients physically and mentally so they can bring their “A” game to business and life decisions.
Follow Michele here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Anna Gibson is a CKBD certified kitchen and bathroom designer. Hailing from Israel, she has been based in Reston for the past 20 years. Growing up with a civil engineer dad, Anna is no stranger to hard hats and construction sites. With over 18 years of her own hands-on experience in residential construction, coupled with a natural ability for design and architecture, Anna provides a wealth of knowledge and creativity to her customers. Keeping up with her international upbringing Anna loves to travel around the world to collect new ideas that help inspire her design work. Anna works across the full spectrum of projects ranging from multi-unit condominiums to multi-million dollar custom homes. Anna’s biggest passion is kitchens as she strives to create spaces that enhance her clients’ lifestyles.
Follow Anna here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Sarah Wilson, a full service design professional with a talent for creating extraordinary customized interiors, specializes in helping successful professionals in and around the DC, Maryland and Virginia area transition into new living spaces.
Sarah has been published in KBB magazine and featured in many industry publications.
Follow Sarah here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Jennifer Moreau is principal designer and owner of Moreau Designs, based in Granby CT. Operating for 15 years from her home studio, Jennifer brings a natural design and artful aesthetic to her client’s homes. Specialties of Moreau Designs are customized furniture, built-ins and architectural features. Jennifer previously appeared on monthly segments of CTLive, a Connecticut based lifestyle show, where she shared her design expertise. Moreau Designs has recently branched out into Restaurant and Hospitality Design with the belief that environments can create memorable experiences. We continue to strive for calming and interactive spaces that make a positive impact on the lives of the people that inhabit them.
Follow Jennifer her: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Solara Designs, Inc was founded in 2002. After 10 years of working for other kitchen & bath companies, Alison fulfilled her vision of starting her own design company which was soon followed by the opening of a retail showroom in 2004 in Long Island, NY. After 25 years of designing Alison was motivated to branch out into the field of continuing education. With a desire to share her many years of experience to beginning designers and experienced designers Coaching was added to the list of services offered.The dream becomes reality as l<BD A is founded in 2019! An online teaching and learning membership site devoted entirely to all things educational for designers. Ali son ‘ s philosophy is ” Know ledge is Power ” , so devoting all her time t o teaching and coaching is where you will find her these days.
Follow Alison here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Cindy Dzurita is the principal and founder of CD Interiors established in 2000. Cindy started her business with one goal in mind: provide her clients with exclusive designs that are reflective of their individuality. She creates balanced interiors, blending modern influences with vintage accents. High-end finishes, sumptuous wall coverings & custom furnishings combine to create a unique space that reflects the homeowner’s lifestyle. Cindy has a unique ability to connect with her clients and give them the personal attention they deserve. Her clients have the ability to influence their living space, while being guided by a veteran of the design industry. CD Interiors has a well-deserved reputation as a designer that delivers unique, memorable spaces as is evident by a client base built on referrals and repeat clients.
Follow Cindy here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Marina is a certified Interior Designer & Feng Shui practitioner in New York & New Jersey. Marina has a highly innovative approach to interior design. Like other interior designers, she focuses on the aesthetics and functionality of a space, but her approach also includes a common-sense application of universal Feng Shui principles, which promote harmony and balanced energy throughout a space. She cares deeply about helping people create lasting improvements in their lives. And she does that by creating lasting improvements in their environments. Being a Vegan designer as well as LEED & WELL AP accredited, Marina always strives to create eco-friendly and cruelty free interiors that promote health and wellness. Marina is a professional member of ASID and was just elected to the Board of Directors at the New Jersey chapter of ASID as Communications Director. She served on the board of the International Feng Shui Guild in the past and is currently a Red Ribbon professional member of The IFSG as well as a member of the Vegan Design Council.
Follow Marina here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Michael Kaestner is the owner of Kaestner Designs in Philadelphia, PA. With over 18 years experience as a kitchen designer, Michael works with Interior Designers and Remodelers to implement specialized kitchen designs. Michael is a board member of NKBA MidAtlantic and has been published in KBB Magazine. Michael holds CLIPP Certification from the Living In Place Institute. Michael lives in Philadelphia with his girlfriend Cynthia and their beloved Boston Terrier Enzo. Michael Kaestner is the owner of Kaestner Designs in Philadelphia, PA. With over 18 years experience as a kitchen designer, Michael works with Interior Designers and Remodelers to implement specialized kitchen designs. Michael is a board member of NKBA MidAtlantic and has been published in KBB Magazine. Michael holds CLIPP Certification from the Living In Place Institute. Michael lives in Philadelphia with his girlfriend Cynthia and their beloved Boston Terrier Enzo.
Follow Michael here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Christine Conte Interiors is an award winning, full service boutique interior design studio located in Huntington, Long Island. With a primary focus on residential design, Christine takes pride in creating stylish and functional homes that are as unique and special as the people who live in them.Projects by Christine Conte Interiors have appeared in House Magazine, The Pulse and The Long Island Press along with being quoted in House Magazine, Newsday and The Long Island Press for her professional opinion and advice. She is currently a contributing partner for House Magazine. Christine is a member of the ASID NY Metro Chapter as well as a member of The Interior Design Society of Long Island. She is the current ASID Metro Chapter Long Island Liaison. Recent award-winning projects included 1st place in the BIDOLI for a dining room project awarded by the Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design and a “Designer of the Year” award for a living room project given by The Interior Design Society of Long Island. In addition to working at her firm, Christine also currently teaches the “Professional Business Practices” class at the MIID to interior design students.
Follow Christine here: Instagram, Facebook
Swati Goorha is the Principal of her Namesakes firm, Swati Goorha Designs. She is an internationally recognized designer known for world-inspired, layered spaces saturated in color and patterns. Swati is a multilingual, avid global traveler, and her exposure to different cultures lends her design innovativeness, best-of-breed quality, and unique perspective. She holds an MS in Interior Architecture and Design. Swati’s designs are a sum of her client’s experiences informed by the architecture of their home. Each client is unique, and each design caters to the lifestyle of the person who inhabits the space- this is the principal guiding philosophy behind Swati’s designs. Swati has designed residences and commercial spaces all over the country. A House Beautiful Advisory Board Member, Swati has been featured in significant publications nationally and internationally, like House Beautiful, Vogue India, Business of home, Economic Times, amongst others. She is also NYDesign Centre’s WNWN 2021 Ambassador. Swati is also involved with several nonprofit organizations to give back to the community. She has participated in Designer show houses like Grace’s house, supporting the Valerie Fund and the Mansion in May, supporting, The Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center. She has been the President of SNP, NJ Rotary Club for 2018 – 2019, and Vice president of Overlook Auxiliary hospital board. She continues to support several other charities and not-for-profit organizations supporting Women and children.
Follow Swati here: Facebook, Instagram, Website
Joan Ravasy ASID, NKBA -Residential Interior Designer transforming and reinventing living spaces from ordinary to extraordinary while translating client desires reflecting their changing lifestyles in classic and timeless ways that transcend time. Joan Ravasy, a professional member of American Society of Interior Designers, currently serving on ASID NY Metro Board, member of NKBA and Presenter of VFTI at KBIS 2020 and 2021, 2022, serving clients in NJ, NYC and Florida and presently working on several state of the art kitchen and baths along with new builds in Florida. Joan also serves on the Design Council of Signature Kitchen Suite and Baldwin Hardware and is a proud member of DesignHounds.
Follow Joan here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Robin Baron is an award-winning interior designer, luxury home furnishings designer, and lifestyle expert who educates and inspires. She launched her full-service design firm in 1990 after starting out in fashion design. Her unique point of view attracted clientele that quickly grew to include celebrities and heads of major corporations. In 2018, Robin expanded her business with her Signature home furnishings collections including hardware, rugs, case goods, upholstery, and lighting. Robin is a Past President of ASID NY Metro and is active in many industry organizations. She is an influencer, mentor, public speaker and Spokesperson/Brand Ambassador. Today, Robin Baron Design includes her full-service design firm, her Signature collections and a multi-channel e-commerce site that provides a unique opportunity for designers and consumers to shop curated products with direct access to Robin’s expert advice and design sensibility.
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Rebecca Reynolds is the principal of CT based Rebecca Reynolds Design and Co-Founder of the Kitchen Design Network. Rebecca has been widely published in local and national design publications. She is best known for creative space planning and personalized kitchens and interiors. Some career highlights include creating conceptual designs for the Modenus/ DXV national design campaign collaboration, being selected by Kitchen and Bath News as one of 50 Top Kitchen Influencers, Kitchen Designer of the Year by Viking Ranges, a kitchen design for Traditional Home Magazines Napa Showhouse, Blogger19, group for BRIZO.
Follow Rebecca here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
dvd Interior Design Studio is located in the NYC area and is an interior design firm specializing in kitchen design, bathroom design, and custom cabinetry, with over 25 years of design excellence. Deborah von Donop, lead designer at DVD INTERIOR DESIGN has an expansive career range in the design industry , covering over 25 years and a wide variety of professional experiences and endeavors. NCIDQ, LEED GA, ASID, and current member of NKBA. Deborah’s work as an Interior Designer and Decor Blogger keeps her involved in a variety of projects both as a freelance consultant and project designer. Deborah is also the Editor and Founder of a national blog, dvd Interior Design, an online decor destination for design tips, resources, and events for home, kitchen , and bath. She is a guest writer for a variety of other sites including iBlog Magazine, Blissfully Domestic, National Organization of Professional Organizers, and more. She writes weekly on design resources, highlights from industry events, and interior design topics aimed to educate and inspire her readers.
Follow Deborah here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Cindy Dzurita is the principal and founder of CD Interiors established in 2000. Cindy started her business with one goal in mind: provide her clients with exclusive designs that are reflective of their individuality. She creates balanced interiors, blending modern influences with vintage accents. High-end finishes, sumptuous wall coverings & custom furnishings combine to create a unique space that reflects the homeowner’s lifestyle. Cindy has a unique ability to connect with her clients and give them the personal attention they deserve. Her clients have the ability to influence their living space, while being guided by a veteran of the design industry. CD Interiors has a well-deserved reputation as a designer that delivers unique, memorable spaces as is evident by a client base built on referrals and repeat clients.
Follow Cindy here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Nina Green is the Owner/Principal Interior Designer of NGD Interiors, an award-winning luxury interior design firm based in the Philadelphia area. Nina graduated from Harrington College of Design with a BFA in Interior Design and has gone on to have her projects published in multiple magazines and design media outlets including Architectural Digest, Design NJ, Cape May Magazine, KBDN, KBB and HGTV.com. Nina was recognized in 2020 by Kitchen & Bath Design News as a “Top Innovator” and was awarded National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) inaugural “30 Design Professionals Under 30.” Nina is a frequent commentator for publications, podcasts, and guest judging and influencer groups such as Designhounds . Nina’s dedication to her clients and her passion for interior design continue to be the foundation for the success of NGD Interiors.
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James Bruyn is the President and Lead designer of Bruyn Designed and Hudson Valley Kitchen Design Center. Hudson Valley Kitchen Design Center takes pride in their design forward thinking that is applied to all of their projects. At Hudson Valley Kitchen Design Center, they specialize in all areas of a client’s residence that require personalized storage solutions. Between James and his staff, he is proud to offer over 125 years of combined design experience to our clients. James started his career in the Kitchen and Bath field in 1998 working for MasterWork Kitchens in Goshen NY, before transitioning to Design and Sales for Kuiken Brothers Lumber in Warwick NY. With the recession of 2008, James became an independent consultant to many kitchen and bath showrooms which allowed him to work on projects up and down the East coast. from Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. all the way to Miami, Fl. In 2016 James established Bruyn Designed and in 2017 James bought out Hudson Valley Kitchens, which was rebranded to Hudson Valley Kitchen Design Center in late 2019.
Follow James here: Instagram, Facebook, Website
