In our hectic world of designing spaces, we tend to forget the importance of getting to know who we are as designers! That’s why we started our series of “Meet Our Designer” where we have a space to ask questions and find out what makes each of us tick. Today we introduce to you, Abigail Syltie, one of our talented designers! See what we learned about Abigail below and what motivates her as a designer!

How would you describe your design style?

A clean eclectic style with a classic and timeless presence.  I try utilizing what inspires my client (maybe a small memento or a painting from their travels) and taking my expertise to join forces and create a unique space that they can enjoy.

 

What is your favorite part of working with clients?

Getting to know their needs, passions, and what makes them tick.  This is my favorite part of my job by far!  It’s amazing the connection of asking “Is there anything more to that?”

If someone wanted to DIY their kitchen remodel, what advice would you give them?

I tell them that the DIY shows are dramatized for ratings.  It is wise to trust a professional that has experience in remodeling, specifically kitchens and bathrooms.

What is an average day for you like?

My morning routine is very important before I start my workday.  It’s a simple routine that keeps me focused throughout the day. There are 7 simple steps – make my bed, drink a glass of water, brush my teeth with my left hand, pray & devotion, yoga or gym, read for 20 minutes, and drink brain tea while journaling.  Work begins with emails and phone calls that need to be made. Plus, I typically have a step 1 measure or design meeting every day.  I also meet clients at vendor showrooms or meet at their home to review cabinet or countertop installations. Overall, the day is fast and furious but very exciting and rewarding! Then in the evenings, I unwind by painting, playing guitar, or hanging with friends.

What are 3 words that describe you?

Courageous, compassionate, and adventurous.

Where do you look to for inspiration?

I look for inspiration everywhere! Traveling overseas to see architecture and cultures I have never seen really inspires me.  I look online at Houzz, Dwell, and design-milk.com and numerous magazines. I look around me every day at nature, architecture, fashion, and details even on the car next to me at a stop light.

If you could go back to your first year as a designer, what is one thing you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish there was a course in college that could teach us about how to handle real-life situations with projects; such as proactive tools to help move jobs forward. I also wish I would have known early on about the legal and tax side of the design business.

If you could have a celebrity as a client, who would it be and why?

Audrey Hepburn…although she has passed I think she would have the classic style that would collaborate on together.  I envision her giving her options and me carrying these out with a lot of old Hollywood classic glamour!

What is your favorite phase of a project (the pre-design work, the beginning/demo, middle, or end/completion)?

Pre-design and beginning.  Getting to know my client and their needs.  Space planning and getting the overall vision for the project is really enjoyable for me.

When you’re not busy designing at work, what do you spend your time doing?

I have many hobbies and creative outlets outside of work.  Studying to gain more knowledge about design, painting, guitar, and singing, listening to live music, running, spending quality time with friends, and volunteering my time to help others.

What does ‘Kitchen Design Concepts’ mean to you?

KDC has been an interesting change for me that I am very grateful for.  About 6 months ago I needed a change of environment and as fate would have it Kitchen Design Concepts hired me on as a designer for the Carrollton location.

Tell me one fun fact about you that no one really knows.

I was raised on a sustainable farm in the Texas hill country surrounded by my 5 siblings, chickens, cattle, and a lot of fresh air.  My mom taught us how to make homemade cheese, bread, and how to sew.  My dad taught us how to process chickens and grow every kind of vegetable imaginable.  I was taught the value of hard work early on but also how to enjoy life even if it gets hard sometimes.  I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to raise us this way.

Thanks for checking in with us today! Want to meet some of our other designers? Check out, Rebecca and Rachel!