About Kande.
1982, St. Louis, MO: Inspired by the estates I coveted in the real estate section of my mom’s Sunday New York Times, I was destined for a career in residential design and construction. 1986, Bloomington, IN: Graduated Indiana University – Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. 1987, Chicago, IL: Began my design career with a leading Interior Merchandising firm in Chicago. Although I may have developed shin splints running through The Mart, my lake shore view from the top floor of the then Playboy building was worthwhile compensation. 1989: Hired as a Construction Project Manager with a high-end residential development firm, with an in-house stone fabrication and cabinet shop. This role was critical in my understanding of construction practices while working alongside much admired Chicago architects. Ask me to name drop, please! 1993, Boulder, CO: Fulfilled a dream to live in Colorado and began a sales career with a building specialty company in Boulder. This experience offered insight into the builder/supplier relationship, as well as supplier/vendor relationships. With a focus on woodwork, cabinetry, hardware and other finish materials, I was inspired daily. And, then the internet happened. 1999: Accepted an inside sales position at a 20,0000 square foot decorative plumbing and tile showroom in Denver. Yes, twenty thousand whole square feet. More than 500 faucets. 100’s of tile displays. I felt like I was attending the University of Plumbing and Tile. 2005, Steamboat Springs, CO: Joined the team at Habitat Construction. Working with and for speculative and custom clients provided great experience in the process of creating warm and easy vacation homes. 2010: Joined the Gerber Berend Design Build team – in the early years. 2015: Started my current business Designed Interiors LLC. 2016 & 2020: Awarded Best of Houzz Service based upon client satisfaction. 2023: Earned two NKBA Specialty Badges for Remodeling, and Floor Plans & Specifications. 2024: Earned NKBA Color Specialty Badge, and continuing to do my best to service the socks off my clients.
That’s me (in 2017) Kande, pronounced “Candy” just spelled funny.
And yes, if you ask me to climb onto your roof, I will.
+ Super Random Info
Growing up Mom taught me that a drive across town (St. Louis, MO) to find the “local” edition of the New York Times was a worthwhile expedition. We devoured the Sunday NY Times like other families ate brunch.
First, I clipped through the real estate section reading about the named estates I coveted. Next I’d turn to the puzzles and my favorite was called “WHAT’S THE DIFF” The foreshadowing to my ongoing fascination with “Before & After” photographs.
Meanwhile, I’ve never met a “WORD FIND” I did not want to tackle. Look out children’s menus, I’m ready for you! In the (very rare) case that you share my amusement of Word Finds….here you go, friend!