From start to finish, this Thirty Under 30 exudes passion. By Loren Kessell

 

Lindsay Cerilli, one of NKBA’s 2018 Thirty Under 30 honorees, knew she wanted to be in the architecture and interior design business since she was six.

“I used to sketch blueprints of homes,” Cerilli said, “and my six-year-old self would insist on only using the Cerulean Blue Crayola color when sketching in order to have an authentic blueprint.”

Now 29, she owns Cerulean Concepts — named after her affinity for the crayon — in Leander, Tex., where she’s the lead designer. She worked her way into the kitchen and bath industry after studying abroad in Europe and graduating with a B.S. in Interior Design.

Her passionate work ethic fostered a job opportunity with NKBA member Jonas Carnemark, CKD, of Carnemark Design + Build, which allowed her to learn the fundamentals of the industry.

“Lindsay had a keen eye for color and form,” Carnemark said. “Her passion for the process of good design, plus her attention to detail and her organized manner made it easy for customers and team members alike to understand and appreciate the end result.”

“While working for Jonas, I truly learned the value of having a solid process. The design-build world of remodeling is often unpredictable,” Cerilli said. “Jonas taught me the importance of having a process from the start of the project with estimating, measuring, and an achievable timeline. By following the processes that were set in place from the beginning of the project, I saw first-hand the results of happy customers and trade partners.”

Cerilli chatted about the industry, her secret to success, and what her future holds.

NKBA: What has your career been like since you’ve been recognized as a Thirty Under 30?

LC: It has been a true honor being selected as a Thirty Under 30 because of the highly regarded recognition within the industry; my company has started profitable business partnerships with NKBA affiliated builders.

NKBA: What is your design philosophy, and what is your favorite thing to design?

LC: My design philosophy is to create cohesive functional spaces that my clients will love now and will still love in 10 years. My favorite room to design is the kitchen — I love orchestrating all of the finishes to come together.

NKBA: How did you get to where you are now? What challenges and accomplishments have you experienced?

LC: My “secret sauce” in the industry has always been working with intent and process, prompt follow-ups — and to always keep smiling. I primarily work in new-home construction, which comes with its fair share of daily challenges because of all of the details and trades involved. Using tried-and-true processes to choose and document all of the design details needed before construction starts has resulted in happy clients and builders, which by itself is a huge accomplishment!

NKBA: Is there a particular accomplishment you are most proud of so far in your career?

LC: I am humbled and in constant disbelief that I was able to start my own design firm and am able to do what I love — interior design — every day, and make a healthy, hardworking and honest living.

NKBA: What type of design would you consider your specialty?

LC: Hill Country Contemporary.

NKBA: What would you like to try designing in the future? Is it something you have designed before and want to try again, or is it something you’ve never done before?

LC: I primarily work on custom residential homes and light commercial, but in the future, I would like to try designing a restaurant, as I have been collecting ideas for years!

NKBA: How do you grow as a designer and stay current with trends?

LC: To grow as a designer, I try to always keep an open mind and an eager heart to learn from the veterans in the industry. Being involved in NKBA and KBIS is also a great way for me to be introduced to new construction methods and products.

NKBA: What are some of the trends you’re seeing in design? And in outdoor kitchen design?

LC: A current trend that I see is the use of creative panel molding. Growing up in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, millwork was common and thought of as traditional. I am loving the trend of using different sizes and shapes of moldings. They remind me of the classic look with a fresh, modern twist.

NKBA: What is a type of project you have a lot of clients asking for?

LC: A lot of clients ask for help in turning their new construction homes into a “farmhouse style” home with architectural character.

NKBA: What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

LC: Admit what you don’t know and partner with the most knowledgeable and professional sub-contractors. This piece of advice has allowed me to learn something new each day, and has helped me become a better designer.