Manhattan Chapter

Felicitas Oefelein

Were there way fewer green product choices when you first became a designer? Absolutely. Many renewable materials such as cork and bamboo have been around for a long time. But today we can purchase cabinet handles made from upcycled ocean plastic. How amazing is this! I just bought a wonderful rug made from recycled PET yarn for my own living room. I am not sure I want to call myself a green designer. It's a path at best. I strive to be “greener” and to make the best choices I can for my clients and also for myself. But I also acknowledge that at this point nothing is 100 percent and we have a long way to go yet. Why did you join NKBA Manhattan Chapter? Kent Brasloff recommended the NKBA to me. I attended a meeting and loved it from the start—the community of people and strong ties to the industry. Being a small business owner can sometimes be isolating, and it’s fun to get out and have the support of peers on an ongoing basis. Tell us about your Industry City project. I have teamed up with fellow NKBA Manhattan member Sami Kelmendi to create an ECO center in Brooklyn’s Industry City. Sami took on an amazing 4,000 sq. ft. loft space on the waterfront. We see the need for a space that is both a resource center for clients and also industry professionals as well as an event space. Think of it as "one stop shopping" for the eco-conscious consumer. Whether you are only looking for a material—or are looking for a full-on home renovation—this will be the place to find help. You’re headed to Milan. Why is it important for designers to travel? I find it extremely important to get out there to see what others are up to. I visit local places like the New York Botanical Gardens. I also visit Germany two to three times a year because my father lives there. In general, I feel that Europe has a more modern and contemporary approach to design and more of a focus on sustainability than the U.S. I can’t wait to see what products and innovations are available at Milan Design Week. Right afterwards I’m headed to Germany to visit my dad to celebrate his 92nd birthday!

Jamie Keel

I have been interested in interior design for many years. Although I work with design through a manufacturer, Cambria, I am always intrigued by the use of fabrics, stone, a multitude of materials, and seeing the final results. I have been in the design industry for 5-plus years, currently with Cambria and previously premium audio and video with Magnolia.

My day-to-day is filled with meeting residential and commercial designers, kitchen and bath showrooms, architects, and many more industry partners. This includes in-person presentations, sample fulfillment, discussing new design launches, learning lunches, discussing Cambria, and networking with so many amazing people.  

Meeting new people day in and day out. There are so many awesome members in the design community with different backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge; you can learn so much from each person you meet and are lucky enough to have a conversation with. 

Jamie is set to take over as NKBA Manhattan Chapter Communication Chair in 2024

I love being part of a team, and a team player. I have served on the NKBA Council since August 2022, and once I heard NKBA Manhattan would have a board opening for Communications, I could not pass up the opportunity. Communication is truly the heart and soul of any organization. I'm excited to work with this Board of Directors, our chapter sponsors, and our extraordinary members. I look forward to getting to know new designers and industry partners and expanding my relationships with those I know.  

When asked for a piece of advice, Jamie shared this

Always get comfortable by being uncomfortable! Never stop taking those chances in your professional or personal life. Once you start becoming experienced and feeling more comfortable, start taking on something new, continuing your growth personally and professionally.  

TONI SABATINO

By Melisa Jahic -- Toni is truly a woman of many talents. She has been in the industry for her entire adult life. Previous to starting her own business, she worked as a designer and salesperson for a wholesale cabinet supplier, doing hundreds of kitchen, bath, and millwork designs per year. She also ran a plumbing supply and demonstrated solid surface materials.

When asked why she chose interior design as her career path, Toni said, “I love that design matters. Everything we use was designed by someone. Designers matter, and we positively impact how people live. Residential interior design is an opportunity to create a wonderful space for life to happen.”

Toni went on to say that understanding the needs and desires of the inhabitants and incorporating their passions into a space that reflects who they are and makes them feel beauty and happiness gives her a great sense of work satisfaction.

Toni couldn’t name just one thing to be deemed as her “favorite part” of the job, but she did mention that the opportunity to work with people and be creative makes her very happy.

When discussing her day-to-day, Toni explained that each day is unique. Some days have job-site visits, others paperwork, designing on Chief Architect, or placing and checking material orders. Meeting with clients and creating, reviewing, and revising plans is a big part of what she does as well, and she also loves to visit showrooms and attend trade shows and events to keep her outlook fresh and stay up on the new products that are being offered.

In terms of her contributions to our local chapter of the NKBA, which are many, Toni mentioned she truly appreciates the kitchen and bath business and wanted to give back to an industry that accepted her and allowed her to grow professionally and personally. “Joining the NKBA and becoming a board member was a great way to do that. I enjoyed all the positions I held: membership, communications, and president. I was honored to be NKBA Star Award winning Chapter President of the Year in 2019,” says Toni. Currently, sponsorship was a natural transition, due to all the relationships she formed during her time on the board, and we are lucky to have her.

When asked to share a piece of advice with our members, Toni left us with some wonderful words:

“Participate! Get involved! There is a wealth of knowledge and some great people at our NKBA chapter. It feels good to talk shop to people that understand and may even help you in some way with a connection or a product. Aside from the professional aspect, it is also just plain fun.”

Jeannine Price

By Diana Mosher -- Meet Jeannine Price, a highly regarded professional based in Eastern Long Island, New York. With over a decade of experience in luxury marketplace sales, Jeannine has emerged as a prominent figure in the industry.

Her artistic journey began early, nurtured by her grandfather, who served as her mentor, teaching her to paint. She channeled her artistic talents into various endeavors, including designing artwork for middle school theater, creating large-scale murals, and producing graphic art for local Hamptons publications. Her passion for drawing and architecture grew during her time at FIT, ultimately leading to a lifelong commitment to interior design, where she excelled in kitchen and bath design. This journey culminated in the formation of Redbarn Designworks two decades ago.

Jeannine's exceptional ability to collaborate with designers, architects, and design build firms sets her apart. Drawing from her extensive luxury design background, she seamlessly integrates her expertise into collaborative efforts, positioning herself as a leading consultant and designer within the Kitchen and Bath luxury marketplace.

Representing Waterworks across Long Island and the Hamptons, Jeannine fosters connections and elevates the brand's presence. Beyond her remarkable sales career, she currently serves as the Membership Chair for the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. She values learning from industry peers and surrounding herself with talented individuals, enabling her to stay up-to-date on the latest advances. Her active involvement in this association offers invaluable avenues for professional growth and contributions to the industry's advancement.

Jeannine's dedication to excellence is evident through her memberships in the NKBA, IDS, and ASID, and her achievements include claiming first place at the IDS Swatched event. Her outstanding work has garnered recognition, earning her features in respected publications.

On a personal level, growing up in a coastal town, Jeannine developed an appreciation for boating and beaches. She enjoys being surrounded by family and friends and finds happiness in her time spent with her husband and two daughters. With a heartfelt affection for animals, she commits herself to fostering senior dogs with disabilities.

Rose Ott

By Melisa Jahic -- This month’s member spotlight focuses on our Secretary/Treasurer, Rose Ott of Rose Ott Design. Rose has been involved in the industry since 2003. Previously, she worked in graphic design and fashion and painted murals and faux finishes for clients.

As a child, Rose loved rearranging her parents' house when they weren’t home. Their initial reaction was that there was something wrong with her! When they returned, they would find their entire home transformed, with accessories repositioned, furniture thoughtfully arranged, and even items removed if they seemed out of scale. Rose says she understood at a very young age how a room could feel from a simple adjustment and the shift in the experience of that room.

When she was doing faux finishes, clients often sought Rose's advice on furniture selections and placement, window treatments, and lighting. She soon recognized interior design as her true calling and returned to school. With a degree in fine arts and graphic design from a dual program at Oneonta and FIT, proceeding with the birth of her children, she received a certificate in interior design from the Metropolitan School of Interior Design.

Rose worked for a few different designers before opening her own design studio and mainly focused on interior design. As the years went on, she realized how much she loved the process of designing kitchens and baths, and instead of hiring a separate designer for those rooms, she took classes, joined the NKBA, and became certified. She now carries three lines of cabinetry so that she can meet any budget, and she absolutely loves it!

A bit about Rose’s day-to-day: Her routine kicks-off promptly at 5:00 am with the ritual of writing Morning Pages. This practice has been a consistent part of her daily life for years, helping to maintain clarity and map out the details of her day ahead. Following this, she works out, either attending a class or taking a bike ride on the boardwalk near her home. These are non-negotiables, and essential, Rose says, to her mental well-being in an often stressful industry.

Her schedule then encompasses a variety of activities, ranging from studio days, where she devotes her time to drawing, creating spec sheets, and sourcing materials, to days filled with back-to-back appointments. Rose plans her days meticulously, so as to allocate sufficient time to handle essential tasks such as billing, ordering, and managing general office responsibilities.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Rose says, “My absolute favorite part is helping clients transform their lives through thoughtful and intentional design. I love people and consider it a privilege that they trust me to bring their vision to life. The kitchen is especially rewarding— it’s like solving a puzzle and has the most profound impact on the people living there.”

Another asset of Rose’s career is her time spent with us over here at the NKBA. She says she learns something valuable at every chapter meeting and thoroughly enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals in the industry. When asked about her time on the board, she said it allows her to actively participate in fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared, skills are honed, and industry advancements are embraced.

Rose would like to share a snippet of advice with our chapter: “Actively engage and take full advantage of the resources, networking opportunities, and educational offerings available through the association. Attend chapter meetings, participate in workshops and conferences, and connect with fellow members to expand your knowledge, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and foster meaningful professional relationships. By actively involving yourself in the NKBA community, you can maximize the benefits and opportunities the association provides, leading to personal and professional growth.”

Rosenhaus Design Group, Inc.

Member Mark Rosenhaus delivered the talk "20 Practical Ideas to Improve Small and Large Kitchens" during KBIS Virtual 2021 for the Voices for the Industry. If you did not register for VFTI or you missed the talk, you can still watch the entire presentation on YouTube here.

Julie Schuster, CLIPP, IFSG

Programs Chair Julie Schuster, Julie Schuster Design Studio, will be interviewed on the Remodel Revolution Show with Alex Guthrie this coming Monday, March 3rd. Tune in live on the Remodel Revolution Show Facebook and YouTube pages at 12:00 PM EST—also available later on the Remodel Revolution podcast and LinkedIn page as well.

Barbara Roth

Certified Living in Place Professional Barbara S. Roth, of PS Rossy Design, had a project featured in Kitchen & Bath Business (February/March 2020).  The article offers a look into designing for accessibility and aging, peering into the processes and thinking behind some of the decision making. Titled "One for the Ages," the story can be found on page 64. Brava, Barbara!

Julie Schuster Design Studio

Julie Schuster was featured in Forbes on "Feng Shui's Potential Health Benefits." In the article, Schuster says feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing your home with nature, is gaining popularity as people become more interested in the connections between their homes and their health. This is certainly a timely topic, as millions of Americans spend more hours indoors, helping to flatten the curve of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Wellness design includes technology integration, better food preservation, improved lighting design, living in place design and better, more nurturing energy in our homes,” says Schuster.  Read more: https://bit.ly/2Gq4MpV

Rose Ott