Manhattan Chapter

Member Spotlight: Ann W. Cohen

26 days ago

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By NKBA Manhattan Staff

For Ann W. Cohen, a career in interior design began with a childhood fascination for color and craftsmanship. Growing up in Long Branch, New Jersey, she knew by the age of 11 that she wanted to become an interior designer. Much of that inspiration came from watching her grandfather, a contract painter who also built furniture for family members. His creativity left a lasting impression and sparked Ann's own passion for design.

While her parents didn't influence her career path directly, they did shape the way she approaches her work today. That guidance, paired with an early appreciation for craftsmanship, laid the foundation for a career centered on thoughtful design.

Learning the Business

Ann's first job after school was at Tressard, a custom wallpaper and fabric showroom in New York City's D&D Building. Surrounded by color every day, she worked alongside designers selecting wallpapers and fabrics for residential projects. It reinforced something she had believed since childhood: color is one of the most important elements in successful design.

A pivotal chapter came when she managed the kitchen showroom at Smolka in New York while continuing to run her own design projects. The experience gave her a behind-the-scenes understanding of kitchen design, revealing the technical details and practical considerations that are easy to overlook but essential to a successful project.

The Work Today

Today, Ann leads her own interior design practice, Ann W. Cohen Interiors, specializing in residential interiors with a focus on kitchens and baths. She manages her projects from start to finish, allowing her to catch problems before they happen while saving her clients both time and money.

Whether she's designing a custom kitchen, renovating a bath, or creating a piece of custom furniture, Ann enjoys guiding projects from concept through completion.

Lessons That Last

Throughout her career, Ann has been fortunate to learn from people willing to share their expertise. Her mother encouraged her to closely observe every trade on the job site, understanding not only what was being built, but how it should be built. That advice continues to influence the way she manages projects today.

"Design furniture from the inside out." — George, her contractor

She also credits an early furniture designer and contractor named George with teaching her how to design furniture "from the inside out." While working on a commercial reception desk, he walked her through the measurements and construction details required to create perfectly fitted drawers. It was a lesson she carried forward into countless custom furniture pieces.

Community and Connection

Ann joined NKBA in 2005 while developing and managing the kitchen showroom at Smolka. She credits the organization with broadening her knowledge of kitchen and bath design through its educational programs while introducing her to a network of designers who helped shape her career. Looking back, she sees those classes and relationships as an important part of her professional growth.

Beyond Design

Outside of work, Ann's greatest joy is spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoys bike riding, visiting museums and art galleries, painting in oils, and keeping active at the gym. A devoted basketball fan, she's just as happy watching a game as she is exploring a new exhibition.

One thing many colleagues may not know is that Ann also has a background in jewelry design. While married to a jeweler, she designed custom pieces for private clients, an experience that further sharpened her eye for scale, proportion, texture, and detail.

Looking Ahead

Ann continues to look for ways to make homes work smarter, particularly in New York City's compact apartments. She believes thoughtful built-in storage and organization can transform kitchens and baths into calmer, more functional spaces.

When asked what advice she'd offer those entering the profession, Ann's answer is simple: "Transparency, honesty, and trust are foundational core values." She believes open communication and collaboration with clients, contractors, and craftspeople create an environment where creativity can truly thrive.

Reminder

Member Spotlight: Ann W. Cohen