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.”