About

Meet the Designer

My design philosophy is client driven not personally driven – I hope that my designs reflect your style and what you described as wanting to achieve, not just another mass-produced kitchen. I like that I never know what style I’m going to do next week and when I think this year is all about Mid Century modern, a southwest contemporary client walks through the door, or when I’m prepared to answer the question if a white kitchen is timeless (which it is) the universe sends me a blue kitchen. It’s just enough to keep me loving all styles of design and not claiming one as my signature style.

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Carlie Korinek CMKBD, Allied ASID

Business Owner, Designer

Carlie is a true Tucson native, born and raised in Arizona. In the early 2000s, when long-distance higher education was emerging, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University while working full time for a high-end kitchen and bath design firm in Tucson. She refined her skills there over 16 years before starting her own firm in 2014 and obtaining her contractor’s license. Carlie’s passion, skill, and dedication earned her the highest designation in the industry from the NKBA: Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. Beyond her thriving career in design, Carlie is a triathlete, having completed several Olympic, Half, and Full Ironman races. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Chris, and relaxing with her two cats, Ladybird and Hawkeye.

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FAQ

After our initial jobsite meeting—where we discuss your vision and take measurements—future meetings will be held at my studio. There, you’ll be able to see examples of cabinetry construction, functionality, styles, and finishes. Our address can be found under the Contact Us link.
If it were only that simple! Using a straightforward remodel as a baseline, it typically takes about two months from our first site meeting to ordering cabinets and signing contracts.
Currently, cabinets usually take 6–8 weeks to be manufactured. During that time, demolition often takes place so the space is ready for installation soon after the cabinetry arrives.
Once the cabinets are installed, countertops, electrical, and plumbing work generally take another 4–6 weeks to complete.
All together, this means a typical project takes about 5–6 months from start to finish, with roughly half of that time (around 3 months) involving various stages of construction. Naturally, the more complex the remodel, the longer the timeline.
I also have a project timeline worksheet that helps us define the schedule and expectations for your specific remodel.
Most remodels are reasonably able to be lived-in during the process; the Licensed General Contractors we work with will help with staging temporary refrigeration/cooking, protective barriers and key-safes for access. We can make recommendations to reduce the discomfort of some of the nosier/dustier tasks. Scheduling vacations during early demo can alleviate some discomfort (with technology we can communicate seamlessly), or an AIRBNB nearby, or a friend that needs a house sitter can all be a little relief from the remodel.
If you are running late for our appointment a text or a call will do. My preferred form of communication for job information is email so that I have one place to look and catalog what we discussed for your project.
Check, Chase Autopay, Zelle (5205125115) and credit cards (3.5% transaction fee applies). We can arrange for wire transfers and ACH payments.
I’m often asked whether I serve as the project manager for your remodel. The answer is no, and here’s why:
• Project managers are usually on site frequently—if not daily. They handle all aspects of the job, including hiring trades, purchasing materials, and scheduling services.
• My role centers on crafting your design vision, with a specialty in cabinetry. From initial concepts to final installation, I manage every detail related to your cabinetry.
• I consult hourly on design features that surround your cabinetry—like counters, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and backsplashes. I’ll recommend trusted product partners that compile the necessary specifications for your project manager to execute. I’ll be your trusted advocate as you sort through these choices to keep the design on track.
• However, I do not write specifications or purchase materials outside of cabinetry. Cabinetry alone is a full-time focus for my team and me.
In summary, my role once the project starts is in cabinetry management—from design to installation—while your project manager oversees the broader construction process. This structure ensures you have specialists dedicated to each aspect of your remodel for the best possible results.
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