Keith Gegg established Gegg Design & Cabinetry in 1996. Educated and working as a mechanical engineer for 16 years, Keith always had an appreciation for architecture and design. He is self-taught in trade skills in design, flooring, tile and carpentry. Starting off on a referral basis, Keith eventually left his engineering job to fully focus on Gegg Design & Cabinetry. In 2003, he opened a small showroom and in 2006 moved to a larger space to accommodate all of his product offerings. Keith’s goal is to provide clients with a design that reflects their living habits and personality. His passion for design, focus on details and proportion, combined with a degree in mechanical engineering, are the foundation for his design approach. Outside of business, much of Keith’s time is consumed by photography. He volunteers for Christian Brothers College High School, photographing over 300 events for the school. He is also actively involved in his church, has participated in the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kitchen Tour, Habitat for Humanity and several mission trips to Central America.
SLHL: What does it take to deliver exceptional design?
Keith: Making the design reflect the client. It is so important to understand what the client wants or why they want to make a change. If the client is unsure of what they want; then educate them, help them understand their options, learn what they like and don’t like, what is or isn’t important to them. Always present alternative concepts that stimulate discussion about the space, always looking for a better way.
SLHL: What is the first step you take when designing a project of any size?
Keith: Defining the space. For remodels or additions, I visit the site to understand the house, the flow, what the client likes and dislikes about the house. For new construction, it is best to be a part of the design process as early as possible to minimize changes in the plans and to work in conjunction with the architect and have the ability to adjust window locations, passage ways or wall locations. In either case, the first step is to get to know the space and what can and can not change.
SLHL: What advice would you give to someone just starting a design career?
Keith: Get to know your client, understand what they want to accomplish and then present ideas that achieve their wants and needs. Try to present multiple ideas to challenge the client beyond what they may have imagined. Work in a collaborative atmosphere taking input from the client, architect, interior designer, contractor, etc. Take care of the details and do the little things that make the final result special.
Resources
Gegg Design & Cabinetry, 636-394-4455http://geggdesign.com
