NKBA 30 under 30 designer profile: Jessica Altman

In July, the GE Monogram Experience Center in Louisville, Kentucky, hosted the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 30 under 30 designers. These designers were nominated by their peers and have already shown impressive results in their careers. And they are a lot of fun!

We interviewed each designer to learn a little more about their background and design experiences so far. Today’s profile highlights Jessica Altman, a certified kitchen designer with Hatchett Design Remodel in Virginia Beach, VA.

 

 

SRFD: How did you become interested in design?

Jessica: I cannot remember a time when I didn’t have a dollhouse to decorate or plans to remodel my bedroom … I have always enjoyed making things beautiful … I have been lucky to find a way of bringing not only beauty but function into my clients’ lives through my design work.

SRFD: Tell us about a recent project you really enjoyed.

Jessica: I recently worked on a Hawaiian-themed kitchen, in the always traditional state of Virginia. The clients had a multigenerational household; a family member in a wheel chair, a toddler who needed room for his trike in the kitchen, as well as three dogs and several other family members of different ages. So I spent a lot of time creating a functional work space for all different sizes, needs and abilities … as well as making the kitchen look as beachy/Hawaiian as I could (only a 4800 mile difference!) in a one story, traditional ranch home. This job was the most fun and most challenging job I had worked on in years! When it was done, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

 

 

SRFD: A trend you’re over?

Jessica: I’m so over RIVER ROCK. This might not be a kitchen item, but I could go a LONG time without seeing it again. In the kitchen, I’m over granite.

SRFD: A trend you’re excited about?

Jessica: GE’s Slate appliances. I hope these catch on more in our area, I love the matte look and a slight alteration on the stainless look.

SRFD: What did you learn in Louisville?

Jessica: I need an Advantium and a pro-range. How I have lived without these two things…I do not know. In all honesty, the Advantium would be used every day in my house. The pro-range would just look so good! I loved the few tips thrown in about how to properly use dish detergent and how to load a refrigerator. But I will be saving my pennies for an Advantium!

You can follow along with Jessica and the rest of her co-workers on the Hatchett Design Remodel blog.