Karen McMurdo
Kitchen and Bath/ Cabinet Designer
Prefer remote work,ID
Summary
Hello, I'm Karen, a kitchen and bath designer with over a decade of experience creating functional and beautiful spaces for homeowners, contractors, and cabinet dealers. I have a deep understanding of cabinetry, materials, and design trends, and I take pride in designing kitchens that are both visually stunning and highly practical. With hands-on experience in cabinet building and installation, I create installer-friendly layouts that streamline the construction process. I’m especially passionate about historic preservation and vintage interiors, particularly mid-century designs, and I love helping homeowners maintain the character of their homes while improving functionality. Whether working with homeowners or industry professionals, I’m committed to delivering thoughtful, well-executed designs that bring my clients’ visions to life.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner | Principal Designer
Design Libra
01.2025 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations offering my clients designs that fit their client's needs.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Utilized 2020 Design software to create comprehensive cabinetry layouts, enhancing the visualization and sales process.
Researched design trends, technology and processes
Design Manager
Hayden Island Cabinets
01.2024 - Current
- Utilized 2020 Design software to create comprehensive cabinetry layouts, enhancing the visualization and sales process.
- Researched design trends, technology and processes
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to create visually impactful promotional materials that increased brand awareness.
- Conducted comprehensive industry research to inform strategic decision-making regarding emerging trends in technology and design incorporating these ideas into a new showroom design.
- Mentored junior designers, providing guidance on design principles, techniques, and best practices to enhance their skill set.
- Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications and budget.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication and project delivery, meeting all deadlines and budget constraints.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders through active listening, collaboration, and clear communication of design objectives.
Co-Owner and Assistant
Allpatios
10.2018 - Current
- Managed day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Collaborated with co-owner on strategic planning initiatives for long-term business success.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns to expand customer base and increase brand awareness.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
Owner & Principal Designer
KD Cabinets
08.2018 - 02.2020
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed all aspects of the business, including sales, design, ordering, project coordination, and installation of cabinetry.
- Provided training and guidance in the installation of cabinetry, ensuring high-quality workmanship and meeting client expectations.
- Demonstrated effective leadership skills by overseeing the entire business operations and ensuring smooth project execution.
- Delivered exceptional design solutions in semi-custom cabinetry, combining functionality and aesthetics to create outstanding results.
- we decided to close KDCabinets due to COVID restrictions.
Project Specialist - Interiors
Lowe's
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Presented detailed proposals to clients, showcasing conceptual designs aligned with their vision and requirements.
- Created materials and designs in 2020 Design for use in client presentations and communications.
- Assisted clients throughout the entire lifecycle of remodel projects, from sales, planning and designing to budgeting, material procurement and product ordering.
- Demonstrated strong sales skills by effectively presenting and promoting products to clients, providing expert guidance and recommendations based on their needs and preferences.
- Ordered a wide range of products, including cabinetry and everything needed for complete remodels, to ensure seamless project execution and customer satisfaction.
- Monitored product shipments and ensured timely installations, fostering efficient project management and maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.
- Unfortunately, the position concluded due to the hiring of a new CEO at Lowe's.
Cabinet Designer
Monn Cabinetry
07.2017 - 04.2018
- Assisted clients in selecting appropriate materials, finishes, and hardware to complement their overall design aesthetic.
- Worked closely with manufacturing partners to resolve any production issues or delays promptly, minimizing potential impact on project timelines.
- Kept up-to-date on industry trends and emerging technologies to provide clients with cutting-edge designs and features.
- Collaborated with homeowners and contractors to determine desired finishes, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Utilized 2020 Design software for detailed designs, contributing to project success.
- Conducted post installation inspections to ensure client satisfaction
Cabinet Designer/Sales Associate
Cache Valley Cabinets and Tops
04.2015 - 07.2017
- Accurately read given measurements and design custom cabinetry
- Leveraged strong sales skills to drive product recommendations and exceed client expectations.
- Collaborate closely with homeowners and contractors to determine desired finishes, ensuring customer satisfaction through effective communication and tailored solutions.
- Utilize 2020 Design software to create detailed designs that contribute to the success of each project.
- Deliver exceptional service, mentor and train co-workers, and consistently achieve high-quality results in all aspects of cabinet design and sales.
- Developed creative problem-solving skills to address unique challenges or limitations within a client's space.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Planning, Design, & Sustainability
Utah State University
Logan, UT05-2014
Associate of Arts - Communications
Riverside City College
Riverside, CA06-2009
Skills
2020 Design
Pro Kitchen
Sketch Up
Adobe Illustrator
Cabinetry & Countertop Sales
Interior Design
Project Management
Hands On Construction
Cabinet Building Experience
Team Management
Co-Worker Training
Business Owner
Historic Preservation
Sustainability
Public Speaking
Honorable Judge Frank Jeanette Arts Award
The Honorable Judge Frank Jeanette Arts Award was awarded to me for the body of my artistic work at the time and the two gold medals won during an art competition.
Presidential Scholarship
Utah State University
Timeline
Owner | Principal Designer
Design Libra
01.2025 - Current
Design Manager
Hayden Island Cabinets
01.2024 - Current
Co-Owner and Assistant
Allpatios
10.2018 - Current
Owner & Principal Designer
KD Cabinets
08.2018 - 02.2020
Project Specialist - Interiors
Lowe's
04.2018 - 10.2018
Cabinet Designer
Monn Cabinetry
07.2017 - 04.2018
Cabinet Designer/Sales Associate
Cache Valley Cabinets and Tops
04.2015 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Science - Planning, Design, & Sustainability
Utah State University
Associate of Arts - Communications
Riverside City College
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