Designer Showcase- Laura Scott

Laura Scott received her BS in Interior Design from the University of Texas Austin and studied art at Edinburg Art College.  She worked for three design companies before starting her own design company.  She is actively involved in NKBA and has her CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) Accredidation and is now a CAP (Certified Aging in Place) Specialist. 

Laura got into the design industry by drafting and doing specifications for a builder/designer in Austin.  She then drafted and leased properties for Creative Restorations in Houston.  Laura continued working in the industry for Don Yeager, CKD at Kitchen Designers.  Her association with Don Yeager, CKD and David Steffan,CKD encouraged her to get certified and get involved in American Institute of Kithchen Dealers (now NKBA).  Laura was instrumental in starting the first Texas (Louisiana and Oklahoma) chapter.

Ms. Scott took the time out of her busy design day to answer a few questions for us:

What is the best advice you can give to clients?

Spend at least as much time on the design and specification process as the construction time.  Good design preplanning helps make a project move more smoothly and expect to pay for good design.

What is a favorite project of yours?

I am passionate about providing every client plans for a unique, functional and beautiful space.  This makes it hard to choose one favorite project.  Often my favorite projects are more about working with fun and appreciative clients than the project itself.

What was a difficult design challenge for you in the past? 

I had a client with emphysema who loved her heavy pots and pans.  I designed all storage at waste level directly across from counter with the cooking surface.

What has been your favorite cabinetry addition?  And finish? 

The vast selection of Enkobol moldings and unique applications makes a good project "great".  Wood-Mode's addition of more distressed painted finishes helps offer more unique and competitive cabinet solutions.

What does having your CAPS accreditation mean to your clients? 

It gives clients assurance that they are working with someone who is educated in the design concepts and products available for enhancing the quality of life for a person with a disability.

What are the most important changes to consider when “Aging in Place?” 

Proper clearances, better task lighting, grab bars strategically placed and accessible storage.

What are some small easy changes one can make to their home to make it accessible for all abilities? 

Swing out hinges that increase the opening of a bath door and decorative grab bars.

What does NKBA mean to you and why do you think it is important to be a member?

As the owner of an independent design company working out of a home office, being associated with the only professional organization that educates, certifies and monitors professionals and specializes in kitchen and bath is very important to me.  My accreditation of CKD gives me more credibility.  40% of my leads come from clients accessing NKBA seeking a professional who specializes in kitchen and bath design.  Networking, education, and exposure to the latest products are also a benefit of being a member.

If you were not a designer, what would you be?  

A musician.

If you are interested in working with Laura Scott on your next project contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ... Please be sure to ask her what instrument she would play!