Designer Showcase: Robert Crellen with Cabinets & Designs

Cabinets & Designs wants to wish a very happy birthday to designer Robert Crellen, who recently turned 80 years young. 

Robert has worked with Cabinets & Designs for over 30 years.  His first kitchen remodel was in 1945, when he helped his father remodel their kitchen, pantry, and hallway.  He remembers using pine #105 boarding, and red linoleum counters with aluminum front-edging.  Bob studied architecture and worked for an architecture firm for two years before he was drafted into the Army.  After his service was up, he returned home to a life of architecture in San Antonio, TX.  Robert’s professional life brought him to Washington D.C. for several years, but eventually he headed back to Houston in 1965; it was then he became a kitchen designer.

Over the years Robert worked on many memorable projects, but when asked to name his favorite Bob responded, “Working with Barbara Bush was a joy in my life.”  He spoke of how kind she was and how he cherishes the memory of creating the kitchen of her dreams.  Bob said he enjoys what he is doing and as for what’s next, he said he was looking forward to more of the same.  Showing no signs of slowing down, Robert is currently working on an entire home remodel!  His advice to others in the industry is “to be involved in every facet of each job and all the industry associations; you cannot possibly know too much.”  If he was not working in the kitchen industry Robert says he would still want to be in the art world: “To be an architectural photographer would have been a dream job.”  While we are sure he takes great snap shots, we are glad he is a kitchen designer—he is a great asset to the industry!

Added November 20, 2012

We are deeply saddened to announce that we have lost a member of our family.

Bob Crellen passed away last Saturday morning.  Bob was an integral part of our team and will be deeply missed.  His family has informed us that there will be a memorial service for him on December 8th at 1:00pm.  If you would like further information on the location please contact us at 713-627-8970.