Main Street Business

“Robyn Keeler did an amazing job designing my kitchen. I would highly recommend her expertise for the entire remodeling project. She kept me moving along with decisions and beautiful selections that made my kitchen uniquely mine. She also kept me within my budget. I am so happy with everything.” – A delighted client

Is it time for a new kitchen? Let’s not be foolish – of course it’s time for a new kitchen. How about dragging that 1950s-style bathroom into the 21st century? Let’s do that, too!

Founded by Robyn Keeler, Keeler Concepts by Design now also encompasses her daughters, Brittany and Alyssa, thereby bringing a team approach to taking your old kitchen or bathroom, or both, and turning it into something worthy of the heart of your home. KCD, located at 6 Main Street in Chatham, NY, offers a hands-on, craftsman-oriented approach to creating a whole new living space inside a home. Its territory could be considered much of Berkshire County in Massachusetts and “quite a bit in Columbia County, as well as Westchester and Connecticut,” Robyn said.

The KCD evolution

“I have liked designing, drawing, and all that kind of stuff since I was little,” said Robyn. “I remember my parents doing their kitchen when I was probably ten years old. I was right there with them, picking out stuff.”

Out of college, she went to work for an interior design firm, at the same time interning with an architect, and was ultimately employed by that architect for six years before moving to Millbrook Custom Kitchens in Nassau, NY. Ultimately, this all led to the creation of Keeler Concepts by Design in Robyn’s home, before moving into office space in Chatham.

When Brittany came out of college with a major in architecture, initially she joined a design firm, but then, said Robyn, “She saw how busy I was getting and decided to help me out. She’s been with me ever since.”

Subsequently, Alyssa, following her college years in Boston (Wentworth Institute of Technology) and a couple workplace stints, joined KCD as COVID-19 hit. “We thought her construction-management education would be a good fit to help us through with the the part of the business beyond design, organizing the construction part of it as project manager.”

The process

It all gets underway with the initial consultation, either in their office or onsite, said Robyn: “We ask a lot of questions about what the client likes or doesn’t like about the space they want to change. A lot of times we ask for any ideas they might have, inspirational photos of things they might like, color preferences, tile thoughts, how they work in the kitchen, if there are two people working together, or if they need prep space. Just a lot of questions.”

The next step is the preparation of very detailed drawings, involving floor plans and elevations, which are then presented to the client. “We put together vignettes of what it could look like with wood samples and countertop samples – we kind of do it all. We also provide the pricing for the materials,” said Robyn.

Keeler Concepts by Design “works with a lot of the contractors in the area, and we coordinate it all through to installation.” Wrote Alyssa via email, “From a project management perspective, planning early is key for any project. Cabinetry and specialty materials often have longer lead times, and the renovation process itself requires thoughtful coordination. Ordering materials in advance and establishing a clear timeline helps ensure projects stay on track and move smoothly from design to installation.”

At the very least, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to completing a job – a kitchen project could require three months’ worth of time, or, as the Keelers have experienced, jobs could wind up taking several years.

“We work with clients who are building or renovating homes in the area and looking for a tailored and detail-driven design experience,” she added, while noting that much of KCD’s client base is of the second home owner variety. “Our projects range in style, but each one is thoughtfully customized to reflect how our clients live and what matters most to them.”

The spaces in which KCD finds itself working “are a mixed bag,” said Brittany. “I think that’s why we like what we do, because it’s creative. A smaller house requires a completely different mindset, a different set of tools, from a larger home. The opportunities are endless, so the job is always different, always changing. I think that’s what helps keep us here.”

The key to the KCD approach, for the most part, revolves around gathering, socializing, family, and tradition, things that Robyn, Brittany, and Alyssa are personally drawn toward.

“One thing that sets us apart is our close collaboration with local builders and trades,” added Alyssa. “We have a solid understanding of regional home styles and construction practices, while still encouraging each project to feel personal and unique to the homeowner. It’s always rewarding to see how different every client’s vision and goals are; no two projects are ever the same.”

As outlined on the KCD website, the Keelers “guide clients from the initial call to the final reveal. Beginning with an initial meeting whether at our studio office or on site, we’ll dive deep into your wants and needs out of your desired space. Our highest priority is fulfilling the unique needs of each client and we understand that everyone’s needs are different.”

“We’ll help establish a budget; suggest cabinetry style, fixture placement, and finish selections; determine traffic flow; and watch out for mechanical considerations. All the above are taken into account to develop a final plan presented with floorplans, elevations, and perspective drawings. We carry several different lines of cabinetry handcrafted locally to fit your needs. We pride ourselves on the mastery of storage and storage needs which we find to be the most integral part of our success.”

It’s not the easiest business in the world to be in, observed the Keelers, but they all agreed that they love it: “The clients that end up so happy that they send us notes about how much they love their kitchen make it all worth it. We’re proud to work within our community and to contribute to the evolving character of homes in the area.” •

To learn more about Keeler Concepts by Design, visit their website at keelerconcepts.com.