Our Team of Award Winning Designers

Addition Designers

Jim Goddard

Addition Designer

A graduate of the University of Illinois’ prestigious School of Architecture, Jim Goddard is one of Bradford & Kent’s longest-standing employees. Specializing in Additions, Jim has designed in a variety of styles from contemporary to traditional, classic, rustic, and organic. Jim’s exceptional designs have been featured in WSL magazine, as well as various local publications. However, as much as Jim appreciates all the public attention his designs receive, it’s the satisfaction of his customers and their families that truly fuel Jim’s passion for creating unique spaces. “At this point in my career, my expectation for myself is to exceed the expectations of my clients. I don’t accept anything less.”

Mark Machaj

Addition Designer

Mark offers his clients an extensive range of experience having owned his own construction company before shifting his focus to design later in his career. This gives him the unique perspective and technical knowledge to design additions that are transformative without sacrificing practicality and functionality. Mark’s most impressive talent is his ability to break down a customer’s needs and deliver that to the addition. “A lot of times a customer isn’t sure what they want, beyond ‘more space.’ I enjoy the collaborative process…working with each family to help them to realize and convey what they really want to achieve in the project. As a result, we ultimately build a space that is way beyond what they imagined.”

Kitchen And Bath Designers

Laura Ahrens

Kitchen & Bath Designer

Laura’s 25-year career in Home Remodeling, 20 of which have been with Bradford & Kent, is highlighted by an impressive list of repeat and referral customers. According to Laura, “Having past clients reach out to start another project is the ultimate compliment.” And it’s a compliment she realizes regularly. In fact, many of Laura’s clients count her as a friend long after the project is finished. However, it’s not just her warmth and enthusiasm that has her clients singing her praises. Laura’s true talent is in creating bold, unique, and original concepts and then balancing those concepts with the principles of her architecture degree. This ensures her designs are always functional and practical. The more time a client spends living within her designs the more they come to love the space. This is, ultimately, why they choose to have Laura re-imagine other parts of their home as well.

Sharon O’Brien

Kitchen & Bath Designer

Greg Cash

Kitchen, Bath & Additions Designer

Greg’s storied career in the arts began as an award-winning musician playing over 1700 live shows throughout the US and Canada. However, a passion for design and computers soon led Greg into residential home planning where he was involved in the emerging market of 3D software which revolutionized the industry. Greg’s design and software background is very evident in his projects as he is known for visualizing, re-creating, and transforming spaces in ways that others would never imagine. Combining that with an extensive knowledge of construction materials Greg has earned a reputation as one of the area’s most prolific and successful designers.

Diane Matthews

Kitchen & Bath Designer

Diane’s love of fashion & design started when her grandmother handed her fabric remnants at 6 years old and taught her to sew. Her appreciation blossomed over the years and ultimately led her to the Illinois Institute of Art where she earned a bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Her 20-plus years in design include kitchens, baths, and whole house remodels, as well as furniture & furnishings and custom window treatments. This wealth of experience, attention to detail, and creative instinct result in innovative and novel solutions that help clients realize their wishes with beautiful, functional designs.

Andrea Shoop, CKBD

Kitchen & Bath Designer

With degrees in both art and interior design, Andrea has a long, successful career focused on the arts. Her passion for design is evident in her ability to maximize the functionality of a room while capturing the essence of the owner’s individual style. She has a unique approach to remodeling describing every project as “a puzzle in which I need to piece together the right elements.” This is accomplished, through a process where she balances her advanced technical expertise with her keen design sense. According to Andrea, “Harmony within a space is best achieved when you can seamlessly combine a customer’s personal style with sensible functionality.” Andrea is a certified member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and holds the designation of Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer.

Exterior Designers

Chris Seaton

Exterior Designer

Chris’ career can be traced back to High School when he worked at Bradford & Kent part-time learning all aspects of the home remodeling industry. Returning to Bradford & Kent after college, Chris established an Exteriors Division and through a balance of design talent and sound construction principles grew that business into an industry leader. It’s not surprising then that Chris feels a sense of pride and ownership in every project he undertakes. According to Chris “Exterior makeovers are the most public renovation; everyone can see it. Every job must be perfectly designed and perfectly executed” It’s a high standard, but one Chris has achieved. You can hear it in the praises of his clients who describe their finished homes as “stunning” “transformative” and “jaw-dropping” just to list a few.

Product Consultants & Design Assistants

Sharon Thorsen

Showroom Manager And Product Consultant

Sharon assists clients in selecting everything from custom cabinetry to countertops to flooring. She frequently attends industry seminars and has certifications from top manufacturers like Ultracraft Cabinetry, Kohler and Grohe. With over twenty years experience, she understands how to combine functionality, texture and color. Bradford and Kent clients appreciate her gentle guidance and expertise. If you do not find what you are looking for at the Bradford and Kent design center, Sharon will gladly take you to any of our vendor showrooms.

Sarah DiNovo

Design Assistant

Sarah is a graduate of the Harrington College of Design. When she entered the design field she was drawn to the elements that are used to make kitchens and baths pop. Whether the home is traditional, contemporary or modern farmhouse, she is able to find just the right tile, cabinetry, fixtures and flooring that will enhance your home’s design. Sarah is a delight to work with because she is knowledgeable about the products, works hard to truly understand the client’s tastes and will stay within budget. She is adept at selecting products that will bring beauty, function and style to your home.

Mary Kate Hartmann

Design Assistant

Mary Kate will greet you when you arrive at the Bradford and Kent design center. She will gladly give you a tour of our many room vignettes and guide you through our product displays. Mary Kate has the uncanny ability to visualize any room layout. She can show you the ideal combination of cabinets, tile, flooring, countertops and fixtures that will make your project stunning and functional.