Get to know Shannon Carfield, co-owner of Kitchens By Good Guys, and why the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.
How did you get started in the design/build industry?
I started in the plumbing/air conditioning field directly out of high school to work with friends in the same industry. After a few years, I switched to a framing career and helped a friend build cabinets and do finish and trim work on the side. This is when I quickly became interested in the details of design and started pursuing the intricate side of carpentry.
What is your favorite project in Arizona?
A large remodel in Paradise Valley. It’s an area we love to work in and it involved lots of design and thought basically from the ground up. We went from 7- and 8-ft. ceilings to 14-ft. ceilings which allowed for very large natural light options and an amazing view of Arizona’s iconic Camelback Mountain.
What inspires you and your work?
I love being able to build trusting relations with clients that allow us to use our creativity and expertise to go above and beyond any expectations. Nothing is more satisfying than a happy customer at the end of the job who loves to show off their newly remodeled home.
What is something timeless every home should have?
Every home should include an open floor plan kitchen that is designed with entertaining in mind. The kitchen is and always will be the heart of the home and that is where we excel. No matter how awesome the rest of your house is, people will always gravitate to the kitchen where the food and drinks are.
What is considered trendy in homes at this time?
Currently the big trend we are seeing is lots of gray color in tile, cabinets, counter tops, flooring, paint, etc. Muted neutral colors are hot right now. We frequent builder and design shows to ensure we are one step ahead of the pack with upcoming trends.
What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment?
I feel my whole career wrapped into one gradual advancement has been a major accomplishment. Being able to ride the waves of the economy and adjust as needed along with continual learning to ensure continued growth of the company.
What advice do you have for young people or students hoping to pursue a design/build career?
Get in on the bottom levels and climb the ladder as far as your desire will take you. It is important to understand as much of the process as possible before entering a localized field. Listen to your mentors, they have been in your position. It is a fact that the skilled trades are losing popularity with our upcoming generations, and the demand is growing which ensures a stable and prosperous opportunity for the individual with the desire to pursue such a career.
What are you working on now?
We are currently working on some pretty extensive kitchen remodels to get that open concept and feeling. We continue to learn new things on a daily basis allowing us to implement new ideas or processes to continue to grow as a company and become more efficient which allows us to give our clients the latest and greatest at a fair price.
