Robert Fairless

NKBA-certified kitchen and bath designer with 20+ years of residential design, remodeling, and cabinetry experience. Specializes in guiding clients through structured selection processes, developing curated design packages, and aligning design intent with construction execution. Known for clear communication, technical accuracy, and a collaborative approach with clients, builders, architects, vendors, and trades.

Founder / Design Consultant at Open Design Craftsman (ODC) (2025-01 – Present)

• Provide independent design consulting for custom homes and remodels
• Lead client selection meetings and develop curated finish packages
• Produce layouts, design documentation, and specification sets
• Coordinate with builders and vendors to ensure build-ready solutions
• Advise on material sourcing and budget alignment strategies

Design Operations at Old Goats Hardgoods (2026-01 – 2026-12)

• Provided kitchen, bath, cabinetry, and architectural millwork design support
• Coordinated design documentation, finish specifications, cabinetry details, and project information
• Researched cabinetry hardware, materials, construction details, and product specifications
• Collaborated with project management and vendors throughout project development and coordination

Design & Sales at Huntwood Custom Cabinets (2025-01 – 2026-12)

• Led client-facing design consultations for cabinetry and interior projects
• Developed layouts, finish selections, and specification packages
• Guided clients through selections balancing design, budget, and constructability
• Coordinated with builders, contractors, and internal teams from design through production
• Supported showroom presentations and the overall client experience

Senior Designer at CornerStone Home Design (2012-01 – 2025-12)

• Developed and managed a professional design services trade program, establishing structured scopes, retainers and fees, budgeting methods, and project workflows
• Created standardized design packets, specifications, finish schedules, project metrics, reporting, revision and approval procedures to improve consistency and project coordination
• Led kitchen, bath, and whole-home projects from design and field verification through documentation, procurement, production, and installation
• Produced cabinetry layouts, plans, elevations, 3D presentations, specifications, and estimates using advanced 20/20 Design, while coordinating clients, contractors, architects, manufacturers, vendors, and trades
• Continued refining the professional services model throughout my tenure, ultimately providing the foundation for Open Design Craftsman, my independent design practice

Cabinet Designer at Quesco Cabinets (2011-01 – 2012-12)

• Developed cabinet layouts and guided selections for residential projects
• Delivered CAD drawings and supported projects through production

Lead Kitchen & Bath Designer at The Home Depot (1998-01 – 2011-12)

• Designed kitchen and bath remodels including layout, materials, and estimates
• Managed projects from initial measure through installation coordination
• Supported showroom merchandising and product updates

Carpenter / Project Set-Up at Roy Anderson Corporation (1996-01 – 1998-12)

Business Development at Major Legal Services (1987-01 – 1995-12)

Sales & Purchasing at Windustrial Corp. (1984-01 – 1987-12)

Refrigeration Tradesman at Local 393 (1981-01 – 1984-12)

Film Acting & Production – San Francisco City College

Theatre Arts & Communication – Gavilan College

Graduate – Boise High School