Meet the Storage Design Pros BY C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y, W W W.C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y.C O M
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L I K E - M I N D E D philosophy among employees is key within any business - even more so when the mission involves design. The expanding team at Closets by McKenry/Designer Garages not only shares a compatible vision of the importance of home organization, but they also enjoy growing and learning from one another’s wealth of experience. Learn more about the designers who work alongside Chris McKenry in the first of this special series on the Closets by McKenry/ Designer Garages staff. After expanding Closets by McKenry in Knoxville to include a showroom and second business, Designer Garages, Chris McKenry knew it was time to add to his team. “Not that long ago I did all the designs and loved it,” said Chris. “But as the business grew, I needed help. I knew I wanted unique individuals to be on our design team.” He found them in Cesar Rivera and Robin Carbaugh. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida, Cesar Rivera’s background involves a fascinating mix of design… and dance! Along with being an acclaimed dance performer and instructor, Cesar has also earned his Associate degree in Drafting and a certification in Interior Design. Before coming to East Tennessee, he worked with contractors and interior designers as a manager of a title company. Chris related, “I loved the fact that Cesar has a musical theater/dance background. Talk about creativity!”
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EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE
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CESAR RIVERA
ROBIN CARBAUGH
Cesar designs everything from individual closets to storage for the entire house including garages and epoxy floor finishes. “Organization does not mean perfection, but I design for looks and function. Clutter is like visual noise, often crowding out the space that we need to move ourselves forward.” Robin Carbaugh, an accomplished photographer who minored in art at MTSU, has called Knoxville home for the past 26 years. Robin and her husband, Travis, owned a custom organization business for 15 years, and one of their industry peers and biggest supporters was Chris McKenry. “I have always been impressed with Robin’s professionalism and her design work,” said Chris. “When I returned to Knoxville and started this business we reconnected, and during the height of the pandemic, she reached out and quickly took to our design program.” Customer service is Robin’s specialty,
and she enjoys giving “300%” to her clients. “An organized home can lead to an organized life,” she said. “An organized life saves time and gives you some peace of mind. The investment pays you back in dividends… time is precious and our most valuable commodity.” Said Chris of his talented design team, “We all enjoy the connection we have with our clients, as it helps to understand their goals as we design their spaces. To have a beautifully organized home is a luxury that is possible for everyone - and brings quality of life.” Chris looks forward to introducing the rest of his experienced staff in future articles. Come meet them in person at the Closets by McKenry/Designer Garages showroom, and let them work their magic for you!
Closets by McKenry 201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382 www.ClosetsbyMcKenry.com www.DesignerGarages.com Photo by Ben Finch