Designer learned the business from her father

BeckySue Becker is an award-winning designer and owner of Designs by BSB, a residential design firm in Lawrenceville. She is a Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD), one of three in Georgia. In addition, she is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist.

Background: In high school, I worked for my father in his kitchen, bath and remodeling showroom in Michigan. While helping with the bookkeeping, I learned about design and sales. By the time I graduated, I could not imagine doing anything else. When my father retired, I took over the business. I was 20. In 1997, I moved to Atlanta for more design opportunities and a warmer climate.

Seen in: KITCHEN+BATH Ideas magazine (a special interest edition of Better Homes & Gardens); TRENDS Magazine; Atlanta Magazine: Home; Todays Custom Home Magazine

Claim to fame: First place in the National Kitchen and Bath Association-Georgia Calla Awards and the Kitchen of the Year by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

What makes a kitchen more or less expensive: On average, cabinetry. With countless choices of brands and design elements, cabinetry can quadruple from the entry-level offerings. Second: appliances. Refrigerators alone can range from $1,000 to $15,000.

What makes a bath more or less expensive: Moving mechanicals, especially drain lines. Second: quality and design of the tile. For example, natural stone typically is two to three times more expensive than a ceramic or entry-level porcelain tile.

Biggest design mistake I have ever made: Ordering cabinetry in the wrong color. That was back in the early 1990s.

Kitchen design trends I like: Steam ovens; built-in coffee makers; and wood counter tops.

Kitchen design trends I am glad to see go: Angled islands/peninsulas. Angles result in a loss of storage space. They also restrict the aisles or to create more steps from one workstation to another.

Bath design trends I like: Single-handle lavatory faucets; free-standing tubs; curbless (or zero-entry showers); and linear shower drains.

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Designer learned the business from her father