Designer Spotlight – Hilary Gilkey
“I really enjoy bringing our clients to UMI so they can have the experience of seeing all the slabs in person. I think it makes quite the difference when our clients can walk in the large warehouse, have the experience of picking out the slab they love, and knowing that they hand selected the slab before it is installed.” – Hilary
We love seeing our slabs featured in designers work! As we continue our Designer Spotlight’s blog series, today we share with you Lead Designer from HGC Development Group Hilary Gilkey! Hilary discusses with us some of her favorite UMI products, why she decided to become a designer and more!
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background: When did you decide you wanted to be a designer? How long have you been working as a designer? What did you do leading up to your current career?
A: I have been a designer for 7 years, I am incredibly grateful for every learning experience and design opportunity. I grew up drawing, painting, creating floor plans, working on puzzles, and sewing. My parents love for antiques and Frank Lloyd Wright grabbed my attention as well. Living so close to Chicago I was inspired by all the beautiful architecture. Interior design was the perfect major for me when it came time to look at colleges. After college I worked in the kitchen and bath industry working with cabinetry, countertops, and tile. At the same time I was also studying how to faux finish, paint and refinish furniture. I had the amazing opportunity to go to Nice, France and learn venetian plaster techniques. I have worked in furniture stores, worked small jobs, and worked for design companies to gain experience. My brother, Garrett Gilkey, and I started flipping houses together and with the wonderful relationships that we created, Garrett started our Company, HGC Development Group, where I am the interior designer for the company. I love what I do and I love what our company creates for our clients.
Q: What style do you like to design the most?
A: Oh goodness, how can I pick? What I love most about my job is that each client our company has is unique with different styles. I love that I am able to work in so many different design styles and help create the look and feel our clients wish for. I am drawn to Midcentury Modern, Art Deco, Industrial, and bohemian styles.
Q: What project are you most proud of?
A: Our company has some really amazing projects we have created already and some that are under construction now. I am very excited for my brother’s house to be built because that will be our show piece for HGC Design Build.
Q: What is your favorite product UMI carries? And favorite color of that product?
A: I love Marble – every single slab and every kind. I also really love Pompeii Quartz Bianco Napoli.
Q: What do you enjoy doing on your free time?
A: When I am not working, I am cooking with my husband and dancing in the kitchen or you will find me being creative working on all sorts of crafts projects. I also really enjoy kayaking and camping at the natural springs.
Q: How can people get in touch with you if they would like you to design their home?
A: Our Company is a design build construction company working on large renovations and new construction. We would love to hear about your project and you can contact me at [email protected]