Stephen J. Matlaga Jr., Design Consultant, C.C.D.

      I'd like to share a little background history in cabinetry and interior design.  I have been working in the industry for my whole life.  From age nine, I started in a local family business learning the trade from the bottom up.  I started on the job sites by handing Dad a hammer, a screw gun, screws, along with whatever small tasks would keep me from breaking anything.  As time went on I learned more and more about the trade.  Each passing year got me more and more involved in the "details".  My typical day would be a long and boring school day, followed by a few hours after work at my dad's cabinet shop/showroom.   I can't say I loved it, but I did enjoy working on the computers with autocad and other business related software.   Naturally, I still went out to the jobs on most days.  Eventually, I actual "hung" a cabinet or two.   This whole training period served me well later in life.  Later in life, there where period of time where I did nothing but install cabinetry and trim work.  Having a solid foundation gave me the tools for success and backed my work with quality craftsmanship.  I had a true appreciation of woodworking.

 Just around the time I graduated high school,  I started to focus more on kitchen design, and even started in a sales position with the family business.   I spent two years earning a certification in computer drafting and design from Morris County Technical School, even graduated with high honors.  I continued to pursue my education with an additional certification from Morris County College to further my drafting abilities.   

     I had a sincere interest in the whole design process.  I continued to pursue this interest by studying computer aided drafting, along with art and interior design.  To this day, I still spend countless hours researching and exploring new ideas in our industry. 

     I'm here to share my experience, my background in design, and my artistic talents.  I offer not just the design, but product knowledge, creative insight, and actual first hand experience in the field.    I will help you envision your project.  I'll  help you prepare and organize your renovation. Finally, I will be there when you have questions or concerns.  

     Through 20 years of actual designing, selling, and even installing cabinets,  I bring a full understanding of the industry to all my projects.  I've had to rebuild cabinets to fix my mistakes.   I've learned that what looks good on paper doesn't always fit on the jobsite.  For a while, I even took on ownership of a full custom cabinet shop.  That experience taught me the importance of quality and integrity, and gave me a true "behind the scenes" look at the industry.   Unlike most designers,   my eyes are wide open to the reality of what can and can't be done.   I think great ideas and artistic talent need to be backed by practical knowledge.  Practical knowledge can only be achieved by actually being on a jobsite and working first hand with the product which you designed.  No certification or three letter abbreviation can take the place of practical experience.

    I appreciate you taking the time to allow me to share my story.  I look forward to talking with you in the near future.

 Sincerely,

Stephen J. Matlaga, Jr.,

Design Consultant, CCD

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Last modified: 06/26/08