Designer Bob Bakes of Bakes & Kropp continues to refine his focus and expand his creative vision.
How has your background influenced the way you’ve approached the design business?
Bob Bakes: I studied construction in college, so my background comes from a more technical perspective. From an early stage, this experience provided a process-driven and integrated approach to design. After, when I first started working in the industry, I was lucky to have the opportunity to learn from exceptional British kitchen designers, further shaping my visual sensibilities. Today, I approach design with this strong structural foundation, balancing symmetry and form with an eye for aesthetics.
What has been your biggest challenge in the design business – and how did you overcome it?
Bob Bakes: Staying relevant. As a designer, there’s always an initial uncertainty about your talent – you try to establish yourself and hope people respond positively. The turning point comes when you develop a clear identity as a designer. Once you believe in your own vision, others will too. My guiding principle has been to trust in my designs and remain confident that the right audience will appreciate them.
What is the most important career lesson you’ve learned?
Bob Bakes: Believe in yourself. In this industry, passion and talent are essential, but confidence is what sets you apart. You have to trust in your abilities, present your work with conviction, and maintain a quiet confidence in your skills. Clients and colleagues will respond to that authenticity.
What advice would you give someone looking to enter the design business?
Bob Bakes: Find an area of design that excites you. I didn’t start out passionate about kitchens, but I immersed myself in every aspect – both aesthetically and logistically – and developed expertise. When starting out, it’s equally important to build both passion and knowledge. Understanding how something functions and how it looks aesthetically is key. By mastering those fundamentals and combining them with an innate natural talent, you can carve out a unique path in the industry.
In your own home, what is your favorite kitchen or bath feature – and why?
Bob Bakes: A beautifully designed shower that I created about three years ago. The color palette, textures and overall experience reflect my – and Bakes & Kropp’s – design philosophy. I truly believe in the work I do, and that’s evident in my own home.
