By Nicholas Tamarin
Active with the NKBA since 1992, Cailin Thelen, principal of Thelen Designs, followed in her mother’s footsteps and apprenticed under her late father-in-law, a registered architect and a Certified Kitchen Designer—as was her mother. Atlanta-based Thelen’s expertise is now in both kitchen and bath design, with a strong background in the remodeling field developed while learning the ropes in a design-build company. Along with design award accolades,
she earned her own Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer credential in 2002. When away from the drafting board, Cailin enjoys spending time with family, teasing the family’s beloved schnauzer and tabby, and baking. She told us about her journey to NKBA Certification.
What’s your background? How about educationally?
From chasing butterflies as a kid in Ohio corn fields, I landed in suburban Atlanta for high school and later lived there. Creativity has always been a part of my life, whether it was stage acting, sewing clothes or costumes, or decorating cakes.
I was grounded in a strong work ethic, which includes showing up early, doing more than is expected, and mastering the fundamentals before doing it your own way. Berry College in Georgia (no corn fields, but plenty of cows) is my alma mater, with an undergraduate degree in home economics and a minor in interior design.
How did you first get into design?
My mother is my inspiration for going into the field of kitchen and bath design. She showed me what should be behind a beautiful façade: floor plans that function, cabinetry that lasts, and safe surroundings. She’s been a kitchen and bath designer since the early 1980s and is also a CMKBD.
The deal was sealed when I started apprenticing under architect and CKD, Ken Thelen, who became my father-in-law. His engineer’s perspective, working in a design-build firm, the aroma of fresh framing, and with my mother’s enthusiasm are all reasons kitchen and bath design still holds me today.
Tell us about your NKBA Certification process?
Pursuing certification started during my junior year in college when my school worked with me to approve NKBA’s Bath Designer School course as credit toward my degree. Following graduation, building up knowledge and drafting practice was important while fulfilling the minimum work experience required. I became a CKD in 1992, a CBD in 1994, and arrived full circle with a CMKBD in 2002.
Why did you take the time to get NKBA Certified?
It’s an emblem of professionalism going above and beyond, and being serious about my craft.
How has NKBA Certification helped?
Certification:
- Has won over clients
- Validates my skills to potential clients and peers while promoting their confidence in me
- Keeps continuing education in the forefront, leading to more-than-required learning hours earned
- Opens up other professional opportunities, such as being a panelist or design competition judge
- Advocates my professionalism
If you’re interested in learning more about benefits and options, check out our NKBA Certification page.
