2020 Customer Spotlight
After graduating high school in Podgorica, Montenegro, where Kola Berisa, winner of the 2020 Design Inspiration Awards in the Uniboard category, was born, he moved to Switzerland to continue his education, which is where he learned AutoCAD. Kola worked in Switzerland for ten years as a builder of electric machines. In 1994, he decided to come to the United States.
“At the beginning, I worked in the restaurant business,” says Kola. Soon after he met his wife, they opened up a restaurant of their own, however in 2004, they ended up closing the restaurant.
“One night we were out for dinner with our friends,” explains Kola, “where we met the owner of a company looking for a kitchen and bathroom designer that had knowledge of 2020 Design. None of us knew what 2020 Design was at the time, and once he explained, my wife quickly said, ‘my husband knows how.’”
In 2005, Kola was hired as a designer for that company. At the time, they were using 2020 Design 6.4. Kola began to read the book that was released with the 2020 Design program disc and realized that it was a simplified version of AutoCAD with specifications for this line of industry.
Soon after learning and understanding the program, Kola started to gain sales. By 2011, he was able to open up his own business, KB Designs, which is his greatest achievement and he’s enjoyed every minute of it.
Question & Answer Session
Q: When did you start using 2020 Design and what were some of your reasons for choosing that software?
I started using 2020 Design in 2005. Even though it was the design software of choice at the time, I did try ProKitchen Software, home design software, and Google SketchUp. However, out of all the programs I’ve tried, I believe 2020 Design is the best program that allows for efficient designing with beautiful presentations that my customers love.
About the Designer
Kola Berisa
KB Designs
Favorite paint color:
White and blue
Favorite book:
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway.
Favorite design style:
Transitional
Favorite Designer:
Christopher Peacock
Favorite industry site/blog:
Theworldartnouveau, Art for everyday
Favorite quote:
“Good advice will cost a little, mistakes will cost a lot.”
Q: What are some of the most helpful features you use in 2020 Design and why?
Global Attributes is the most helpful feature of 2020 Design. It allows me to give customers the closest visualization for their new project.
Q: What has been your experience working with 2020?
My experience with 2020 has always been fantastic. They are always reliable, smooth, and easy to communicate with.
Q: What was the inspiration behind the design you submitted for the 2020 contest?
While on vacation in Italy, I saw a similar kitchen that inspired me to design the one I submitted. Using my favorite elements of the kitchen I saw as well as my personal changes, I designed the kitchen for the contest.
Q: Describe your creative process. What questions do you ask your clients? Where do you get your inspirations from?
Firstly, I try to develop an understanding of my customer’s style. Sometimes customers come in with one idea in mind, but they truly want something else. Also, I ask about what the customer is looking to achieve with their project and their personal inspirations. For myself, my inspirations come from all around me, whether its buildings, architecture, or nature.
Q: Do you design spaces other than kitchens and bathrooms?
Other than kitchens and bathrooms I design closets, fireplaces, bars (residential/commercial), and more.
Q: Do you use any 2020 Cloud decorative items?
Yes, I use all the different 2020 Cloud decorative items. The style and type of kitchen I am designing designates which of the items I use.
Q: What are some of your favorite catalogs to use in your design projects?
St. Martin cabinets.
Q: Tell us something unusual that has happened in your career.
My career is one that has gone through many different paths. Starting as a builder of electrical machines using AutoCAD to then working and owning a restaurant to then finally settling down and becoming a kitchen and bathroom designer using 2020 and owning my own company, KB Designs. Through all the different paths I have taken, I gained knowledge that I apply to designing, which has become something that I enjoy the most.
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