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Caren Rideau
Principal
Caren is no stranger to the kitchen. As an avid cook, she understands the elements of a well-designed kitchen. She recalls assisting her mother in the preparation of traditional Mexican dishes, specifically homemade tamales for Christmas. After her collegiate graduation, Caren knew she would pursue a career in kitchen design. Caren founded the Kitchen Design Group in the Pacific Palisades over 30 years ago, and she has been perfecting her design skills ever since. When she is not designing kitchens, she spends time in the Santa Ynez Valley, refining her and her partner's Tierra y Vino wine.
MEET the TEAM
Our team is here to ensure that each project is completed to our clients' satisfaction. Check out more information on the Kitchen Design Group team members.
Senior Designer
Michael Cain
Mike studied Architecture, Photography, and Fine Arts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His preferred design style continues to develop over his 30-year career, encompassing a bit of everything. Mike enjoys brewing beer, as well as refining his photography skills. He hopes to visit Europe with his family and explore new countries.
Senior Designer
Mariann Claggett
Mariann hails from St. Louis, Missouri, and received a degree in Interior Design, with a minor in Architectural Design and Art from Southeast Missouri University. She prefers a modern, coastal interior with a bohemian twist. She enjoys countless outdoor activities: hiking, backpacking, and the occasional via ferrata.
Designer
Melissa Gamez
Melissa, a Long Beach, California native, graduated from California State University, Long Beach. Her preferred design style is Parisian, with an emphasis on ornate and vintage details. In her free time, Melissa enjoys browsing vintage and flea markets, bowling, and working out. Her ideal getaway is any beach along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.
Designer
Tara Wickstrom
Tara hails from northern Colorado, and received a degree in Interior Architecture and Design at Colorado State University. She favors eclectic design, combining various elements, specifically mid-century modern pieces or French toile prints. Tara likes to play guitar, and plans to visit Egypt to explore the Valley of the Kings.
Designer
Kurt Cledjo
Kurt, originally from Benin in West Africa, graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. His preferred design style is modern with clean lines. Kurt enjoys jogging, hiking, and handcrafting, and his ideal travel destinations are in Europe, especially Rome and Santorini.