“Insights Into Design” is a Riggs series on local designers highlighting the process, style, and inspiration that drives impactful design. Each post will feature a local designer and their designs to gain an inside perspective into the work and imagination of their kitchen projects. 

We are happy to announce the winner of our Riggs People’s Choice Contest, Alina Druga, of Alina Druga Interiors. She will be recognized for her achievement at the 2017-18 Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Local Kitchen Design Awards at Riggs Showroom + Distributing in the spring of 2019.

There is still time to enter your kitchen in the KDC!  Please click here for more information on this incredible Global and Local contest.

Riggs: Tell us a little about your background. What factors contributed to you becoming a designer? How did you decide to become a designer?

Alina: I’ve always had an appreciation for architecture and design, but it wasn’t until 2007 that I had the opportunity to follow my dream and do what I love. With background studies in Geography and Environmental Studies, I began my journey in the design industry as a Certified CAD Drafter, and in 2009 I went back to school for my degree in Interior Design. With a lifelong fascination for creating better living spaces and a passion for helping people I established “Alina Druga Interiors” in 2011 serving the San Francisco Bay Area. My business has been growing every year since then, and I am beyond grateful to be able to do what I love while being a full time mom.

What is your process like when you approach new projects?

With every new project I begin by listening to the client, observing them and their environment, then envisioning how can I improve their lifestyle through my design. I always start with function and finish with aspects of my client’s personality.

What would you like new clients to know about your design process?

My design process is really simple. I tailor my approach for every client, so the process becomes as comfortable as possible for them.

How does living in the West Coast affect your design practice and your design thinking?

There is so much design inspiration around me and plenty of resources to help my business offer the best to my clients. Technology makes it easier to communicate with clients and preset my designs. Also using 3D renderings has been instrumental in growing my business.

Tell us about your Sub-Zero and Wolf kitchen design. How did the addition of Sub-Zero and Wolf enhance the design?

The concept behind this design was not only to update my client’s kitchen, but also to improve their lifestyle. In my new design I relocated the kitchen into the old dining room area, and removed the walls between the kitchen, dining and living to open up the space. The beautiful white cabinets make the kitchen feel large and bright, while the dark island plays a nice contrast. The addition of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances greatly improved the esthetics and functionality of the kitchen. The cooktop and hood are the focal point of the kitchen.

If you were to give your younger self advice in regards to a career in design, what would it be?

My advice to my younger self would have to be one of my favorite Bible verses, Romans 8:28 “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose”.

Tell us something fun about yourself: Any hobbies about with you are passionate? Most recent book that you finished reading? Up next on the Netflix queue?

Since 2011 I’ve been a volunteer designer for Rooms of Hope, a non profit organization that provides bedroom makeovers for children with life-threatening illnesses. I’m very passionate about our mission in bringing joy and hope to children and their families, while going through such a hard time in their lives. I do this with my husband and my two girls, so it is a lot of fun too.

I don’t know if you can call cleaning a hobby, but, as strange as it sounds, I enjoy cleaning the house; it relaxes me.

Up next on Netflix – just started watching Downton Abbey.