Kitchen Designers

Originally from Austin, TX and a member of Team Hancock since 2022, Shelby developed a passion for art while studying at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where she also earned a minor in psychology. During her studies, she concentrated on exploring how art, objects, and space influence human and animal behavior. Previous work experience includes sculpture, fabrication, welding, architectural millwork, project management, and even enrichment design for chimpanzees and primate rescue efforts. Outside of work, she continues her art practice and spends time with friends, her partner, and her two Xoloitzcuintles.

“Being able to combine my creative skills and technical expertise to design kitchens that are both beautiful and functional is so rewarding. I love connecting with customers and making their kitchen visions become reality throughout this involved process.”

Kayla started her design career in 2022 when she was hired as a Kitchen & Bath Designer at a small retail store in her hometown of Berlin, NH. It was there that she realized how much passion she had for the profession. Kayla loves to step in at any point in the process, whether it be designing a brand-new space, remodeling, or anything in-between. She has broad product knowledge in the materials and finishes used in kitchens, baths, and other areas of the home.The love of design fuels Kayla in her ongoing effort to stay current in this constantly evolving field. Using her ability to create a space that is beautiful and functional is always the goal. Outside of work, Kayla loves to spend time with her family.

“I believe it is important to listen to my clients’ needs and wants, and to treat every project as if it were going inside my own home.”

I have been in the kitchen design industry for about six years now. I started doing kitchen design when I was in high school as a paid internship. Throughout my life, even as a young child, I knew I wanted to do something in the design industry. Getting that experience while I was young was truly life changing and gave me an exciting career to persue. The kitchen is the most special part of a home and where a lot of memories are made. Being able to be a part of that and make someone’s dreams a reality is one of my favorite things about this job. I enjoy a challenge! My experience ranges from remodels to new builds, and commercial jobs. 

With a passion for the building trades and an appreciation for design, Shelli naturally fell into designing kitchens and bathrooms. Working with homeowners and contractors alike, she believes the process of designing kitchens should be an enjoyable one. With years of experience in customer service, creating and maintaining relationships is something Shelli values and strives to continue here at Hancock Lumber. 

“When you go to work and your job is to create or design something, you know every day will be a good day!”

Denise has been working with homeowners, contractors, and vendors for over twenty years, bringing functionality and beauty into their spaces.  Spending most of her career in the interior design world, she has extensive experience with floor planning and color scheming, including furnishings, flooring, wall color, lighting, and artwork. Searching for change, she moved into kitchen and bath design in 2020.  With her considerable background in project management, Denise enjoys the challenge of focusing on the details of each individual job that make it unique to its customer. Her ability to guide clients from design, budget expectations, and material selections to the final product and installation is a gift.

“Bringing a customer’s ideas into reality, no matter how big or small, is my greatest joy!”

For 28 years, Brian Nielsen has been in the hardware and building industry – 10 of which has been spent designing kitchens. Brian went to PRVTC (now Portland Arts) upon graduating high school and continued his education in a variety of ways, including professional photography. Brian says, “I love a challenge and the opportunity to explore all the details to produce a unique design.  My background in photography gives me a solid understanding of how light and shadows interact with cabinets, countertops, walls, and floors.  My problem-solving skills allows me to approach situations and puzzle out solutions that may otherwise be overlooked.” Brian has approached his decade-long kitchen design career with a problem-solving eye and a go-getter mentality. Outside of work, Brian is a licensed foster parent and has adopted two wonderful children, Emily and Michael. In his spare time he is a scout leader and proudly holds the title of “Popcorn Kernel,” representing three units and, most recently, BSA Pine Tree Council.

Glenn brings 35 years of experience in design, construction, and project management to our Kitchen Design Showroom team. His experience includes kitchen and bath remodeling, from full custom kitchens to simpler cabinetry projects. In addition, Glenn has built stock and custom cabinets professionally, adding yet another level of knowledge and understanding to his kitchen design role. Outside of work, Glenn enjoys being outdoors (his favorite trip is a road trip), and his home of North Conway is a great place to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Glenn enjoys projects on houses of any vintage and he is excited to bring his extensive experience and passion to Team Hancock in North Conway. He looks forward to helping you create the space of your dreams!

A kitchen designer with Hancock Lumber since 2022, Gillian relocated from upstate New York to Maine to be closer to family. While in New York, Gillian worked as a kitchen designer for a box store gaining valuable experience working with clients and creating spaces to meet their needs. In addition to her years of being a kitchen designer, Gillian also served as a personal assistant to a contractor, gaining valuable on the job knowledge. While in school, Gillian studied Fine Arts and Interior Design.

“As a kitchen designer you wear many hats—and, my favorite one to wear is that of the artist. I see every kitchen as a grand usable work of art that is displayed in the heart of the home and showcases each homeowners’ unique style, while also functioning to meet all their needs.”

Rachel began her career as a kitchen designer in 2016 after graduating from Wentworth Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. She believes the kitchen is the heart of every home, and loves taking a client’s ideas and turning them into their dream space—paying particular attention to color, style, functionality, and flow of the space. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys skiing, playing cornhole, and camping.

“Working with each client is a fresh slate every time—I love bringing my customer’s ideas to life through listening and creating a functional design that translates into a space they’ll love for decades to come!”