DESIGNERS
cheryl smith - primary designer
Loves her work! Design eye has a great appreciation of many styles but always drilling down to comfort and a sense of what makes it home
Good listening skills to her clients, understanding goals of project, desires, and obstacles
Strong project management skills-Persistent, striving to move things along
Very loyal, clients, contractors, vendors anyone she has worked with for any length of time
When not working, spends as much time as possible with grandkids, working at the family farm, cooking, walking, and loves to shop for anything!
jenna nelson - designer
Jenna takes pride in providing the best possible client experience. She strives to always be extremely communicative. Her goal is to make sure everyone involved in a project is on the same page so that details are not lost and forgotten. She is also described as very creative. Her unique perspective inspires new ideas and designs that add value to any project. Jenna also has a great sense of time management. Meeting deadlines is very important to her. On warm weekends you can find Jenna kayaking or backpacking around Lake Keowee with her husband.
Caitlyn Matson - Design Associate
Caitlyn, who goes by Cait, has a strong affinity for central North Carolina because this is where she was born and raised. Growing up near the buzz of High Point, North Carolina, art and design have always hugged her close.
She has great influence when creating from travel, nature, but mainly the people surrounding her. Cait remembers the power that good design has can uplift the soul and spirit. It is enlightening and motivating. She wants her design to yield the same kind of inspiration. Being raised on a 60-acre farm, she doesn't mind getting her hands dirty-like lifting a client's 70000-pound door...-and she enjoys helping to smooth out any rough spots. She enjoys being outside with friends and family on the weekends, going on hikes, riding one-wheels, or playing any outdoor sport that comes to mind. In addition, Cait loves a slow morning, a strong cup of coffee, and a colorful sunset.
SUPPORTING STAFF
Jayne Williamson - oFFICE Manager
Jayne has a varied background of skills and experiences that she brings to the position of Office Manager/Purchasing. She enjoys learning about the art of interior design and the many facets of each component involved. As a support person for the team and our clients, she manages to keep things moving and on time, always with a smile! Jayne and her husband have been involved in motorcycling and camping for most of their time together. Traveling the country provided a unique perspective, both on the bike and in the camper. They sold their home in 2020 to camp and travel full-time. After two years on the road with long stretches of time spent in South Dakota and Texas, and states in between, they felt the pull to return home to the WNC area.
Lisa White - Finance Manager
Married my high school sweetheart. A native New York Italian who likes to cook. My family has lived in several states, but the mountain biking, hiking, and a gentler climate are what lead us to North Carolina.
Designed my home on scrap paper, had a draftsman pull it together and oversee the construction. Coming from Maine it is full of windows to let in the natural light; you Northerners will understand!
I like to think I have a good sense of humor and a chill personality. Comes in handy when life throws it curveballs! My go-to station is classic rock. I have raced in mini triathlons and half- marathons and volunteered mentoring young adults.
On my days off I am either working on a project, the latest building cabinets, or taking my Ridgebacks for a hike. I am often bantering with one of my four twenty-something kids… but I could also be hanging your blinds or draperies, on the golf course, boating, or hosting friends for dinner.
Grace Testaverde - Librarian & pROJECT MANAGER
Grace enjoys working with the whole CSA team, her 12+ years in administrative assistance makes for a great organizer and problem solver. She has a great will to work around the office helping whoever needs assistance. Grace organizes and keeps our library of samples up to date including all fabrics, paints, wallpapers, flooring, and all accessories needed to create your perfectly decorated home. She has a great interest in interior design and is learning more about it by watching our designers at work. Grace has a great sense of creativity and has many hobbies like making custom wreaths, crocheting and even raising chickens. As a native of New York City, she has expanded her horizons when she moved to the mountains of North Carolina 2 years ago with her family.