About Us
Judy A. Simes
Following completion of her undergraduate career and being accepted at Fordham Law School, Judy had a change of heart and followed her creative instincts and enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. Judy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Interior Architecture.
As FIT is a renowned institution for all aspects of design, Judy immediately was hired by Edith Gecker, FASID, as an associate designer. Ms. Gecker remodeled the White House during the Kennedy Administration with Sister Parish, and is considered the top designer in the U.S.
After four years with Ms. Gecker, Judy decided to start her own design firm in the New York metropolitan area.
A client in suburban New York brought Judy to the San Francisco Bay Area when they moved. Following designing this client's home and receiving a number of referrals, Judy decided to stay in California.
In July 1980, Judy partnered with Richard Kenarney and formed Design Associates West.
In over thirty years, Judy and Richard have accumulated a vast treasure of satisfied clients across the country and internationally.
Richard B. Kenarney
Following undergraduate studies with a degree in Business Administration and Economics, Richard matriculated at Dartmouth College's Amos Tuck Graduate School of Business for an MBA.
Richard enjoyed a lucrative publishing career, first with McGraw Hill and then with the Medical Economics Company.
While in the medical publishing field, Richard created a medical journal and, moving to the Bay Area created HOME Magazine for consumers. Success included rising to the level of president of the Publishing Company.
Richard following his first love of architecture and desiring to leave corporate life and become self-employed, met and partnered with Judy Simes, forming Design Associates West.
Richard Studied Architecture in the Bay Area at San Jose State University.
In the early years of Design Associates West, Richard created Design Communications, Inc. a nationally acclaimed firm providiing lectures and workshops on how to market and manage a small business, to interior designers and architects.
With Judy, Richard has provided superior quality of building design, interior design and intrior architecture to a walth of satisfied clients across the country and internationally.
Kempton L. Fuller
Raised in a construction and real estate company, Kempton spent his early years supervising residential construction projects.
He also studied eight years at Tallesin, Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. While there Kempton was involved in all aspects of the Tallesin Fellowship and is well versed in organic architecture.
His experience is thirty five years of domestic and international, commercial and residential projects.
Kempton's expertise includes a variety of architectural styles encompassing modern, tuscan, contemporary, southwestern, mediterranean and craftsman.
The distinctive features and timeless feeling of his architecture have allowed his clients to sell their homes at a profit, even in a depressed real estate market.
Design Associates West enthusiastically welcomes Kempton Lloyd Fuller as an Architectural Associate with our firm in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This association serves to extend our existing valuable and profitable long standing partnership in Arizona where we have collaborated on a number of successful residential projects.
Kempton's artistry and bredth of ability and experience will indeed expand the services we offer to our existing and prospective clients.
Philosophy
Thirty Two years in the business has allowed Design Associates West to create a multitude of beautiful and understated interiors as well as impressive additions, remodels and new homes.
We have had the opportunity to design many different styles of structures and interiors meeting the varied requirements and wishes of our clients.
We are not limited to any particular style or period. As good design is adhering to the existing environment, as well as scale, balance, function and form.
Years ago we made a studied commitment to the residential marketplace. Our mission was to remain relatively small, enabling us as principals to achieve a close personal relationship with our clients.
This kind of relationship is so essential to the success of a project. As the relationship provides continuity of thought and theme. Also possessing the capability of designing structures minimizes challenges and enables DAW, the contractors and the client to operate on the same page, thereby insuring a successful project.
Services
- Assist client in review of property for erection of a new residence.
- Assist client in review and evaluation of an existing home for possible purchase or remodel.
- Where applicable, create with client plans and construction documents available for bids from general and sub contractors.
- DAW will recommend three general constractors to bid on a project. If client already has a general contractor, we will be pleased to include him. If the client has an architect will will also be happy to work with that firm.
- When working with architects and contractors, DAW's ability to understand those phases of a project enables a smooth, profitable relationship for the client.
- Interface with local governing agencies responsible for ussing and approving permits.
- Continuous involvement with all contractors and meterialmen until project's completion.
- Establish with client all elements of the interior architecture and interior design including but not limited to cabinetry, furniture, window treatment, finish plumbing, decorative lighting, graniet, marble, tile, stone, finishes, appliances and color palette, to name a few.
- Prepare preliminary drawing for hardscape design where called for.
- Initial hour of consultation is complimentary.