Kitchen Designers

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.”

Since 2016, Erica has been designing and selling cabinets. Her life-long interest in design guides her to create lively, comfortable, and appealing spaces, helping to bring her clients’ vision to life on each project. Seeking to design kitchens that serve the people who live in the spaces, Erica values the unique perspective and interests that each client offers and incorporates those into each design. Erica has experience working with builders, remodelers, and customers, managing their jobs from ‘A to Z’, helping bring all the pieces together for a successful process and end result.

“What I love most about my job is that every space and design is different—this gives me the ability to be creative every day and bring life to my customers’ dream spaces!”

Rachel began her career as a kitchen and bath 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!”

A member of our Kennebunk kitchen design team, Abigail joined Team Hancock in 2022 with two years of kitchen design experience. After studying Graphic Design at the University of Maine, she worked as a graphic designer for five years before moving into kitchen design. Abigail’s eye for color and attention to detail allow her to help bring her client’s vision to life, all while making sure the space if practical and functions. 

“I believe everyone deserves a kitchen they can be excited about—whether it’s creating a place to cook, or to gather—whatever is most important to my clients in their space, that’s what I help design and achieve. Working with clients to create their unique space and seeing it completed is the best part of being a designer!”

Shayna’s Maine story began late in 2021 with a cross-country 2,900 mile move. A burning desire to live and experience New England, combined with the realization she could make it happen, led Shayna to Maine. One of ten siblings with Montana roots, Shayna decided during her childhood she wanted to go into design after watching “Friends” with her mom as a young kid and admiring the color, texture, and sheer amount of detail put into each set. A graduate of the University of Idaho, Shayna received her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with a minor in Architecture. Previously, Shayna designed kitchens and bathrooms while working at a lumber yard in Pullman, Washington. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, thrifting, creating digital art, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs.

“Building and remodeling can be an incredibly stressful time in a client’s life. I really enjoy being the person who brings the fun back into it, guiding my customers through the decision-making process and helping bring a space to life!”

Karen has a degree in Interior Design, with a focus on kitchen and bath design and nearly two decades of experience.  Karen enjoys the challenge of making each kitchen unique to the homeowner’s taste. She believes that the kitchen is the heart of the home and should be special no matter how big or small. Karen listens well to the customer to help them get what they are looking for. She has a positive attitude and will go the extra mile to serve her customers.

“I like creating new spaces that are more efficient for the customer.  And, I especially love seeing what we have created together.”

Laurie joined Team Hancock in 2021 bringing with her a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design with a focus in sustainability. Laurie previously worked as an interior designer/project manager focused on commercial and Federal Government clientele for nearly a decade before landing at Hancock Lumber. From Germany and Italy to the United States’ East and West Coasts, Laurie has been a part of designing projects all over the world. Laurie brings with her a passion for design and the fundamentals that go into creating safe, intimate, and inviting spaces. Outside of work, Laurie enjoys adventuring in the outdoors and spending time with her puppy.

“Everyone has their own unique style. I take pride in helping people understand what appeals to them and bringing their interior aspirations to life.”