OUR PEOPLE
Our people inspire and grow our company every day. Our teams are driven, experienced, and remain passionate about who we are and what we do. We represent value and quality within our products and at every customer touchpoint. We trust in the process and evolve with clear and concise communication. All of our employees have a voice, and by working together, we exceed client expectations and promote innovative design. Our people are the true key to our success.
DIRECTORS
Bob Bakes
Co-Founder & Head of Design
Bob draws on his international design expertise and previous success as owner of Bakes & Co., a kitchen design studio with locations in London and New York. His background in interior design and project management has been key to the success of Bakes & Kropp.
Paul Kropp
Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer
With over 30 years of woodworking experience, Paul became a leading cabinetry expert through his former company, Kropp Woodworking. That legacy laid the groundwork for Bakes & Kropp and solidified his partnership with Bob.
Mike Romska
Director of Operations
An operations executive with 25+ years of experience, Mike ensures smooth workflow across all teams, champions company-wide training, and believes continuous learning is essential to quality, safety, and long-term growth.
Joyce Malavé
Director of Sales & Marketing
With 20 years of experience, Joyce blends creativity and business strategy to grow brand awareness. She actively builds partnerships with like-minded professionals to further expand market presence.
Shannon Stein
Director of Accounting & HR
Shannon leverages over 25 years of accounting experience to maintain accuracy and compliance in all transactions. Her approachable leadership style and strong communication skills make her a trusted team resource.
DESIGNERS
Led by Bakes & Kropp’s guiding principles of functionality, aesthetics, and quality, our dedicated team of design professionals conceptualize elevated spaces to be enjoyed for decades to come.
Bob Bakes
Co-Founder & Head of Design
Bob leads our design team with deep industry knowledge and a passion for innovative kitchen concepts. His design philosophy emphasizes tone, texture, and color—an approach that defines the Bakes & Kropp aesthetic.
Ellen Schott
Senior Designer
New York City
Ellen has over 10 years of experience designing residential homes and kitchens that have been featured on HGTV and in design showcases. Her sharp attention to detail elevates both classic and contemporary projects.
Jonathan Phipps
Senior Designer
New York City
With extensive design and project management experience in NYC, Jon offers a deep understanding of materials and finishes. His collaborative, architectural approach ensures thoughtful, innovative solutions.
Guillaume Dupré
Senior Designer
The Hamptons
With more than 20 years of interior design experience, Guillaume brings a distinctive blend of personality and European flair to every project. His work has been widely published, earning him top recognition in the Hamptons.
Mary Dimichino
Senior Designer
The Hamptons & Long Island
A trusted interior designer with more than 20 years of experience, Mary is known for her impressive kitchen portfolio and collaborative style. Her calm demeanor and expert knowledge make her a go-to for clients and industry partners alike.
Sherry Gossett
Senior Designer
Long Island
With over 20 years of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, Sherry leads with integrity and a personal touch. As NKBA Program Chair, she mentors peers and promotes excellence in the field.
Jonika Ruz
Design & Development Coordinator
New York
Jonika brings over 10 years of design experience, with work featured in national publications and a strong focus on materials and finishes. She continues to expand her expertise through advanced certifications.
Amanda Napier
Senior Designer
Palm Beach
Amanda began her design career in 2000 and quickly became known for her refined approach to modern kitchen spaces. She applies her cabinetry-focused background and a creative edge to every project.
Jill K. Greene
Senior Designer
Palm Beach
With over 25 years in interior design and cabinetry, Jill combines creativity with technical skill and construction knowledge. A graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, she brings a layered perspective shaped by years of experience.
Justin Sharer
Senior Designer
Plymouth & Bay Harbor
An award-winning designer with over 20 years of experience, Justin is known for his creativity and expert execution. He delivers exceptional service and translates client visions into beautifully crafted spaces.
TEAM LEADERS
Craftsmanship begins with our experienced team—from skilled artisans and engineers to knowledgeable managers and office staff. United by a commitment to quality, precision, and professionalism, we take pride in producing exceptional results at every stage of our process.
Pablo Porras
Field Project Manager
With over 20 years of construction experience nationwide, Pablo ensures seamless project execution through hands-on planning and coordination with the installation team.
Jaime Lancaster
Shop Floor Manager
With 25 years of experience, Jaime excels at leading specialized teams and maintaining the highest standards in precision manufacturing.
Amy Jones
Purchasing Manager
Driven by a passion for the industry, Amy draws on more than a decade of relevant experience in procurement and inventory management.
Jeff Isotalo
Lead Engineer
Jeff brings 15 years of engineering expertise using industry-leading software to transform design concepts into detailed, production-ready blueprints.
Nick Lemanski
Engineer
A former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, Nick combines mechanical and electrical engineering experience with strong leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving.