Kenne Shepherd, Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC

What was the best thing that happened to you or your firm in 2014? 2014 was a great year for my firm and business is thriving. We are celebrating our 21st year in business in New York and continue to provide comprehensive interior architectural design services to high-end commercial and residential clients such as Calvin Klein and Salvatore Ferragamo. I find myself as passionate today as I was in 1993 about designing unique personalized spaces that express the goals and vision of our wonderful clients who know they can rely on our fine-tuned aesthetic eye to create memorable environments for them. What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or personal achievement in 2014? One of the most exciting things that happened to me this year was a complete surprise. I received the Association of Real Estate Women's (AREW) "Beyond the Call of Duty Award" for my contributions as Co-chair of the Communications Committee. As the award states, it was "with appreciation for my fine eye for detail and design and outstanding commitment to the quality and consistency of Communications in 2014." AREW has been another passion of mine since I joined 14 years ago. I look forward to continued participation in AREW as it merges with NYCREW to become CREW New York. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2015? We are committed to the concept that design - interior design, architectural design, all design - has the power to significantly improve all aspects of our lives, whether at work, at home, or at play. As I look forward to 2015, I will be looking for opportunities to significantly improve our environment and, project by project, create a better environment for all and to contribute to the economic growth and beauty of this great city of ours. What are some of your real estate predictions for 2015? I believe that 2015 will be a pivotal year. The midtown skyline is rising to new heights and Manhattan is becoming denser as our neighborhoods are being transformed by new developments. It is an opportunity for us as designers to contribute to this growth, preserving the best of the past and embracing the latest in design, to keep the city livable and vibrant, while working with our clients to enhance the look and value of their properties.