The crew at Fivecat from left: Annmarie McCarthy, Lisa MacNeil, Mark R. LePage, John Whalen, Bjorn Slate and Karen Sidel

Crown Point Cabinetry would not be where it is today without repeat business from loyal design professionals and builders.  To recognize these folks, we like to feature them here on Wood Shavings!   Through a Q&A session with Mark R. LePage, AIA, we’d like to introduce you to Fivecat Studio!

Fivecat Studio offers complete architectural and construction management services for additions, renovations and new homes.  Partners Annmarie McCarthy and Mark R. LePage, run their business from two locations-a studio in Pleasantville, NY, and another in Amagansett, NY.  Fivecat serves clients  throughout Westchester County (NY) and Fairfield County (CT), the Hamptons and the lower Hudson Valley region.

What are the hallmarks of a Fivecat home?

Every project by Fivecat Studio, whether it’s a single kitchen renovation or a multi-million dollar home, is unique; custom developed to meet the specific needs and requirements of each family member. We incorporate special details into every project, such as one-of-a-kind mouldings, special finishes or a custom newel post. Focusing on the little things can make a very big difference.

Do you prefer to design homes in a particular period style?

Our studio is located in Westchester County, New York, about 40 minutes north of Manhattan. Homes in Westchester are mostly traditional, yet our clients tend to be young families with modern tastes. Our kitchens, therefore, are typically designed to respect the traditional flavor of the home, but include the modern flair of our clients.

What is the most challenging aspect of designing a kitchen?

Every Fivecat project includes an in depth pre-design process, which allows us to learn the unique habits and discover the specific tastes and styles of each client. The most challenging aspect of designing a kitchen is meeting the specific wants and needs of each member of the family. Mom has a very different list of requirements than does her 10 year old son, but each person will be living in and using the kitchen every day. Our process results in a kitchen that is finely tuned to the habits, hopes, needs and desires of each family member and, in turn, impacts our clients’ lives in very positive ways.

If you could give one piece of advice to a homeowner planning to remodel their kitchen, what would that be?

We ask our clients to prepare a full inventory of every item they currently have stored in their cabinets, as well as everything that they would like to add to their new kitchen. We try to accommodate a place for everything, so everything has a place. We then request a second inventory of all activities that our clients will perform in the kitchen (cooking, washing, preparing food, bill paying, TV watching, Internet surfing, entertaining, etc.). Our advice: prepare an inventory.

A recent Fivecat kitchen with Crown Point cabinetry handcrafted from Cherry. Finish is Autumn Brown with a Chocolate Glaze.

What are some projects you’ve done with Crown Point in the past?

We have partnered with Crown Point on several kitchens over the past decade. Our most recent kitchen was for a young family in Chappaqua, New York. The client was very “hands on” and enjoyed working closely with our favorite Crown Point designer, Christine Dunleavy.

Annmarie and I look forward to Crown Point soon crafting a custom kitchen for our own family’s 1930s Tudor.

What do you like about working with Crown Point?

When we discuss Crown Point with our clients, we talk about their incredible dedication to customer service coupled with their furniture quality workmanship. Crown Point understands that service and attention is sometimes more important than the actual product. They work hard to make Fivecat Studio look good and we appreciate that.

The Fivecat staff enjoying a day at the beach in Montauk, New York

What do the folks at Fivecat do to relax?

As much as everyone at Fivecat Studio enjoys working in the studio, there are times when we all need to take a break. Every few months we plan some time away, to rest and learn about one another in a more social environment. We have taken day trips to Montauk to visit the on-going construction of one of our Project Architect’s family retreat. Each spring we spend a day navigating a local house tour to experience other architects’ best work. This summer, we are planning a trip to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City with all our families. The culture at Fivecat Studio is comfortable, casual and very family-friendly, so we all enjoy spending time together, in or out of the studio.

Tim Jones installed one of the first frameless kitchens by Crown Point Cabinetry in a home on Long Beach Island in New Jersey

Drawing from years of experience as a finish carpenter and project manager, Tim Jones founded his own company, Jones Contracting, in 2000. Since then, he and a hand full of skilled employees have made a name for themselves, specializing in all interior and exterior finish work in oceanfront homes along the southern coast of New Jersey.

What sets you apart from other builders in your area?

My background is in finished carpentry. Working on site everyday brings an opportunity to invent and visualize custom touches that set each home apart from the rest.

How would you characterize the homes you build and remodel?

They are unique with quite a bit of character. We pay attention to details and add things like railing and exterior trim.

What is the greatest challenge for you when building or remodeling a home?

Bringing the project in on time and on budget is always a major focus. You want to deliver a home to a happy client because if they’re not happy, then you’re in trouble!

Beautiful maple cabinetry from Crown Point's Limited frameless line hugs the curved wall of a contemporary beach house on Long Beach Island

What are some of the projects you’ve done with Crown Point?

We’ve done several projects with Crown Point, and we’ve got one in production right now. One of the more interesting projects was a contemporary beach house on Long Beach Island. The cabinetry was maple natural from Crown Point’s new Frameless line. The challenge here was that the kitchen walls were rounded. Crown Point made sure the cabinetry installed perfectly.

What do you like about working with Crown Point?

They’re a joy to work with, and you can’t beat the quality of the cabinets. I’ve installed many kitchens over the years and there’s no comparison to Crown Point. When it comes to details, Crown Point Cabinetry has taken my projects over the top. Because of this, I continue to build fine homes during these tough times.

Tim pauses for a photo with his daughters before heading out on the water for the day

How do you spend your free time?

I spend as much time as I can with my wife and four daughters. We have a small boat, so we like to get out on the water. We also love to go camping in an RV and travel to different places. And, I love watching sports, especially hockey and football.

Cabinetry in Pitch Black Milk Paint and stained maple create a stunning contrast in Cahill's Crown Point kitchen

Christopher Cahill Construction was recently honored with a Cornerstone Award for Cahills’ own Crown Point kitchen. The space is warm and inviting with Crown Point cabinetry in contrasting finishes, authentic timberframe details and modern stainless steel appliances.

Chris Cahill proudly displays the Cornerstone Award he and his company received for his beautiful Crown Point kitchen

Presented annually by the Home Builders & Remodelers Assocation of New Hampshire, Cornerstone Awards are coveted awards that recognize excellence in all areas of the building industry.

Cahill took home the Silver award in the category of New Kitchens under $35,000 for his Crown Point kitchen in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.

Cahill worked directly with Crown Point to design a modern space without compromising the rustic feel of his post and beam home.

True lite muntins are a nice touch, adding visual interest to this run of cabinetry

He chose a bold Pitch Black Milk Paint finish for the base cabinetry, creating a stunning contrast against Maple upper cabinetry finished in Burnt Umber.

Red Dragon granite countertops tie the two finishes together, completing the look.

Stainless steel appliances are fully integrated on the range wall, and a dropped baking center increases functionality

Other design details include a dropped baking station below the window, true lite muntin doors, and beautiful maple crown moulding.

“I was very impressed with the entire process,” said Cahill. “Each piece fit together like a puzzle, and the cabinetry just speaks for itself.”

Congratulations to Chris and crew, from all of us here at Crown Point!