Meet Our Designers | Ann-Marie Kallio

From customer service to kitchen design, learn how Ann-Marie Kallio found her passion for helping homeowners bring their dream spaces to life.

When homeowners visit our showroom for the first time, they're often excited about the possibilities ahead but also a little overwhelmed.

There are cabinet styles to choose from. Countertop materials to compare. Hardware finishes, colors, layouts, and countless design decisions to make.

For many homeowners, that process can feel intimidating.

For Woodsman designer Ann-Marie Kallio, helping people navigate those decisions is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.

Recently featured in VoyageJacksonville, Ann-Marie shared her journey into design, what inspires her work, and why she loves helping homeowners bring their dream spaces to life.

A Career She Didn't Expect

Ann-Marie's path to kitchen and bath design wasn't something she originally planned.

She joined Woodsman more than a decade ago while pursuing her college education, expecting the position to be temporary. Instead, she discovered something she genuinely loved.

"I was supposed to be here for two years... and I fell in love with the company and the work we did here."

After starting on the customer service side of the business, working with contractors and builders, she eventually transitioned into design, where she found the perfect outlet for her creativity.

Today, she's been designing kitchens and bathrooms for four years and helping homeowners create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

Bringing Ideas to Life

Ask Ann-Marie what her favorite part of the job is and the answer comes quickly.

"My favorite part about working with the customer is taking their inspiration photos and just bringing their designs to life."

It's a process she genuinely enjoys.

From selecting cabinet finishes and countertop materials to refining layouts and details, she loves watching a collection of ideas evolve into a finished space homeowners can enjoy for years.

A Dream Kitchen Is About More Than Looks

While beautiful cabinetry and stunning countertops certainly matter, Ann-Marie believes great design starts with functionality.

"A dream kitchen means not only aesthetically pleasing, but it means functionality. It works for each client's personal needs."

That's an important distinction.

The best kitchens aren't simply designed to look good in photos. They're designed to support the way homeowners actually live, cook, gather, and entertain.

Every family uses their space differently, and understanding those differences is a critical part of the design process.

Helping Homeowners Feel Less Overwhelmed

One of the biggest challenges many homeowners face is simply knowing where to begin.

With so many options available, decision fatigue is real.

Ann-Marie's approach is simple.

"Let's just start with a color. Let's start with a wood type."

Rather than asking clients to make every decision at once, she breaks the process into manageable steps.

For homeowners who arrive without a clear vision, she uses her experience to guide them through the possibilities, helping them determine whether they're drawn toward timeless designs, current trends, traditional styles, or something more contemporary.

The goal is to make the process enjoyable rather than stressful.

The Moment Everything Clicks

There is one moment in nearly every project that Ann-Marie looks forward to.

It's when homeowners see their renderings for the first time.

"When we present them with the renderings... that's where they usually get really excited about it."

What was once a collection of ideas suddenly becomes real.

The layout. The finishes. The cabinetry. The overall vision.

For many homeowners, it's the first time they can truly picture themselves in their future space.

Explore Ann-Marie’s projects.

Why Woodsman Is Different

When asked what sets Woodsman apart, Ann-Marie points to the people.

"Our team of designers have been doing this for a long time."

She also highlights Woodsman's product knowledge, carefully selected cabinet lines, experienced installation teams, and in-house countertop fabrication shop, which allows the company to maintain greater control over quality and scheduling.

But perhaps most importantly, she points to something unique about the company itself.

"We're an employee-owned company. We care. We want our company to succeed, so we take care of you like you were one of our own."

Home Away From Home

For Ann-Marie, Woodsman isn't just a workplace.

It's part of her family's story.

Her mother, stepfather, and sister have all worked here, and she's been around the company since she was a child.

"I've been running around this building since I was a kid."

That connection helps explain why she describes Woodsman as feeling like home.

And it's a big part of why she cares so deeply about helping homeowners create spaces they can feel at home in, too.

Work With Ann-Marie

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, laundry room update, or custom built-in project, Ann-Marie brings years of experience, product knowledge, and a passion for helping homeowners turn ideas into reality.

Visit our Jacksonville showroom and schedule a free design consultation to start planning your next project. Be sure to ask for Ann-Marie!