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Spaces introduces an advisory board of skilled professinals that are dedicated to continually enhancing the presence and quality of this publication
Story by Karen
Hufford
Photos by David Potter & Brian Abrahamson
Recently, Spaces developed an advisory board,
bringing together some of the top industry experts
in Brevard County. Ranging from designers, to artisans,
to systems integration specialists, the board includes
skilled professionals dedicated to continually enhancing
the presence and quality of this publication.
At a gathering at WineStyles in Viera,
Mark Mikolajczyk, president and publisher of FLORIDA
TODAY, and other members of the Spaces staff welcomed
the new advisory board members and outlined
what will be expected from them in the months ahead.
Advisory board members will participate in a monthly
meeting, exploring ways to continually push Spaces to
the next level in value and quality. We’ll discuss new
industry trends, innovations, and developments and
focus on the best ways to implement these ideas into
future issues of Spaces.
The Spaces team is grateful to each of these experts
for devoting their time and effort into making sure this
magazine always stays ahead of the curve. We hope the
ideas given by our advisory board members will be to
your liking, and you’ll be pleased with the new twists
and turns we’re taking in the coming issues.
In the following pages, Spaces invites you to get to
know each of our advisory board members, their expertise,
and what each brings to the table.
Angela St. Amant
Owner of the LoPressionism Gallery |
 As
the owner of the
LoPressionism Gallery
of Fine Art in downtown
Melbourne, Angela
St. Amant has immersed
herself in multiple facets
of the art industry and
successfully created a gallery
that is warm, inviting,
and presents art without intimidation.
In addition to her
lifelong involvement and
appreciation for high-quality
art, Angela has also successfully
tackled various
other endeavors, specializing
in gallery operations, marketing, education, and philanthropic
levels of the art
industry.
St. Amant earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration
at the University of Florida,
and later pursued her Master’s degree in Information
technology at Webster University.
Each year she enrolls in varying educational courses at Brevard
Community
College, keeping her current on the latest technologies and
helping her to adapt to the
changing needs of her profession. She also frequents various
art expos and workshops
around the country to further her knowledge and training.
As well as being a member of numerous art organizations locally
and on a national
level, St. Amant is an active participant in the Melbourne
Mainstreet Board of Directors
and the Downtown Melbourne Design Committee.
Her professional team sets high standards for artistic pieces
entering the LoPressionism
Gallery, each of which must be hand-touched by the artist
in some way (if it
is not an original) to ensure clients are getting the investment-level
fine art they are
paying for.
Despite the high-class character of her gallery, St. Amant
retains a down-to-earth
persona and prefers a low-key atmosphere. This woman is intellectual,
creative, family-oriented,
and wildly optimistic about the exploding art industry in
Brevard County. |
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Richard
Manna
Owner of Manna and Sons Fine Cabinetmakers |
 Throughout
his lifetime, Richard Manna had a driving
passion for creating and building
things, usually enjoyed by family and friends. In 1984, he turned
this passion into a rewarding
career by becoming a professional
furniture maker, opening
his shop Manna and Sons Fine
Cabinetmakers in Malabar.
The undeniable talent of
Manna is something that grew
from his love of craftsmanship.
For the most part, he is a selftaught
wood artisan who traveled,
read numerous books and
magazines on the subject, bought
tools, attended seminars, met the craftsman, and built things
whenever he found the time.
Today, Manna still enjoys the challenges of creating all types
of furniture for
discriminating clients. He has a particular interest in crafting
pieces for designers
who require unique pieces of furniture, and fulfilling furniture
fantasies for
furniture lovers who “know what they want.” His company’s
goal is to exceed
their clients’ expectations, giving them what they want
beyond what they are
paying for.
Over the years, Manna has been involved in numerous wood crafting
associations
including the Long Island Woodcarvers Association where he served
as
treasurer, the Artists and Blacksmiths Association, the Guild
of Master Craftsman,
the Furniture Society, and the Association of American Period
Furniture
Makers.
According to Manna, the most rewarding part of his profession
is delivering
quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that will become tomorrow’s
antiques. He recognizes
how a piece of furniture can take a client to a happier state
of mind, or bring
back an old memory, and he gets great pleasure out of delivering
that feeling.
As a master craftsman, Manna believes, “The price of
fine things is not in the
cost of materials, but the art of the maker. Nobody asked Michelangelo
what he
paid for his paint.”
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Leanna
S. Farrell
Senior Designer and Office Manager, Porter Baxter Interior
Design |
 Originally
from Illinois,
Leanna S. Farrell
attended Shippensburg
State College and Indiana
University at Pennsylvania.
In 1980, she met her husband,
John Farrell, from
Melbourne and the pair
has a combined family of
six children.
Over the years she has
acquired extensive experience
in the art and interior
design industry, beginning
with a three-year internship
in Naples, Fla. with
the well-known designer
Rosemary Robinson of
R&R Robinson. During
this time, she also became a partner at the Artic Experience
Art Gallery. Later, she served as director for
Todd Grier Galleries, and opened two art galleries for investment
owners in
Argentina and Brazil.
Following this stint, Farrell moved to Orlando, Fla. where she
sold, designed,
and marketed for commercial interior design and furniture firms.
She then
opened her own firm, Phoenix Design Group, where she designed
commercial
spaces for over 11 years. In 1990, she became a licensed interior
designer.
These days, she’s enjoying her career as the senior designer
and office manager
of the well-established firm, Porter Baxter Interior Design.
She enjoys working
alongside the other designers of this firm which boasts over
100 years combined
experience. Currently, Farrell is designing an 8,000 square-foot
private residence
on Lansing Island.
In addition, she is active in the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic
Church of
Indialantic where husband serves as a permanent deacon.
Farrell excels in color and the selection of art and area carpets,
and takes
pleasure in designing unique window treatments. She believes
because no two
projects are alike, it is never a good policy to impose your
own style on a client,
but to let that client be your inspiration. She feels tremendously
rewarded by the
difference she can make in someone’s life, not only by
making their home more
beautiful, but also enjoying the process with the client. |
Linda
Tamasy
Owner of Linda Tamasy Designs, Inc. |
 Upon
moving to Brevard County in 1992 with her husband,
Linda Tamasy fell into the world of
cabinetry purely by fate. Due to Brevard’s
slow economy during that year,
she contacted the ASID president,
John Campbell, in Orlando who
happened to be a residential kitchen
designer. Although this avenue was
not something she had previously
considered, with his encouragement
she was employed in his Winter Park
studio two days later, realizing this
profession as a perfect fit for her talents
and design interests.
Today, Tamasy’s specialty is
kitchen design, however, she also
works in other areas of the home
that feature built-in cabinetry, such
as bathrooms, home theaters, home
offices, etc. She also focuses on space
planning of the home as it relates to
these areas.
Tamasy’s company, Linda Tamasy Designs, Inc., is a boutique-style
cabinetry
design studio focusing on good design above all else. She takes
pride in solving
difficult design problems and challenging spaces.
Her education began at SUNY Geneseo where she received a Bachelor
of
Arts in English. She later went on to pursue post graduate studies
at University of
Oregon’s School of Architecture, and received a Bachelor
of Fine Arts in Interior
Design from University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Her professional memberships include ASID and NKBA, and she is
active
in the community through involvement with her children’s
school, and Habitat
for Humanity.
Professionally speaking, she feels her greatest achievement is
having one of
her Brevard County kitchen designs published on the cover of
one of the largest
custom cabinetry manufacturer’s brochures and used in their
advertising campaign.
She also has won numerous awards for several national design
competitions
for Crystal Cabinetry, of which she represents.
Tamasy is optimistic about the evolving innovations in technology
and products
that will ultimately change the way we design and live in kitchens.
She takes
pleasure in getting to know her clients, and feels rewarded knowing
that she has
enhanced their home through good design and beautiful cabinetry. |
Michael
Gainey
Corporate Director of Design, Bassett Furniture
Gallery |
 Born
and raised in Brevard County, Michael Gainey is a true
asset to the design community of this area. With expertise
that spans over 29 years, he has made a name for himself as
the corporate
director of design for Bassett Furniture Gallery.
Following a lifelong ambition to become a home designer,
Gainey received Certification from the New York School of Interior
Design, and became an allied member of ASID. In addition, he
served for two years as chapter president of ASID for the education
of design.
Gainey specializes in residential design with Bassett Furniture,
committed to creating dynamic interiors with a specific focus
on
detail and exceptional client service. He considers Bassett
Furniture to be fashion forward, striving to stay ahead of
the latest trends.
He
takes pride in working individually with clients to fulfill
their interior
design dreams, targeting their needs to live in the ever-changing
world around them.
Throughout his career, Gainey’s work had been published
in
national and international magazines, including Elle Décor
and
Florida Design, and he considers this one of his greatest professional
achievements.
In
addition to his rewarding career, Gainey and his firm are
also is involved
with the American Cancer Society,
Melbourne Chamber of Commerce,
Better Business Bureau, and National
Home Furnishing Association.
“Shoot for the moon. Land
in the stars” is the expression Gainey uses to
describe his professional endeavors. |
Dee
Patnoe
Interior Designer, Clay Stephens Interiors |
 Over
the past 20 years, Dee Patnoe has made Brevard County her
home, raising her daughter, and establishing
herself as a highly-revered residential
interior designer. She began her career at Chandlers Contemporary
Interiors, and later joined the team at Clay Stephens Interiors
in
Cocoa Beach. She has now been with Clay Stephens for over six
years, and has enjoyed establishing her career with this prominent
design firm.
Art has always been an influential factor in Patnoe’s
life, and is
the root of her passion for decorations and colors. She specializes
in
custom window drapery designs and enjoys working with a variety
of fabrics.
Patnoe takes pride in working for Clay Stephens Interiors,
which she describes as an “intimate design firm,” basing
their business
belief on customer service to be the foundation of any successful
relationship.
In her spare time Patnoe volunteers at the Women’s Center
Furniture and More store in Melbourne. In addition, Clay Stephens
Interiors is a member of the Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce
and the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard.
Patnoe believes the interior design profession is gaining
respect
with both the consumer and builder community by proving time
and time again that interior designers can save homeowners
from
costly mistakes.
Professionally, Patnoe is grateful to have her work featured
in
several publications. She believes the best part of her profession
is
making a client’s dreams come true and seeing the smile
on a client’s
face when her job is completed. |
Tracy
Buxton
Owner of Buxton Design, Inc. |
 Prior
to attending The
University of North
Carolina at Greensboro, and
receiving her Bachelor of
Science in Interior Design,
Tracey Buxton, allied member
of ASID, gained practical
interior design knowledge
through frequent moves
with her husband, a naval
officer. From traveling, to
working in the retail furniture
industry, and property
management, she gained
fundamental experience that
would become invaluable to
her career in the design and
real estate staging industry.
From an early age,
Buxton was captivated by
detail, style, color, contrast, and function, always possessing
a passion and curiosity
for what works, what doesn’t, and why. By contrast, her
involvement and
enjoyment in real estate staging was born from necessity, stemming
from her
frequent moves.
Her firm, Buxton Design, Inc., is a small, hands-on firm that
focuses on quality,
custom design work, meticulous detail, and personalized attention,
specializing in
high-end residential design. Buxton believes with superior quality
and service, her
firm is better able to focus on their clients to meet and exceed
their expectations,
creating original and unique designs in a range of styles.
Buxton enjoys being a fundraising contributor to the Women’s
Council of Realtors
and the Junior League Festival of Trees. She is also an active
supporter of the
Humane Society, and attends the Suntree United Methodist Church.
From a professional standpoint, she takes great pleasure in the
personal interaction
she has with her clients, creating an environment that is reflective
of who they
are, their tastes, style, and comfort. Although her work has
been published and won
numerous awards, she believes her greatest professional achievement
is her clients’ appreciation and pride in the quality and
timelessness of their space.
When it comes to design, Buxton believes, “Design is neither
veneer nor decoration.
It’s the substance. The unqualified feeling of quality,
form, and function.” |
Beth
Turko
Assistant Sales Manager and Home Design
Trainer, Indian River Furniture |
 Beth
Turko’s father was originally from High Point, N.C.
known by many as the “furniture city.” Because
of her father’s background and love for the arts, interior
design was instilled in her from a very young age.
Turko attended Western Carolina University, where she majored
in art. Originally, she trained in the field of commercial art. She later moved
to Florida in 1989, and pursued her interest in interior design, landing a
gig as an apprentice for Kathy Wilkenson, ASID, where she eventually became
a designer and office manager for six years. During this time, Turko expanded
her furniture and interior design career through community involvement. She
spent three consecutive years on the Brevard Symphony Orchestra Showcase of
Homes.
She also began offering freelance design services for Indian River Furniture
in Rockledge, and she was involved in several model home projects throughout
Brevard County.
Today, Turko is employed at Indian River Furniture as an
assistant sales manager and home design trainer. She is delighted
to be part of this familyowned business
since 1938, offering designer-line furniture brands. As many of Indian River
Furniture’s business is based on client referrals, she believes her firm’s
customer service reputation speaks for itself. By differentiating themselves
in today’s market, Turko believes Indian River Furniture will continue
to exceed customer’s expectations at every level of store service.
Indian River Furniture is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Homebuilder
Association of Brevard, and is actively involved in various community projects.
In
addition, Turko served for five years as a member of the
Junior League of Central and North Brevard.
As a designer, Turko believes the best part of her profession is the creative
aspect. She enjoys pulling together the latest looks with furniture, fabrics,
and accessories. She also takes pleasure in getting to meet and work with new
people everyday. |
Porter
Baxter
Owner of Porter Baxter Interior Design |
 Porter
Baxter Interior Design has been a staple in the furniture and
interior design community of Brevard
County for the past 50 years. Since 1957,
when Porter Baxter founded this firm,
interior design has been his primary
interest and function.
As a licensed interior designer he has taken post graduate
work, as
well as continuing education as required by the state. His
portfolio of
work is extremely diverse, and includes churches, art galleries,
night
clubs, residential homes, offices, call centers, hospitals,
hotels, nursing
homes, etc.
His firm, Porter Baxter Interior Design, is set apart by being
a fullservice
design operation. He operates this company alongside his wife,
Wanda Baxter, a licensed interior designer and hand-painted
silk artist,
who also has established her own line of designer clothing.
In
addition
to furnishings and accessories, his staff handles renovations
and restyling
of existing homes and commercial spaces.
To Baxter’s knowledge,
his firm is the only one in Brevard County that offers these
services.
Baxter
takes pride in his firm’s longevity, and believes
this is a
reflection of hard work, honesty, and professionalism. Porter
Baxter
Interior Design is a member of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce
and its goods and services have been well-received by Brevard
County
charitable organizations.
According to Baxter, his favorite aspect of this profession
is the
design and layout of a project. As colors, textures, surfaces,
and trends
change, he believes satisfying your clients’ needs in
a professional and
beautiful manner is a great goal.
From a
professional standpoint, Baxter stands firm that: “Good
design doesn’t cost. It pays.” |
Jimi
Gonzalez
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Island
Systems and Design |
 As
a musician, Jimi Gonzalez feels fortunate to be born into a
family business that relates to his lifelong passion. Island
Systems
and Design, a premier audio and video systems integrator, boasts
over
22 years of experience in the design, installation, and service
of audio
and video equipment and control systems.
Gonzalez attended local schools before stepping into the position
as
the vice president of sales and marketing for Island Systems
and Design.
During his time with this company he has been given the opportunity
to travel the world, installing computer controlled CD jukebox
systems
in numerous Hard Rock Cafés. He has also successfully
implemented a
customer relationship management solution, as well as created
a software
tool for generating system estimates and proposals. Gonzalez
also takes
pride in the work he’s been involved with in his company’s
residential division,
bringing a level of quality in equipment and installation to
Brevard
County previously only found in major metropolitan areas.
Since Island Systems and Design is a family-owned business, the
bulk
of Gonzalez’s training is the result of being around the
business his entire
life. In order to stay abreast of new technology, he attends
industry training
events and enjoys reading industry news. Additionally, he is
member of
the Consumer Electronics Design and Installation Association
(CEDIA)
and Infocomm.
Known for their documentation, professionalism, and follow-through,
Gonzalez believes Island Systems and Design’s
delivery, knowledge, and understanding of
high-quality, complex equipment and installation
is what sets his firm apart. He maintains
a positive outlook on the converging of entertainment
technologies, and enjoys participating
in delivering the solution to his commercial
and residential clients.
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