Design
We offer full design services in the areas where we will be placing our cabinets. We specialize in Kitchens, Baths, Entertainment Centers, Bars, Fireplace Mantels and other custom built-ins. Our showroom is equipped with many door styles and we have a variety of wood veneers and laminates to offer.
The process of design starts with an introductory period of getting to know the client as well as the space we are designing. We will ask that the client provides plans (if possible) of the space so that we can answer as many questions as possible at the beginning. During this phase we’ll provide pricing and suggest alternatives to tighten the budget.
We will conduct at least one field measure before drawing up the plans, and it can take anywhere from a few days to a week to provide shop drawings. Presentations will be in our showroom on our large TV screen, where we show the space in three dimensions, and can “walk” through the room with our clients to get a much better feel for the proposed space.
Dave Scheu, Designer
Dave developed an interest in woodworking and furniture design while studying architecture at Washington University, and upon graduating he went to work for a craft furniture-maker, intending to approach architectural design from the bottom up. Dave learned the trade working in several custom wood and metal shops before joining McMillan in 1994. As a cabinet designer, he draws on his architectural design background as well as his hands-on experience with the materials and methods, to design cabinets and spaces that are not just beautiful and functional, but also properly put together. As someone who loves to cook, Dave particularly enjoys designing kitchens.
When he’s not working, Dave is likely to be on his bicycle. As well as riding to and from work each day, he enjoys long-distance rides, and is slowly working towards his dream of riding across all 50 states. (Four down, forty-six to go). Since 2008 Dave has also ridden to raise money for the National MS Society each fall.
Ellen Beggs, Designer
Ellen’s woodworking interest was also sparked in college and graduate school building architectural models while getting her architecture degree at Washington University and the University of Michigan. Ellen’s first career was as an architect working in commercial architecture. In 2019, Ellen happily transitioned to residential cabinet design where she enjoys the design challenges and direct contact with the end users and seeing her projects being built right in our shop.
Ellen enjoys tending her garden or planning her next travel adventure when she’s not at work. She spends some free time tutoring elementary students as a volunteer for AmeriCorps.