Investing in the High-End Kitchen

Discover the inherent and innovative value of luxury kitchens from the unique perspectives of a celebrity chef and highly respected designers in the industry.  Panelists include Alexis Caldera, the head of design at Development Marketing Team; Barbara Roth, Barbara S. Roth, AKBD, CAPS, CLIPP of PS Rossy Design. Stephanie Gaelick of Steph Gaelick Designs and Celebrity Chef Jackie Rothong, Chopped Champion and Middleby Residential executive chef. Moderated by Margaret McSweeney, founder of award-winning Kitchen Chat Podcast.

Meet Our Panelists 

Steph Gaelick 

Steph is a Brooklyn based interior designer focused on creating beautiful yet unfussy spaces that are meant to be lived in and loved. Prior to launching, Steph designed for one of LA's top firms, Katie Hodges Design. Her previous interior design experience includes Homepolish, Kirsten Marie Inc., and Taylor Spellman New York. Before entering the world of interior design, Steph worked in advertising as an account and project manager, overseeing multi-million dollar accounts for L’Oreal, Kmart, American Eagle, and Elizabeth and James. She has worked alongside celebrity and high-net-worth individuals such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Rebecca Minkoff, Chase Utley, and Ryan Serhant. She is known as a professional team player with an attention to detail and taste level respected by colleagues and clients alike.

Barbara Roth  

Barbara S. Roth, AKBD, CAPS, CLIPP brings nearly two decades of design experience to every project spanning residential, retail and commercial facilities. Possessing an in-depth knowledge of space planning, organization, technical expertise and use of color, she ensures that each project exceeds the expectations of the client.  Whether she is working on a tiny New York kitchen or an expansive suburban project, Barbara plans with space, boundaries, and budget in mind to make sure that each project works for the client and is a joy to be in.  Prior to establishing her own design firm, Barbara was the owner of Cornici Custom Framing (an inventive and well-respected custom picture framing studio in New York City) and a partner in Camille Rossy, Inc.

Alexis Caldera  

DMT Design is a one-stop shop for home interiors. Following several successful staging stints where properties and developments sold faster than the market averages, DMT Design’s founders Alexis Caldera and Kate Cuadro realized the power of staging and offering a comprehensive suite of services as an extension of the brokerage they work for – Development Marketing Team (DMT). Today, DMT Design offers in-house design services including, staging, interior furnishings, concept ideation, space planning, FF&E, and relocation services, for buyers, sellers, renters, and developers. With over seven years of experience in commercial and residential design, Alexis showcased her sophisticated and detail-oriented creative prowess working for Gensler, a globally renowned architecture firm, before launching DMT Design.

Margaret McSweeney, moderator

Margaret McSweeney is founder, host and executive producer of KITCHEN CHAT, the award-winning podcast for which she has interviewed more than 300 chefs and food industry thought leaders. McSweeney has moderated panels for high profile events around the country. She serves on the board of directors for International Association of Culinary Professionals and is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier. With a master's degree in international business, she has worked in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, loan syndications and international trade finance.