Meet the Better Kitchens Team:

Alan W. Zielinski, CKD, Owner, President

Alan, an award-winning Certified Kitchen Designer, has been helping clients in Park Ridge, Glenview and Chicago create the kitchen of their dreams for over 30 years.  An extremely talented and creative designer, Alan was recently chosen to design an outdoor kitchen environment for a summer-long event at the New York Botanical Garden titled, “The Edible Garden.  Celebrity chefs including Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali performed in Alan’s kitchen.

Alan is also very active within the National Kitchen and Bath Association, currently serving as the newly-elected National Vice President and Board Member.  In addition to his kitchen expertise, Alan is also a commercial pilot and flies hot air balloons in his "spare time!"

Margaret Sherman, Design Consultant

Margaret serves as a designer and financial expert at Better Kitchens. 

After a successful career in Computer Programming and Data Processing, Margaret’s passion for design emboldened her to pursue a career as a kitchen design specialist.   She has completed Interior Design courses at Harper College and Advanced Kitchen Design courses conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association and Wood-Mode.  Her extensive experience with the Wood-Mode product line makes her a valuable addition to our design staff, with a specialty in the design of “Old World” and period kitchens.

An enthusiastic cook, Margaret incorporates efficiency as well as beauty into her designs in order to make the kitchen a truly effective living space.

Angelika K. Fortman, AKBD, Design Consultant

Angie joined the Better Kitchens Design team in 2003 and recently earned Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) accreditation.  She graduated with honors from Harper College with a degree in Interior Design.  As a student and after graduation, Angie actively consulted with local contractors and businesses and was an Allied Member of the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).

Angie actively participates in continuing education courses through the NKBA to stay current on the changing market and design trends.  She is also pursuing full accreditation as a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD).

Judy A. Koehler, AKBD, Design Consultant

Judy, a 2000 graduate of the Interior Design Program at Harper College, used a corporate restructuring as the opportunity to pursue a passion for design.  She brought her unique design skills to Better Kitchens in 2004, after working for several prominent kitchen remodeling firms in design, sales and customer service capacities.

Judy has earned an AKBD accreditation, continues working towards her CKD and attends many educational workshops and seminars.