Doug Kohler, ASID, Founding Member
Prior to his graduation from the Ohio State University in 1960, Doug Kohler worked for Lombard’s. Even at an early age, his innovativeness shined. For his senior project at OSU, he sought inspiration from a banana peel and used this form to design a patio lounge chair. It was a tremendous success and admired by many. Doug still has this chair on his own patio.
While he was still enrolled at Ohio State, he worked at Lombard’s, where Gordon Findley of Findley Interiors contacted and recruited Doug. Who could have thought at the time that this young designer would change the face of design across the country? Throughout his prestigious career, his work would stretch from New York City apartments to homes in San Diego, while covering many states in between.
His sense of style, flow and movement would prove useful as he created visual landscapes for homes, and commercial projects. Some of the homes he worked on ranged up to 25,000 square feet and commercial jobs up to 100,000 square feet.
In the early-stages of his career, Doug was blessed to encounter one of his first clients. This client turned out to be one of his biggest advocates and spokesperson. She loved color and allowed Doug to let his colorful imagination run wild! Her living room had rugs that were custom-designed by Doug and made at the prestigious carpet company, Edward Fields. The rugs were bright and vibrant and made up of orange, yellow, and lime green. He was one of the first designers of his time to use texture and pattern on pattern. Doug was not afraid to mix plaid fabrics on plaid carpet—to date, many designers still emulate this effect.
As Doug’s career progressed, he mentored new designers and guided them as they developed their own style. He employed the idea that a designer should not “force” his/her style on a client. Rather, each client’s lifestyle, needs and home should be treated as an individual. He taught designers the importance of getting to know a client, their family and their home to help determine that client's style. Then, the designer's job is to implement the client's taste in a timeless fashion that maximizes the function of the room.
It has been forty five years since Doug Kohler started in the interior design field. He has been a member in many professional organizations ranging from AID (American Institute of Interior Decorators), and ASID (American Society of Interior Design), and BIA (American Institute of Architects). His business as an interior designer is constantly evolving. His work is still featured in national publications such as Better Homes and Gardens. It can also be witnessed first-hand at the bi-annual Decorators' Show House that is sponsored by the Columbus Museum of Art.
Rose Mary Kohler, Allied Member ASID, President
In 1981, Rose Mary Kohler joined the staff of Findley-Kohler Interiors when it was located on East Broad Street. Shortly after joining the firm as Director of Design, she was made a designer, as well. She became a partner in the firm in 1985 and was later named the Vice President in 1990. She played a critical role in helping to grow the business, while continuing to do design work and working with Doug Kohler on many large scale projects, including the Ohio State Bar Association building on Lake Shore Drive.
In 2000, she was named the President of Findley-Kohler Interiors, Inc. She continues to work in this role, as well as her position of Senior Interior Designer and Manager of the Design staff.
Her work has been featured in many magazines and newspaper articles. Rose Mary has been instrumental in the development and beautification of the Olde Gahanna area, as well as the success of the Holiday Lights Parade that takes place in Olde Gahanna on Thanksgiving weekend
Michael P. Buckley, Allied Member ASID, Senior Designer
Michael Buckley became a Junior Designer at Findley-Kohler Interiors in 1988. During this time, he completed an apprenticeship under Doug Kohler and attended the Parsons School of Art and Design in New York City. In 1992 he was made a Designer at Findley-Kohler Interiors.
Michael has completed many residential and commercial projects, including law offices and apartment buildings. In addition, he has assisted Doug and Rose Mary on many large-scale commercial projects, bi-annual Decorators' Show Houses and several Parade of Homes. Michael has also worked with clients of Virginia Homes, a local Columbus home-builder, as a design consultant assisting clients to make finish selections. In 2000, Michael was promoted to a Senior Interior Designer and recently became an Allied Member ASID.
Annette Orr, Project Manager
Annette started with Findley-Kohler Interiors in December 2002 as the Project & Design Manager. Annette is in charge of the daily operations for the firm. She oversees the design process for all of the design projects at Findley-Kohler Interiors, starting with the proposal and selection process through the production, fabrication and installation of merchandise. Her role is fundamental to the firm as she navigates each project from the conceptual stage to the final installation.
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