“I love what I do,” declares Michael Smith of Kitchen Concepts Plus. He’s a soft-spoken man, but somehow his gentle voice conveys great passion for designing kitchens and bathrooms. That passion is even more obvious in his results. No two clients or homes are exactly alike, so no two Smith designs are exactly alike. But all KCP designs share certain intangible qualities of “just-rightness,” warmth, beauty, and efficiency -- the invariable signs of an expert who cares deeply about his work.

Smith, a certified master kitchen and bath designer, served on the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s U.S. board of directors for eight years. Wife Laura is his partner and co-owner in Smith’s Honolulu-based family firm, where son Anthony performs installations. A recent addition to the staff is designer Liz Teruya; Smith says a current intern may also become a permanent team member.

Clearly, KCP has all the business it can handle. It’s been that way since Smith opened his own shop 22 years ago. “I thought I would just work quietly at home on a few projects a year,” he admits. “But it started snowballing right away.”

Some designers discuss their creative influences in terms of aesthetic theories or admired mentors. The gentle Smith gives a respectful nod to colleagues and collaborators such as architect Peter Vincent and interior designer Mary Philpotts McGrath. Mostly, however, he talks about listening to his clients. “I strive to understand their needs, wants and desires, and to develop a kitchen or bath to fit their lifestyle,” he says. “I have no personal agenda; my only goal is to make it work for them.”