Meet the McCabinet Designer: Maxim Tobotchkine
We’re incredibly happy to introduce you to one of the latest, greatest McCabinet designers to join our team. Maxim’s story is incredible so be sure to keep reading to learn more about him!
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Russia. Early on lived in Siberia and eventually moved to Saint Petersburg, Russia. Moved to the U.S. New York early 90s.
How long have you been with McCabinet?
I’ve been with McCabinet since July 2021.
How did you get started in the industry?
My start in the industry was unorthodox. I was homeless my first few months in the United States and spent lots of time living on the streets and staircases of some old and interesting buildings all over the Bronx and Manhattan. I remember looking at all the stonework and layouts and architecture of those buildings and learning the common design patterns and styles. Eventually I started working for a flooring company and creating color patterns and tile layouts for kitchens and bathrooms and eventually got together with experienced designers that taught me the rest. I ended up working for various small design firms and moving from New York to Baltimore then to Orlando and eventually to Saint Petersburg Florida.
What is your favorite part about design work?
I love figuring out space and how all design pieces fit into that space puzzle and then seeing the client’s eyes light up when seeing my creation.
Which room is your favorite to design?
I love designing kitchens because even in a small kitchen there are so many ways to accomplish it.
Describe a project you’ve done that you are most proud of and why?
The project I’m proud of the most is probably one of the largest projects I’ve done. It was a full house with multiple bathrooms, kitchen, library, guest house kitchen, and hobby room that was designed around my layouts. Client fired her architect because he wouldn’t change the layout of the house to match my layout ideas and ended up working with another architect that was a lot more flexible. Project took about 2 years to finalize but it was well worth it.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is working with the current team here at McCabinet and the fun relaxed atmosphere.
What is your personal design style?
My personal design style is very clean but with nice bold pieces to create a focal point.
What are some design elements you love when customers add-in?
I love simplicity with a splash of color.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Hmm, I don’t know about hidden but I’m a computer geek with multiple degrees in Network engineering and IT security.
Do you have any pets?
I have a rescue pit-bull named Mollie. She is a very sweet girl.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
I usually spend my free time either coding websites on my pc and playing with routers or sailing on my sailboat.
McCabinet Designer LIGHTNING ROUND
Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate or what??? There is only chocolate…
Coffee or tea?
I grew up drinking only tea but now it’s pretty evenly split between coffee and tea.
Ocean or lake?
Ocean, I want to be free sailing anywhere in the world.
Cold or hot weather?
Hmm, I grew up in negative 50 degree cold weather and I miss it, so I would prefer cold weather just not when sailing.
Sweet or salty?
Sweet, definitely sweet.
Extrovert or introvert?
Introvert big time.
Favorite local hangout?
My sailboat.
Favorite food?
Chicken wings. I discovered them when I moved to Florida and I can’t stop eating them.
Favorite color?
Black.
Favorite sport or team?
I don’t really watch sports but when I did, soccer – the real football, or hockey.
Contact McCabinet Custom Cabinetry
Meet this amazing McCabinet designer for yourself! Schedule a visit to our Largo, FL showroom or call us today at (727) 608-5929.
You will be blown away by the skill and expertise of our entire team, from the designers to installers, support staff and everyone in between! If you’re looking to add custom cabinetry to your home, don’t do it alone. Contact us today!