Meet the team
Rick Hoekstra — Owner, Sales, Design, and Project Management
Rick is the president and owner of Kitchen Ideas Center, as well as Lost Finish, Inc. since 1979. Having been involved with several notable projects including the renovation of the Wisconsin State Capitol, and the preservation of the Frank Lloyd Wright Pew House, Rick has also helped thousands of residential clients in and around the Dane County area to achieve beautiful new kitchens, baths, closets (and more) in their homes. Rick’s approach to each project is unique to each homeowner, and each homeowner’s vision for their home. How can Rick help you to design the project of your dreams?
Contact: 608.204.8760
Tim Benkowski — Senior Designer
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, Tim started his career in the construction industry. Soon after, he earned his Certified Kitchen Designer and Certified Bath Designer accreditation in 1991. In 1996, Tim achieved the designation of Certified Remodeler Associate from NARI, followed by the title of Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer in 2009, the highest level of achievement awarded by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Recognized as a leader in the industry, Tim was part of the National Teaching Professional team for several years, traveling the country as a lecturer on topics including Art and Architecture in Kitchen and Bathroom Design, Lighting Design, and Creativity in Design.
No stranger to architectural design, he has judged the Master Design Awards for Qualified Remodeler Magazine and the NKBA design competitions. Tim also has a number of projects that have been published nationally and has been the recipient of numerous design awards.
Tim resides in Williams Bay, WI, with his wife, Kelly. In his spare time, he plays the fiddle in a Celtic band, enjoys cooking with his wife, brewing craft beer, and participates in year-round activities in the area, such as hiking, skiing, biking, and golf.
Contact: 262-894-4164