About Our Company

When Taskey moved her business from Rome, NY to Downtown Syracuse, her first office was located in an old firehouse, which is now the beloved Wolff’s Biergarten on Montgomery Street. She moved a second time before settling 13 years ago in her current location on Joy Road in East Syracuse.

 

“Part of the reason I bought this building is because it has a receiving area for the window treatments,” she said. “An 18-wheeler can just pull up with the product and we can get it unloaded directly into our warehouse. Once the product is checked in by our team, we can arrange installation with the general contractors and/or clients.”  


Design Specialists serves clients within a 3-hour radius, with the majority in Buffalo, Orchard Park, and Albany. Yet, Taskey says that her company is still kind of ‘under-the-radar.’


“Not a lot of people know about us,” she said. Those that do, however, keep coming back.

 

 

 

“Some of our clients are at a point where I send them a quote and they don’t even want to see the finishes or the colors anymore,” she said, paraphrasing one customer who told her that ‘in all these years, you’ve never disappointed me so just do what’s right.’ “There’s a trust factor. The longer you work for a client, you build that trust and they pretty much sign the check and send it to you.”

 

For instance, senior living properties and continuing care communities that have independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care are very familiar with the firm—and very satisfied.


“A lot of those clients, we do everything—finishes, lighting, furniture, window treatments—the whole soup to nuts,” she said. “At this point, really all of our business is referral or the same people over and over again—I don’t have to look for work anymore.”


Other clients include those in the healthcare, corporate, education, and hospitality markets. It’s noteworthy to mention that safety, accessibility, and ergonomics are always built into the designs.

 

 

 

Our Design Specialists

Krista Taskey

President

 

Canadian-born and Upstate New York-based interior designer Krista Taskey has been designing commercial spaces for almost 45 years.  As the President of Design Specialists, Krista has expertly balanced the demands of both interior design and window treatment projects, earning a reputation for her customer-focused approach and exceptional design acumen.

Krista's journey began after graduating in interior design in Canada then working at architectural design firms from Buffalo to Utica, where she developed a deep understanding of commercial design.  Her keen eye for detail and distinctive style quickly set her apart, laying the foundation for her successful career.

Andrew San Jule

Treatment Estimator

 

Andrew has been a window treatment estimator at Design Specialists since 2022, where he combines a fun and professional approach to his role. His diverse background includes 14 years in graphic design, supported by a B.F.A. from Syracuse University (Minor, Illustration), and a 25-year career as a police officer. Andrew is known for his strengths as a people person, punctuality, and his commitment to continuous learning and growth make him a valued member of the team.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys staying physically fit, attending Syracuse sporting events, spending quality time with his wife, including traveling to visit their four daughters and granddaughters. His vibrant personality and dedication to family and leisure activities enhance his well-rounded and engaging lifestyle.

Charles A. Bernet Sr.

Project Manager/Estimator

 

Charlie is a motivated, personable, client focused business professional with more than 30 years in operations management.

His management experience in industry includes planning, leading, budgeting, execution and scheduling of products and services and has made a tremendous impact on the Design Specialists team.

He joined Design Specialists in January of 2020 as a Project Manager/Cost Estimator.  He continues to show his value through implementation of project management, methodologies, risk management, project planning, team building and effective internal and external communication.

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, quality time with his family and friends (and his dog).  He also enjoys rooting for the Steelers and SU sports.

David Reid

Head Window Shade Installer

 

As Design Specialist’s head window shade installer, Dave has been a dedicated member of our team for the past five years. A local from Tully, NY, Dave’s diverse career background—ranging from farming to traffic light operation to wildlife control—has equipped him with a strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. His experience working directly with contractors ensures that projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Dave’s commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to installations. Driven by a passion for getting projects done right, he embodies the philosophy of “making it happen” and is motivated by the desire to ensure customer satisfaction, which sets Design Specialist apart from competitors.

Not only is Dave an outstanding field technician, but he also leads our team of installers, overseeing everything from field measuring to troubleshooting issues as they arise. His professionalism on the road has been crucial in expanding our business, both in commercial buildings and residential projects. Notable projects he has worked on include UHS Wilson, Johnson City, NY  and Oneida Indian Nation Mary Winder Rec Center in Oneida, NY where motorized shades were specified.
When Dave isn’t on site or at the office, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping up north with his family, all while embracing each day and the people around him with enthusiasm.

Customers Speak Up!

Project:

 

With some cost trims needed, Design Specialists was able to find helpful ways that still kept the original “feel” of the design we were looking to achieve.

 

— Name

Project:

 

Their ability to remain flexible and willing to make revisions as needed within a timely manner was key to several project
management solutions. Truly listening to client to understand and interpret their vision conveyed their professionalism.

 

— Name

Project:

 

Design Specialists meet our desires and concerns while assisting us to find the appropriate interior design solutions to meet our needs.

 

— Name