Tell me more…
What is your role in an interior design project?
Depending on where the project is when I come in, my role will usually evolve. At conception, clients will have me come out for a consultation before any work has begun– sometimes there is no contractor, construction, or even idea, yet. I usually start out with an initial consultation to explore the work that is ahead. It could be just some suggestions for paint colors or space planning. But, it could also be a complete renovation or new build. At the consultation, I like to give some vital feedback that a client can utilize and “run with” so that they are not feeling like I am leaving them without anything useful. During a construction project, my role becomes more of a project manager so that the work stays on schedule and on task– any hiccups that may come up along the way (and there always are), I want to be able to give considerable security to my clients so that the vision keeps.
How do you charge for a project?
For each inquiry, I start with an “Initial Consultation.” This is the best way for me to evaluate, on-site, what the project entails. The consultation is where I can gather any specs, measurements, photos, etc. that will get the job moving forward. After the initial consultation, I move into a “Design Time” hourly rate. In the past (especially as I began my company), this has been an effective way to track where the project is moving. Any sort of the work or correspondence pertaining to the job is considered “Design Time”-- some of which includes rendering, illustrating, site visits, shop, vision boards, paint color selection, and any correspondence (email, phone calls, texts). For now, this is an efficient way to charge for my creative time. As I continue to grow, my company will be able to evolve into doing more through a project cost viewpoint.
How long have you been doing this?
As long as I can possibly remember I have had an affinity for design and space. As a kid, I would rearrange the furniture in my room constantly and ask for things like new bedding and throw pillows for my birthday. I worked at a boutique as a teenager and was tasked with a role to put out the Christmas village (shoutout to The Cottage in Severna Park!)-- this was complete happiness for me. I decided to go to Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL because, well, it’s beautiful. However, interior design was not a major available so I chose graphic design. This was actually a huge part of my education in design (at all angles— see what I did there) because I really understood scale. Moving on, I only stayed a year and transferred back home where I actually pursued interior design at Anne Arundel Community College and began working right after my graduation. Only working for about a year, my family started to grow and I had in my heart that I was going to stay home to raise my babies. I am one of the lucky ones– I was able to do that and still keep a foot in the door with my design/construction community so that I could figure out where my place was when I was ready to come back. And for the record, that was work. I had to intentionally keep that fire burning within me to get back to it. I knew I was capable, talented, and headstrong; and that I would be a badass business owner. Fast forward 10 years, four daughters, and some side projects in between, I was ready to jump in to my own interior design company. Covid came in hot and threw me no bones as far as making it easy– but that fueled me. Long story short (to answer my own question here), I’ve been doing “this” since the first time I walked into a room, and wanted to make it better.
Do you do any shopping for projects? Like furniture, accessories, etc?
Yes! Time continues to be (and quite frankly, will always be) our greatest need. When a client doesn’t have the time to shop for tile, furnishings, accessories, lighting– whatever it may be, I am able to do that for them. I, also, pride my style of business on working within a conservative budget. If there is a particular piece that a client is looking for and perhaps just too overwhelmed at the idea of searching the ends of the earth (or the internet), I actually prefer to venture out and challenge myself to find a better version of what they want with an even lower price tag. Are there some clients who prefer a certain designer or brand name? Yes– and I enjoy working with those companies. But most of all, I believe that if the goal is to find the pieces that will complete your space– I can give the client my time, so they don’t have to sacrifice theirs.
Do you provide plans or renderings?
This is probably my favorite part of interior design– creating a plan or an idea and giving said plan to a builder so that it can become reality. I was trained using AutoCAD, and as much as I have tried and utilized other software programs, I prefer what I know. I start a construction project with a scaled set of drawings so that the client has a clear understanding of space and scheme, but I also think it’s important (and easier) to get it right on paper (or computer screen) before tackling it when it’s right there in front of you. When working on a tile project, I also think it’s crucial to get the design layout right before sending a craftsman out. It helps to give clear directions and essentially becomes an “Instruction Manual” for any contractor. I also provide digital rendering services so that there is a clear perspective on the vision.
What is your style?
My personal style is eclectic… and ever-changing. I love trends. I am constantly looking out for what is groundbreaking and inspiring. If you asked me how I have my house currently decorated (because it is ALWAYS what I want to know– how any designer’s own house is decorated), I’m very into mid century modern with a lot of transitional elements. I love pattern. I love texture. If something jumps out of me, I go for it. I tend to not ask for permission, but moreso forgiveness with my roommates (AKA my family).
Do you only do interior design?
Interior design is what I love to do to create “functional art,” but I also dabble in graphic design. It’s all spatial reasoning at the end of the day! I’m an artist at heart– any kind of illustration by hand is my favorite.
How do you prefer to communicate?
I’m open to any line of communication– within reasonable time parameters. Most clients reach out via social media and then move forward with email and text. I would say text is the easiest way to reach me. I am constantly checking my Instagram and Facebook, too. I tend to prefer written messages because as a project progresses, there is a lot less confusion if something was in black and white rather than inferred on the phone. I do have a fee for correspondence including phone calls, text messages, and email because… well, it can become free work very easily. I’ve felt that this was the most efficient way to answer questions pertaining to the project while holding a level of professionalism concerning my respected time. Time is really what it boils down to– just know that if I don’t respond immediately, a “short-lived pending” response is in the works…
What if I’m not ready to commit?
This is easy– I’ll be here when you are ready. I like to begin any new client relationship and project with an initial consultation. With the flat fee of a consultation, I do my best to give detailed and resourceful initial feedback so that no one is left feeling like, “what did I get out that?” The last thing that I would want is to feel like any client hired me and was not able to utilize any of my advice moving forward with their project(s). I always make sure to send over a well-outlined Scope of Work to the client as well as put together a simple vision board. Those things generally give a client the option to move forward with me right away or wait until they are ready. I like to refer to the Scope of Work as a “punch list”-- hang it on your refrigerator, and you’ll get to it when you can.
