How does your service stand out?

My service is very personalized and fit the client’s specific needs. Every detail is given my personal attention. My services are very tailored to the specific client's needs. I have over thirty years of experience that is both broad and deep. I've been a furniture buyer for a fine furniture retailer and know the relationships between quality and value. This gives me the ability to provide excellent value in selecting furnishings for my clients. I also often do a budget study for clients to help them understand how I would allocate their money. In addition I have training in meeting the needs of the disabled (ADA), and in Aging in Place. I also have experience in new construction and remodeling. I have managed and mentored a staff of 20 designers. My resources are excellent and extensive to cover all aspects of design needs. Most often I can save my clients more money than I charge in design fees. Thank you!

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I really enjoy the relationships with clients and my resources. I love creative problem solving. I've enjoyed working with different generations of the same family. Many clients I have worked with over many years, and with as many as 6 homes.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

The most helpful is about budget and timeframe. Getting an idea of why they want to have professional help and the expectations they have about the finished results. Any specific criteria they have about the project.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a Designer?

It is all about the communication, rapport should be a good fit between client and designer. How well do they listen? Do you find them personable?

How did you get started doing this type of work?

Product design was first, then interior design, followed by management of designers and buyer of fine furnishings. Later I became a store owner, then back to my own small firm. All of the experience provided valuable experience and exposure, but it's always been about the relationships, and providing a great service for my clients. I consider a project successful if we enjoy each other, the client needs are met, and we’ve had fun along the way.

What types of projects have you worked with?

Mostly interiors, some exterior, some commercial and health care, even worship centers and schools. I am a designer, and can offer experience and personal attention to most any project. I enjoy new construction and remodeling projects since the space itself is transformed.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I designed a 3000 sq. ft. addition for a client that doubled the size of their home. It involved interior and exterior living spaces, and cascaded down a hillside. I married the new addition with the original structure so that it didn't look like an addition. I selected all fixtures, materials and furnishings, provided all the planning, worked with a great builder. I used an architect only for a few structural elements. My client was very happy with the end result. I enjoyed the involvement in all the details. I’m very proud of this project.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have a BFA in Environmental Design. I have passed the NCIDQ test, and provided training for many designers getting ready to take the NCIDQ Exam. My schooling predated cad, so I have learned cad. A few years ago I became certified in Project Management by PMI. I have studied to assist clients that are Aging in Place, and ADA requirements. I continue to study products, materials and manufacturing processes

Do you have a standard pricing system for your service? If so, please share the details here.

There are several methods of charging for my services. The most common are hourly, or project scope based. Please call me with questions or see my website for more information on pricing and services. My fees are Client Centric and I often save my clients more money than what I have charged in design fees.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

After an initial consultation, which is free of charge, I will come back to clients with a design proposal. Upon acceptance of the proposal, I often provide a budget study and samples or pictures of furnishings and the space planning I've prepared. Upon acceptance of this stage I will present written proposals for all materials and services required to complete the design project. If contractors are involved I will gather estimates and will make site visits to oversee and approve the work the contractors.