Philosophy
From childhood I have always been fascinated with homes of all shapes, sizes and styles. I found that I was also disappointed when visiting a historic home that had been poorly remodeled by a well meaning do-it-your-self homeowner who, with a little design guidance, could have a room that functioned and didn't stick out like a sore thumb. When I discovered there was a career I could choose that would appease my fascination as well as improve the life of a family and a building, I knew interior design was the right choice for me. Sustainable design was being rediscovered and taught practically while I was in school but has only more recently become mainstream in everyday living. I am not a step-in and design-it-for-you person. While there are certain design elements and placements that must be just so, I prefer to work side by side with homeowners to guide in their decision making process. With so many choices in the showrooms it is easy to get overwhelmed. As your designer, I help guide your decisions step by step so that you can focus on what will work best for you and your family and not all of the other distracting eye-candy.
While many homeowners may be adept in construction, I highly recommend choosing contractors and specialty installers who are licensed, bonded and insured and are certified professionals such as through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and Build It Green (BIG). My goal is, as should be yours, to have the best experience possible. This comes often not through the cheapest bidder on a project, but through companies and individuals who listen, work as a team, document all processes, and desire to provide you with a service that will interrupt your home life as little as possible.
Project Sizes & Scope
Many homeowners are concerned that the size of their project is “too small”. In my mind this would be the case only if you live in a dollhouse. Kitchens, baths, closets, entertainment centers and other spaces can benefit from the expertise of a design professional no matter what the layout, size or even if “nothing” is being rearranged. There are many details that most people don't know or think about before starting, but that are necessary for a successful installation. I bring these to the surface through specification sheets, notes and drawings.
I work with individual homeowners and contractors as an Outsourced Designer. I will be involved in your project as much or as little as you desire. The following scopes are separated and defined with broad strokes to help you and your family understand some of the time and process that is involved in many kitchen and bath projects.
- Preliminary Space Planning: Is the first phase in any design agreement. Included is time to document your home in photograph and measurement. I will provide existing dimensioned drawings and up to three preliminary proposed space planning layouts with computer rendered perspectives.
- Construction Drawings: Are required for a well built room and for building permits for most projects. A full set of construction drawings will include the previously prepared and edited existing floor plans, proposed floor plans and elevations, plan notes as needed and other required documentation as requested by your city or county. If you choose not to use my services for materials selection, all details will be suggested based on conversations about your desires and may require flexibility from installers working with finalized materials.
- Materials Selection: Written and photographic documentation will be provided in a complete project binder and digital file that categorizes your decisions through shopping together. Additional research documentation will also be provided for you and your installers to have the best possible packet and head start for a successful project with as few hiccups as possible.
- Project Coordination: During construction it is common for installers to have questions or come across the unexpected. I will assist you in making final decisions and clarifying with your installer on-site, via phone and email during multiple phases of construction to completion. I am your advocate. Most site visits are planned strategically as part of a typical process, however occasionally additional visits or conversations may be required.
Education & Affiliation
I am a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP) and a member of Build it Green (BIG). A certified Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) and a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). And a board member of my local chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design and Architecture from the Academy of Art University and I have been designing kitchens and baths since the year 2000. I attend monthly educational meetings as well as participate in additional courses to maintain my certification status, as well as to bring new techniques and technologies to your home.
