Interior Designer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. As a south Florida resident, the majority of my work is residential oceanfront condominium lifestyles. The ever increasing population has provided a varied and international clientele which usually purchase for the view. Single family homes also represent a significant amount of projects worked on.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. My advice to a potential design client would be to include the importance of personalities in making their selection of the designer. The client and designer spend much time together; hopefully time spent harmoniously and productive. The client should feel their chosen designer is capable of providing a successful project and be a guide through the process.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. As a potential customer, I would like to know what is now available to me. This would include what technological advances have been made, the current design trends, the economy of the purchase from start to finish and most important, what should be done first.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. The buyers need to determine what their project involves. This would include what the project is, the budget considerations, the time constraints, and the amount of involvement the client wishes to provide.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work stands out from others because I feel the attention to my client's expectations is the most important aspect of the work. My work reflects their individual tastes and needs. It is my clients that will notice and benefit most from the effort.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. My job offers me the chance to use my creative background and abilities to enhance the lives and environments of my clients.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. The question of cost is always eventually asked regarding any project. My most frequent answer is another question; what are the budget considerations for the job. At that point, the client and designer can determine the realities and the priorities of the project.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Upon receiving my BA in Fine Art, my career started out as an artist and potential teacher. Initially my artwork was being purchased by interior designers & architects for residential and commercial assignments. From this experience, I became interested in the process and profession of interior design. I determined to acquire an Associate degree in Interior Design.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I am particularly pleased with an oceanfront condominium apartment in which the client required a significant amount of custom built-in units. The project gave me the opportunity to use a number of various materials, textures and fabrications while providing a challenging but rewarding completion.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Each year I take continuing education classes required by the State Board of Architecture & Design. I've been fortunate to take these classes in the UK, France, Italy, Turkey, Spain and China. In south Florida, we also take courses on changing building & fire codes, green design and designing for the disabled.