Creating An Amazing Environment

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

A. Make sure you and your designer connect from the onset of the project. You are hiring this professional to guide/advise you on your selections, and you need to trust their judgment. There may be times when something (e.g.: a piece of furniture or slab of granite) comes in damaged. This causes stress because it puts everything behind, You'd better trust your designer to know what to do and how to handle the situation the project doesn't suffer as a result.

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

A. First of all, I’m more than an interior designer—I’m a highly effective feng shui consultant. That means I can help you:
1. clarify your needs and attract those desires/requiremen/requests into your life.
2. design a space where you are at your best.
3. find those elements that make your heart sing.
4. generate more desire to be in your transformed space—even if you are currently uncomfortable in your surroundings.
Plus, I’m always looking for ways to customize your space AND save you money. Together, we’ll get the most of quality pieces you already have, so I won’t try to sell you something new if you don’t need it.
So, what are you waiting for? Another holiday to pass without the possibility of inviting friends or family over to your “ho hum” home? Asking your best client to meet you at a coffee shop again rather than at your outdated office? Let’s get started today!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I'm passionate about helping people achieve their goals, so being able to see a finished product and the glow on my clients' faces as they see their transformed space is truly a thrilling experience for me.

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

A. 1. What can I expect to accomplish in two weeks? Honestly, we can make small changes, but unlike the home improvement television shows, real change takes time and careful planning. Plan on 2 months or more for a project's completion.
2. What is this going to cost? I charge $100/hour for time we meet together, or when an installation occurs. You'll save money in the long run, however, avoiding costly mistakes and the result you're expecting is guaranteed.
3. What if there are specific design services do/don't I need? I can tailor my services to fit your needs.
4. I'm having difficulty knowing what my design style is. Can you help me define that? Absolutely! I'll give you some books I've collected that you can peruse, marking the looks you like. We'll look at the results together and determine your style and color themes.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I recently did a feng shui consultation for a former boss who had lived in China for the past ten or more years. Every time he started a building project, he consulted a feng shui expert. His new project, here in the U.S. is a youth sports facility. Not only was I able to clear the space of past failings, we blessed the space with a feng shui ritual. Furthermore, he got the bonus of my interior design background on finishes and design ideas that will benefit their property and its users- the youth of the area.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Being an interior designer is different than being an interior decorator. Design requires training, both initially and regularly throughout one's career, because new products, materials, and processes are constantly being developed. Green design is here to stay, and we must stay abreast of the newest developments and trends. A good designer is constantly learning and retraining.

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

A. Yes. I'm secretary of a professional organization, NWSID, that offers monthly meetings to educate its members on new processes and materials in our field. Fall, 2010 we will host a 2-day Conference for designers, in which I've be involved.
I take teleconferences to learn more about feng shui on a regular basis and attend local conferences whenever they're offered.
Anytime our many design resources businesses offer an educational class, I'm there. One might say I'm addicted to learning.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Green design used to be extremely expensive, but products are becoming more accessible, and less costly for the consumer. This is a win-win situation for the environment, my clients and me!

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Find a school that meets your needs, and work harder than you ever have to absorb everything you're taught. Then find a great designer that you relate to to intern with until you're feeling more confident in your capabilities. Learn as much as you can from as many people as will share with you!