Introduction: Hello! My name is Penny Oliver, I am a design consultant and remodeling project manager
I am passionate about design and I am passionate about connecting with others.
What is "design"? It is both a verb and a noun. Whether you know it, you are always designing! In fact, as creative beings, we cannot avoid “designing". We design everything from our intimate relationships to the tiniest details of our life and environments.
The truth is, we most often design by default - which is where I come in. I want to help you add structure, beauty and purpose to your life through thoughtful, intuitive design techniques. I want to help you intentionally create your environment and life experience by tapping into purpose and desire. When you know what you want you are more likely to get it!
Next comes Change! Every construction project involves change. Change inevitably stirs things up. It opens doors and creates opportunity; opportunity to look at how you live day to day and how you feel in your environment.
I like to ask questions like, “What are your patterns, habits and behaviors in a given environment and what would you like to see different?” What is frustrating about your current situation and what is pleasurable? These questions, and more, will prepare and guide you through the process of change. With change as our catalyst, great design will create clarity, joy, excitement, ease, comfort and contentment.
With all that in mind, I hope that you will call me before you are standing in the midst of a project wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into!
A little about me. I am both an artist and an observer of human behavior. Because of my upbringing I have been inadvertently trained to observe my surroundings, find the best way through while avoiding difficulty. This natural tendency serves me especially well during remodeling as a project manager. I naturally want to anticipate problems before they arise and mitigate issues in real time vs, after they’ve been executed. I strive to have a working environment that is non-judgmental and is focused on solutions. I am fueled by team work and I highly value the trades and craftsmen and women I work with.
Other reasons to hire a designer-
Hiring a designer can actually save you time and money. How many times have you or a friend had a room painted the color on a swatch that looked nice in the store only to find it is garish on the wall? Or, have you ever purchased furniture, rugs or decor only to find that they don't fit or you don't like the look. I can help you to "see" and plan effectively to eliminate or reduce these types of experiences.
Designers like myself have access to efficient personalized service at tile, flooring, fabric, decor and furniture shopping sites! We are tapped into the industry and can help you save time and money while gaining beautiful spaces in the end.
We have trusted sources to get the work done. Trades people we have worked with in the past or new contacts we have gathered through our networks.
You won't regret having a creative facilitator like myself on your team.
Services Offered (although not an exhaustive list :)
**Remodeling design and layout/floor plans to the 1/2” (demo stage may create adjustments to these design plans)
**Art Consultation, acquisition and installation
**Interior Design services- selecting materials, sourcing, purchasing etc.
**Project Management —hiring and organizing trades, overseeing the work, arranging shipments, meeting trades at the site- managing the demo and reinstall. virtually all aspects of a remodel.
My services include features such as...
**an initial project proposal with details of our communication and proposed time line with costs for my services (materials and goods will be separate).
**organized to-do lists
**physical and online shopping- (btw I love finding vintage or repurposed pieces and have painters and upholsterers to update the look!)
**3d digital drawings for the project when applicable
**floor plans to the 1/4 inch and full layouts with cabinets, furniture etc
**photoshopped mock-ups of your space as requested
**mood boards to visualize further
**unlimited free brief interactions of 5-10 minutes. I never want a client to withhold communication for fear of being charged by the minute.
Prices
3d design and layout services are $85 p/hr and come with unlimited 10 minutes or less communications for free. Every job has the foundation of a proposal with the estimated hourly completion. I take half up front and the remainder when finished.
Full Remodeling Project Management fees are by the project and will be calculated and presented as a contract in which I will outline my services and a plan for the project. These vary based on the scope of the project.
My training.
BA in studio art and design.
A lifetime of involvement in and management of remodeling projects.
I began my career as a painter and wall paper installer in my youth and continued as a designer of remodeling projects there-after.
I have been a professional artist specializing in anatomy and physiology for 20 years doing commissions for physicians (DiagnosisART)
I also have an MA in Applied Psychology (2021) which means that I can offer clear communication, powerful listening skills, empathy and curiosity. These skills open the door to a truly unique and inspired experience that is centered on you.
I seek to create lasting relationships and i choose to find joy and beauty in every experience!!
Let's get started!!