Hi, I’m Penny Oliver, Designer and Owner at Breaking Down Walls
Careful, thoughtful design — before demo ever begins — is what turns a remodel from stressful to exciting.
The best projects aren’t rushed or reactive. They’re intentional, well-planned, and built on collaboration. Every decision creates a ripple effect, and I’m here as part guide, part translator — helping you see the possibilities in your space and the real lifestyle improvements hiding inside smart design.
I design holistically. No room exists in isolation. Your kitchen affects how you gather. Your layout shapes how you move. The flow of your home influences how it feels to live there every day. I look at the whole picture — and then refine the details.
And collaboration? That’s where the magic happens.
I don’t design for you — I design with you. Your preferences, routines, quirks, priorities — they all matter. We’ll talk through trade-offs, explore options, and make decisions with intention. I simplify the complexity so you feel clear, confident, and even energized about the process.
Because remodeling shouldn’t feel overwhelming — it should feel empowering.
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Main Services:
*Floorplan Design & Layout (all rooms)
*Full service Bathroom Design and Remodeling-
*Full Service Kitchen Design and Remodeling- professional kitchen design, cabinet selection with accessory details, finishes and fixtures, installation
*Comprehensive Project Management (hiring, organizing trades, overseeing work).
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Your project may by one or all of these phases. Let's talk about where you are in the remodeling process.
Phase one - Floor plan design & 3D renderings
Visualizing and perfecting layouts before work begins
Phase Two - Finishes and Materials selection –
Helping you choose the right flooring, tile, countertops, and more. Sourcing high-quality custom or semi-custom cabinetry from various suppliers. My lack of overhead gets you the best price for cabinetry.
Phase Three - Demolition & Rebuild Management - Requires an agreement for Project Management
Overseeing construction, contractor coordination, implementation of the design plan and structural changes. Through the punchlist and final checks.
Phase Four - Full interior design – Curating furnishings, décor, and top-quality finishes for a polished final look
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Pricing:
Initial free 30 minute in-home/office consultation (for locations within 20 minutes of my south lakewood studio).
My fee for Design and Planning is $125/hour... This is for creation of new floorplans depicting the finished dimensions, 2d elevations, 3d conceptual renderings, selection of finishes, furnishings and materials. If more specific drawings with final selections of tile and cabinetry are needed there is the option to upgrade to CAD drawings. Cost for this is based on the size and scope of the project and can only be estimated after the remodeling design concept has been completed.
Full Project Management and design implementation after Design phases 1&2: $150/hour or 10% flat fee per project if GC quote is over 75k . Contracts and proposals are provided and agreed upon prior to each phase of the project.
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Payment-
for phases 1&2: 50% up front, final %50 upon delivery of drawings and plans.
Project Management will be 2-4 payments depending on scope and length.
Traditional and digital payment methods.
zelle, venmo, credit card, ACH, cash, check
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Qualifications:
BA in Studio Art and Design
MA in Applied Psychology (Counseling)
Member ASID
Coaching Certification
Licensed Business Owner/Insured
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Lifelong history of working in family business of remodeling and interior design.
Independent Designer for 4 years.
Professional artist with skills in design, painting, color theory, scientific illustration, and art curation.
Former gallery owner, experienced in managing environments and people
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