FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As a professional member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) I am required to keep up with a specific number of CEUs on an annual basis. These are usually short seminars either in person or online (a lot of them are online now which makes it easier). Usually they are put on by product vendors and manufacturers so designers can learn more about specific products or product types. They can range in subject from how to install a counter top to the construction of a desk chair to how to learn more about green products. The presentations are approved by the Interior Design Educators Council and the designer can choose the topics that he or she wants to know more about.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
My most common jobs are residential, commercial and hospitality. Residential can range from a single room redesign using items that are already available in the home to renovation or new construction of complete homes. It's always gratifying to create spaces that people feel at home in. On the commercial side, I stick mainly to corporate or office jobs as I enjoy being able to create a work space that is productive for the people working in it and pleasing for anyone who may visit. Hospitality is a new venture for me and I'm just getting started in it, but I hope to make it a major part of my practice. A hotel or motel is a terrific combination of both residential and commercial design. Guests want to have a home-like environment, but people work there as well.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
In summer 2012 I got the chance to participate with several other designers on an expansion project at the Durham Ronald McDonald House. We all split up the spaces between us and I worked on a small classroom for kids called the Learning Center and a larger computer room called the Adults Library. This was a very challenging project as there was really no budget so I had to find dealers and manufacturers who would be willing to donate items for the project. I had the help of another designer, Rhonda Barnes, and between us we were able to find donations for everything except some paint and a little reupholstering. The whole project turned out great and there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Oct 2012 where I was able to meet the individuals who donated the money for my specific rooms. They both loved the spaces so I was very happy about that. There are some photos of this project on this site and I will soon be adding a page to my website with more photos along with a listing of all the great companies who made donations.