Q: What type of clients do we prefer to work with? A: I work with clients who are very particular about the quality and creativity of design work and high-end construction. My clients are looking for someone who can design something very special, and custom-tailored to their lifestyle. Challenging design projects and client relations are my specialties.
Q: What is the firm’s style?
A: My style depends on what is being done for a particular client. “I specialize in your style.” Whether working in Country French estates, Martha’s Vineyard Shingle Cottages, a modern northwestern contemporary, or classical interiors for a single room or entire house, each detail in the various styles is enjoyable. Do you have a unique style no one has been able to articulate? Challenge me.
Q: What size projects are typically undertaken?
A: I don’t necessarily have a set minimum or maximum project size. The size and type of projects I accept are based on whether the project requires a high level of creativity and skill to complete. Difficult and challenging projects are my specialty.
Q: How many projects are accepted at a time?
A: I accept projects based on the client’s schedule and the size and complexity of my workload. Some clients choose to take more time to work through a project while others want to start immediately. Projects are scheduled to suit the timeline of each client and accommodate individual needs. Usually there is a mix of additions, interior renovations, and large estates. There are also a number of interior design and decoration projects of various sizes at any one time. Throughout the year, there are typically 5-7 projects in progress concurrently.
Q: How long does it take to complete design work?
A: If a client is ready to build a home, projects (drawings) can be completed in 8-12 weeks. Interior design and decoration projects depend on the number of rooms being done and the lead time for the furnishings to arrive. Clients are advised to allow 12 weeks for a completed room. Furnishings all have various lead times, some as few as five weeks, but some may be as many as 12 weeks. Estimated lead times on items are discussed and agreed upon before ordering.
Q: Are status checks done during construction or installation?
A: Absolutely! We are available for calls from clients or builders for new construction or renovation projects any time. Periodic site visits are scheduled, as necessary, to ensure everything is going smoothly. We are always there on installation day (delivery and set up) of your furnishings to direct where pieces go, hang art, install draperies, etc. Also, periodic site visits are made to the rooms being decorated to observe progress of carpentry, cabinetry installation, flooring, and painting.
Q: Architect or Residential Designer, what is the difference?
A: An architect is licensed by the state of Washington to design commercial, institutional, multi-family housing, and industrial buildings that are used by the public. Their training prepares them to be responsible for numerous state, local and federal codes related to public safety. By stamping a set of drawings, they are accepting the responsibility for the construction and code compliance of these buildings the public will use. Many architects are not accustomed to designing houses, but will take an occasional residential design project that is of personal interest. Architects depend on licensed structural engineers to design the structural framing and foundations for their buildings.
A: A residential designer is a specialist at designing single family homes and renovations. A majority of homes differ in design, materials, codes, and construction techniques from commercial buildings. A residential designer is well-trained in this specialty and brings years of experience of working with residential builders and tradesmen. Residential designers are very familiar with how houses should flow, how one room relates to another, and the arrangement of spaces for actual living. Many designers come from an interior design or home-building background. A designer is responsible for designing a residence to national codes that are different from commercial codes. Residential designers depend on licensed structural engineers to assist with the design of the structure, framing, and foundations for their houses.
Q: Where are projects accepted?
A: My primary service area covers locations within the Puget Sound area. I do, however, also do projects throughout the US and overseas. Previously completed projects can be found in:
Washington State: Seattle, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Shoreline, Bellevue, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Gig Harbor, Fox Island
Tennessee: Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Oak Hill
Virginia: Lexington, Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke, Hot Springs , Warm Springs
Maryland: Deep Creek Lake, Potomac
West Virginia: Morgantown, Clarksburg, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs
California: Beverly Hills
United Kingdom: London, England
Q: Do you use CAD (Computer Aided Drafting)?
A: No. CAD is a very useful tool for some firms, but our creative nature drives us to use our artistic skills and utilize hand drafting. It gives us much more creative flexibility throughout the design project. Q: Has your work been published? A: Yes, work I did for an architectural firm while in Aspen was published in Architectural Digest, and another project for actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith was published in Time Magazine.
Q: Have you won awards?
A: I consider referrals from any one of my clients to be an award for doing good work. I have been “awarded” many referrals from happy clients. I accept these with great pride and honor as a reflection of confidence in my abilities.