We’re sure that you’ve heard about greenwashing. It’s a cool thing to talk about sustainability, but what about walking the walk?

As of 2014, we were one of the top 10 dreamy places to retire according to Huffington Post. It’s not surprising, really. We have a lovely small community. A trip to the grocery store usually means a hug from a friend or a familiar smile and wave. The natural environment here is blissful.

Style, Services, or Cost – which aspect is best to pay attention to when choosing a home designer? We are here to help.

These topics cover the questions we are most frequently asked during our introductory meeting and each one of them is important, though one may be more important or less important depending on the project.

You’ve made the decision to relocate or purchase a beautiful summer home on Vashon Island!!! Super exciting! Once the excitement dies down, the logical side of our brains kick in and the questions start piling up. We are happy to answer these questions and provide insight as to how working long-distance can actually reduce stress and be a wonderfully fun process.

Check out our growth timeline from 2013 to today.

2013- Waldron Designs is launched in an unconditioned garage. Rachel Waldron is the sole operator and is able to work about two hours a week, with the help of this adorable sidekick (then four years old), and an infant in tow.

In this first year, we completed the project that would earn us the 2014 ASID Design Award!

Oh my goodness… I suppose it is time to tell my big secret. Some of you, who receive my newsletter know the big news, but for the most part, we’ve kept things on the down-low.

Three months ago, Waldron Designs was a two-person firm. A designer and a designer-in-training. Today, Waldron Designs totes a crew of six, and we anticipate adding 2-3 more in the short term.

Some projects are smaller- a color consultation, a one-time meeting to discuss ideas and next steps, a quick sketch with suggestions. We have so many of these projects each year, and while each does not result in professional photos and big, front-page images, we take just as much pride in these smaller projects as we do a complete renovation.

I think about Pacific Northwest Design a lot. I am influenced by this style every day. After all, this is where we live and the style is a direct response to regionalism. It is entirely appropriate that a designer in the PNW think about and be influenced by the style originated by our region. However, I am also strongly influenced by modern design (see my post about Les Corbusier). Then, there’s the fact that… well, I live on an island as do the vast majority of my clients.

During the schematic design phase of each project, I develop preliminary selections. I then confer with the product rep and contractor to broaden my awareness of that particular product and verify that my application is suitable.

This Spokane kitchen design was the first project that was "mine", in my first design job! To this day, I am thrilled and proud of the extraordinary creative space we created!