I remember submitting projects for an award, but well... I generally do this thinking winning isn't really an option. Let's face it, there are hundreds of designers who enter the Seattle competitions. This submission was national, and it wasn't just interior designers. It was all of those in the building design industry- architects, engineers, interior designers, etc. How could I possibly be selected?

When you hire a designer, what answers are you looking for?

What results do you want that you can’t get on your own?

Interior design work is magical. Designers are dream makers, creative seekers, and guardians of the beautiful.

We are also servants, psychologists, executors, fund managers, and problem solvers.

Beyond that, we are fathers, mothers, siblings, and caretakers.

We are human.

Just like you.

I learned a lesson recently, and not for the first time (fool me twice, shame on me). I have taken multiple approaches to resolving this ongoing problem, but never the one that was truly needed. Vague-much? I would like to tell you a story about what happened so that it doesn't happen to you because when I accept a project, it is because I like you. I feel that we have a connection and that our project can be fun.

Interior elevations are a vital part of any complete design set. A home can be permitted without the interior elevations, but there are so many unknowns that it makes it quite difficult to build with your needs in mind. How high are the counters in the bathroom? Are there drawers or does the cabinet have doors with fixed shelves? What is the height between the counter and the upper cabinets? What finish is on the wall, and where exactly on the wall?

I had the very rare opportunity in college of being a part of an interdisciplinary program, which allowed me to do studio courses and projects with students of architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, and of course other interior designers. Learning how to collaborate with the different fields gave me a unique viewpoint that often results in people in these fields saying that it's a "breath of fresh air" to work with me. I do not demand control of a project but work as a team player, gleaning knowledge from these different perspectives. I am proud of how well I work with others in the field and look forward to opportunities to have fun collaborating together.

What IS Construction Administration? I recently heard an architect friend compare it to the healthy food in a meal, but if we're to compare it to food, I see it more like a chef planning and carrying through a meal:

1. First, she determines what kind of event the meal is for (programming).

2. Next, she generates ideas for the meal (schematic).

3. Then, she begins testing the meal- putting the ingredients together and tasting them (design development).

4. Finally, she writes down the recipe (construction documents)

5. Lastly, she prepares the meal... or in this case, we'll say the restaurant prepares the meal with her oversight (construction administration). 

DIY is getting more and more popular and homeowners are interested in taking on their own design and construction work. I applaud this energy and support you completely in your endeavors! Many times, homeowners have come to me and asked if they could get just a concept. After happily obliging for many, many years for so many clients, I now offer this service with a LOT of caveats. Reason being, a concept design ends up being a frustration for the homeowner, the contractor, and myself, and here is why:

My background as a designer includes 3 years of working specifically on kitchen and bath projects and 3 years working in commercial on a variety of projects including hospitality, tenant improvement, and educational facilities. I like to approach residential and commercial design in a way that utilizes my background in both areas.

Common information to find on a floor plan includes the walls and furniture, but it also shows the casework (cabinets), the swing of the doors, window placement, and traffic patterns (yes, we think about how you move through a space). Some plans will show the electrical information (such as outlet locations and lighting). Major mechanical information will be displayed, plumbing fixtures located, and often times, we will note where to find the enlarged plans of specialty spaces like kitchens and bathrooms!

I met the owner of this gorgeous bedroom when he was looking at a house across the street from my own, and it was fate... if I believed in fate... for us to be the best of friends. It didn't take us long to discover that we had children the same ages, similar interests, and similarly goofy personalities with a deep-seeded joy for being completely inappropriate.

When he asked me for a color consultation for the home he ended up in (not across the street), I was more than happy to help! When it evolved into more design, I was ecstatic.

The focus of shopping with a designer is to... stay focused. It is easy to get distracted by all the products on the showroom floor, but they are not there to peruse... they are there to serve as examples. So... in we go, out we go!

After a year waiting list, your number one contractor even responds two months early, saying they have an opening. Yay!!! Day one: they come onto the site and ask for the plans so they can put together a team and schedule. 

... blank stare... The plans??? After composing yourself slightly, you simply describe the work in complete detail. It's not a tough project- just a little update. No plans needed, right? Wrong.