One of the most challenging requests we work with on a daily basis is the desire for wood coupled with the desire for very little visible grain. Read on to find out why this is a challenge, specifically for a firm that specializes in sustainable design.

Well, I might be a bit biased, but I’m going to say YES. Yes, interior design does come with its unique challenges.

After four years of schooling majoring in interior design, about five years working for professional firms, and eight years of running my own professional firm, I am still learning new things every day about design. Every project has unique needs, depending on a number of factors.

We hear it all the time, “gas cooks more evenly” and “gas offers the most flexibility”. But, did you know that your gas stove could be poisoning your home, generating unsafe levels of air pollution?

Belonging to several design groups over the years, I heard over and over “a designer should be involved in EVERY remodel”. I heard it so often that I believed it, and with all my heart.

It only occurred to me in recent years that a designer may not be necessary for every remodeling project.

In the past, we have had three clients ask if they could make their own selections, and for the most part, we have obliged. Unfortunately, we have also learned that these projects are not the cost-savers that were hoped for, and end up with frustrations on both sides.

We understand that your home is yours and you have a style you want to maintain. It is our hope that we can work together through this process, allowing you to feel that you have made the selections with our support and guidance.

Details have the ability to go far beyond the banal and provide a higher level of sophistication, playfulness, or joy - and that’s a big reason we get so excited when thinking of them.

We don’t like being the bearers of bad news. I’ve always said “Clients love the designer and hate the builder”. Now we are both, and our goal is to maintain the love (as difficult as it can be when living amidst construction) through implementation. This means setting realistic expectations and understanding the reality of the impact of COVID on the design & build industry.

Have you ever said, “Let’s get an estimate to figure out how much it would be to do that project, and then we’ll determine if we want to take it on.”? If so, please continue reading.

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!

If you are looking for a building permit (not an “over the counter” permit), you may be wondering how long this will take. There are several factors involved, which means that unfortunately, the answer is: it varies. However, this article should be able to give you a bit of insight as to what to expect.

Waldron Designs owner and designer, Rachel Waldron, recently became certified as a Living in Place Professional. It is important to note that this is not an “Aging in Place” certification, but LIVING in Place.

When we interview potential staff, we tell them about the importance of sustainable design and construction. Not only is it good for the environment, but it is also healthy for our staff (who we love and want to live long lives) and for the occupants! Check out the conversation we had in a recent interview: