About
The places you live in should make you feel comfortable by reflecting your personality. With 8 years of professional experience as a kitchen designer and 6 years in a high-end residential design firm, I have a diverse array of expertise, including space planning, AutoCAD drawings, construction documents, project management and material selection, as well as mural painting and faux finishing.
Creating the perfect design for your needs and budget should be a fun and challenging endeavor. I know how to make the space you want to live in a reality.
Highlights
Reviews
Rick I.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Initial in-home consultation is complimentary. During this meeting we will get to know each other and review the scope of your project as well as your budget.
This meeting provides an opportunity for you to share with me your ideas and inspirations. It is the time for you to ask all of your questions about our process for working together. I find that often people are unsure about what to expect from a designer and there may be some fear about losing control. This initial meeting is the time for you to bring up any and all of your thoughts about hiring a design professional. I want my clients to be clear that the process is very collaborative because it is important to me that the end result reflects your taste and style and functions for you and your family.
After the initial meeting, each job will vary depending on the requirements. I usually measure the spaces that we will be working on so that I can do AutoCAD drawings. In CAD, I will draw furniture layouts, kitchen and bath plans, flooring and tile layouts, lighting plans, plans for built-ins, etc. If the job requires subcontractors, I will bring them in to provide quotes. If you need furnishings, I will make suggestions and provide proposals.
When re-modeling, I manage and monitor all of the work and installations to ensure that standards are met.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from The College of New Jersey
Associate's Degree in Interior Design from The International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa - Class Salutatorian
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I charge an hourly rate for the time that I spend working for you. This covers all time spent working on your project which includes travel, shopping, materials selection, drawing/layout, in-home presentations, meetings and project management.
Product Procurement - Invoiced amount will cover product cost, purchase order preparation and tracking, freight, delivery and inspection, maintenance instructions, and damaged goods resolution.
I have trade accounts with many vendors in the industry and I share my trade discounts with my clients so that you pay less than you would at a retail provider. I generally compare prices online to ensure that you get the best price available.
How did you get started in this business?
I began my career as a kitchen designer after graduating from college. I have always loved interior design and spent much of my life in various aspects of this field. My husband (an engineer) and I have remodeled many homes, doing much of the work ourselves which has given me extensive knowledge of construction. As an artist, I do commissioned mural paintings as well as fiber art. When my eldest child left for college I returned to school for a degree in interior design after which I began working on residential interiors.
What types of customers have you worked with?
All types. I truly believe that no job is too small or too large. Every client deserves the best advise that I can give to utilize their budget for maximum results.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
Tampa Family Room project which took about 12 weeks. Much of this time was a wait period for custom furniture. The first step in the project was an AutoCAD drawing to layout the furniture and determine furniture dimensions. My client and I shopped together for the fabrics that were used for the custom drapery and pillows. Since the room opened into the kitchen and breakfast area we incorporated coordinating fabrics to re-cover the chairs and create a new shade for the window. A few more fun shopping excursions for accessories and a rug pulled everything together.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Get to know your designer before you agree to a contract. The design of your home is a very personal experience and you need to be comfortable with the person you choose to work with. You need to be confident that your designer understands your aesthetic and is honestly working toward creating YOUR vision.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Be realistic about your budget and remember that 'you get what you pay for'. A good designer should be able to help you make the best choices regarding where to spend your money and how best to balance quality and cost constraints.
It is also very helpful if you can share your 'favorites' with your designer. I love to see the things you love - art, heirlooms and treasures that you have in your home. Also look at pictures in the media - magazines, books and online. This is the first step in getting to know you and the look that you want to achieve.