PRIORITIES 

• Guiding clients, understanding their needs and making their vision tangible, is one of the great joys of working in design. It can be an emotional and confusing road for a client new to the process, and I accompany them through the maze of decision making towards a unique, functional design and a positive experience.

• Communication is crucial to great design. I listen to and appreciate the demands and desires of the client. I am fluent in the process of construction and how to solve real world problems working with contractors on site. I can serve as the liaison between the building professionals and the client to ensure that information is clearly conveyed for all to understand and have their part in the conversation.  

• Collaboration with building professionals is essential. The most fulfilling periods in my professional development happen during the construction phase, working in unison with contractors on site. A mutually respectful, collaborative approach to innovation always leads to the best results. And when we join our strengths to solve a problem, the design always benefits.

• Attention to details during the entire design process allows the built reality to live up to the idea. Having been responsible for the technical design on the majority of the projects I have worked on, I am well versed in construction detailing.  I keep track of all parts of the design, anticipate how they will come together and what exactly needs to be done to make it right.  

• STORAGE (!) is a primary need in our urban setting. My own experience with small living spaces, old homes and growing families means I’m always thinking of where to put stuff as efficiently and as neatly as possible. I work to maximize storage, planning it seamlessly into the design from the start.  I love the creative challenge of finding the optimal arrangement for all of the client’s things.

• Great design can happen at every budget. When you invest in thoughtful design, your money goes farther. I find opportunities for creativity within function at all price points, and often a smaller budget leads to greater innovation.  I employ a variety of techniques that work well for lower priced projects, such as sourcing unexpected yet affordable finishes and furnishings, as well as combining prefabricated items in a unique way to create what you need at the price you can afford.  

• If a DIY project is something a client is interested in, taking on some of the work themselves, I am happy to provide extra guidance for this rewarding process.  Having renovated my own home and personally executed some of the construction and finishing, I know the gratifications – and frustrations – of tackling a home project yourself.  My own first-hand experience paired with my proficiency working with professionals will help us find the client’s place in their project, without overstretching their capacities.