I was recently asked some questions about my business. I thought perhaps my website viewers might appreciate it too. Here’s an “interview” with me…and, as always ~ happy creating!
WHAT MAKES ARTFUL INTERIORS STAND OUT?
Artful Interiors uses a combination of hourly fees and percentages added to wholesale pricing of items purchased. This approach actually protects the client, as the client is given a plan to follow. Depending upon budget and timing, the client may purchase through Artful Interior’s wonderful Mart and ADAC accounts, or through their own sources. All projects are given estimates upfront based upon experience with similar projects. Invoicing is provided in step-by-step processes, allowing the client to proceed as budgets allow.
WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL PROCESS FOR WORKING WITH A NEW CUSTOMER?
A complimentary consultation is the first step with Artful Interiors in order to properly assess the client’s project scope. Meeting onsite is the preferred method, with creative planning occurring and project estimate following. If the project requires construction, Artful Interior provides sources and builders or will work with your hired contractor.
WHAT EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING DO YOU HAVE THAT RELATES TO YOUR WORK?
I received my M.A. from Savannah College of Art and Design. My life long passion for “moving walls” and redecorating my own homes resulted in a later-in-life career helping friends renovate and decorate. An architect for a father and a husband who tolerated me constantly rearranging my environments, eventually led me to my dream: helping others create “comfortable environments for their own creative living!”
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED DOING THIS TYPE OF WORK?
I started helping family and friends move their spaces around and “fluff” their own shelves, hang their art, or pull together fabrics to have draperies or an ottoman recovered. A decade later, I now take my education and experience into your own home. I have phenomenal access to good work rooms for drapes, reupholstery, wholesalers at major furniture manufactures, cabinet and counter fabricators, and art and textile sources.
WHAT TYPES OF CUSTOMERS HAVE YOU WORKED WITH?
Artful Interiors works with residential and business owner spaces. One of my specialties is creating a visual “mission statement” through art and textures which help my home owner and/or commercial clients articulate who they are at the entrance to the environment. This has proved especially popular with my business owners.
DESCRIBE A RECENT PROJECT YOU ARE FOND OF. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE?
I recently finished a renovation project for an old family cottage on a lake. The home had a distinctive “70’s” feel. It is now transformed (without losing the integrity of the original space) into a rustic-themed lake home for a large and active family.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A CUSTOMER LOOKING TO HIRE A PROVIDER IN YOUR AREA OF WORK?
Do not worry about “what everyone” is doing. Remember that today’s popular look, is the next decade’s “outdated” home. Taste CAN be purchased. People do not hire a designer if they can easily visualize or make decisions and it is especially hard to do your own “space”. All of us can lose objectivity when immersed in our surroundings for extended periods of time. Another set of eyes alone can help some people open their own creative instincts. Hiring a designer is a fabulous investment: it saves money in the long run as one avoids costly mistakes and usually saves money buying through the designer (although popular myth is the opposite). Without a doubt, trusting your designer is a process, but hopefully we can earn your trust.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD CUSTOMERS THINK THROUGH BEFORE TALKING TO PROFESSIONALS ABOUT THEIR PROJECT?
Knowing your real budget as well as who is the ultimate decision maker within your “unit” (whether family or office) is crucial. You do not want to waste time and billable hours. Having upfront conversations about colors you agree on, a style you are striving for and most importantly: how YOU live, is really key. Space is flexible. Knowing how YOU move within it, shouldn’t be!