Nature & Designs Inspired by it

Many designers have been inspired by nature, Frank Lloyd Wright designed Falling Water to be site

specific and to mimic the rock ledges of the water fall.  Antonio Gaudi designed his Sagrada Familia cathedral where he created branching columns in the shape of a trees complete with foliage.

 There is something about nature that inspires us, perhaps it is the grandeur, perhaps the simplicity, perhaps it is the quietness of the moment.  My design inspirations have always come from natural materials, the quality of the natural light and the way it is filtered.  I find myself always trying to bring the outside in.  Listening for the sound of water, rustling of leaves, chirping of birds.

There is a sense of peace that hits the base of my soul when I am in nature.  Since I realistically spend 97% of my time indoors, I believe I am 'destined' to constantly manipulate my interior surroundings to try to recreate that 'natural 'experience.  My guess is that becoming an interior designer was the wisest decision I've made.

"I believe in God, only I spell it Nature."  Frank Lloyd Wright

Why you want a designer as your contractor

The typical complaint of designers and clients is that they have spent much time and often very much money, designing the perfect space for the clients' needs and then  - the contractor comes in, views the plans as suggestions, doesn't order the custom tile until the day of installation so - oops  - we need to reselect the tile, etc  You get the drift.  The result is a space that has nothing in common with the space that was so meticulously designed.  This happens more than you think. 

The other situation I run in to is a lack of communication and/or organization  that results in emergency decisions.  One in five people that call me for design services start off the conversation  "My contractor says I have to pick the paint color (tile, lighting, carpet, etc) TODAY or the whole project has to stop and it will cost me more money." 

When you hire a designer that is also licensed as a general contractor, there is no question what the lead time is of the product that was selected.  The designer/contractor is experienced at coordinating purchases and installations of custom materials and finishes.  When you hire your designer as your contractor, there is not a break in the design focus.  The project will be constructed the way you and your designer envisioned it.  That is why design/build companies are so popular.

One word of caution - make sure the designer (of the design/build company) is one that you would have hired as your designer.  You have a choice to have either a 'nice' remodel or a 'WOW this is fantastic!' remodel.  The difference is the Designer.