Now what is it that you do?

I've been getting that question a lot lately, with all the networking events I am attending. Most people think I'm an interior decorator/designer. As I explain, "I design the taking down of walls, moving them, and putting them up. I do not pick out paint color and paint the walls." Some people then say, "Oh, then are you an architect?".

That's more closely related to what I do. As a "designer/space planner" I design space; the living spaces in your house: the layout of the rooms and their connectivity to each other, or, that is, the flow. I also design the layout of a kitchen or bath, but I do not design the over all look, such as the style of cabinetry, color of tile or counter tops, or paint. I draw the plans from which the contractor is going to need in order to estimate the project and build (or demo and rebuild). With these plans you would also take them to a cabinet company or maker to pick out your look and finishes and different accessories they offer (but I can come along if you want).

My ideal client is someone who knows their spaces could work better for them, or they just need more space somehow, or want to finally gut the kitchen and start all over, rearranging it and perhaps making it bigger, but most definitely better.

Or someone who now wants to finish that unfinished basement. They know HOW they want to use the space, but what's the best layout to get the most function? They really aren't ready to talk to a contractor to get bids, because they don't know what can be done. They would want "apples to apples" bids, but without a plan, how can they? With each contractor, they would probably get a different idea, with different costs, and which plan is best for now, the future and resale value?

They need someone like me to first walk the space with them and brainstorm their ideas and let me show them options and reveal the potential. Once decisions are made I draw the final plans and THEN they are ready to meet with contractors to get comparative bids.

So that's basically what I do - help homeowners reconfigure the spaces in their home to best fit their current and future needs by FIRST brainstorming their ideas, drawing plans, and THEN they are ready to meet with contractors.

Any questions?