My approach to design must always start with the 7 principles of design: balance, unity, rhythm, scale and proportion, contrast, emphasis and details.  Always keeping these principles in mind, we begin unpack the client’s needs and desires and plug them into a cohesive plan that meets their needs and desires.

Can you describe your approach to space planning and how it influences your overall design strategy?

My approach to space planning begins with listening to the client’s needs and desires for the space and trying to include as many as those features as possible.

After taking initial measurements, I begin to think about all the ways in which to accomplish the new concept.

I then begin sketching and building possible scenarios, usually about 3. 
Once I develop each of the ideas, I present them to the client. 

Space planning is the cornerstone of my design strategy.  
A space must flow and be at its most functional before anything can (_______)

Kitchen and bathroom design can be challenging when it comes to renovation.  If one is trying to stick to an existing footprint and not adding on, existing designated bathroom and kitchen spaces can be awkward shapes and sizes.  I begin with envisioning how to alter the overall space to include all of the many updates and advances in new materials and trends in design.  Connection points can be challenging: where tile begins and ends, making sure to select the correct size and scale of material for each space.  Another very important detail, for a kitchen, is the work flow for each individual client, how much they use their kitchen, placement of appliances and how the kitchen connects to the rest of the home. 

Customized furniture always enhances the design. 
Customization is what makes each client’s space one of a kind. 
Being able to select the exact right sized piece of furniture and then customizing it further with materials ensures that each client has the perfect piece for each space and no one else will ever have that same item.

Gut renovations are the cornerstone of my business.  
Bringing a space down to the studs enables us to start from scratch and reimagine any space, large or small.  First what are the needs to haves, then what are the nice to haves?  My role as a designer is to stretch the clients imagination by presenting all options, large or small, knowing full well that some of them will not make the cut. That way the client has all of the design options at their disposal they can pick and choose which ones work best for their lifestyle and budget.  Gut renovations always always start with an approved floor plan, often accompanied by various furniture space plans.

 Interior and exterior color and style palettes work hand in hand.

Thinking about how to accessorize a space comes a little later for me.  Once I have the “big stuff” handled, at the top of the funnel, I begin to think about decor: furniture, art, accessories, wallcoverings, etc.  If a client has special artifacts of things that are important to them to incorporate into the design, we deal with those items and find a place for them first, sometimes within custom cabinetry, sometimes it involves building niches and alcoves house their treasures.