Designer Profiles: Veronica Lawrence

When did you become interested in interior design?

I've always been interested in interior design and having my home function well. I love color and fabrics and enjoy putting together color palettes that offer self expression. I graduated with an associates degree in interior design early 2007 from IDI in Newport Beach. While at college I worked for Ethan Allen as a designer, completing 100s of projects for clients, many of these clients are still with me today.

What would you say is your design style? Your niche?

I really don't believe in "niche" deisgning but I can say that I don't relate to very formal traditional styles - why would you want to live in an environment that belongs in past centurys? Today's scheduled and busy lifestyles look to interior design to provide well functioning and livable spaces that can adapt to the growing or aging family . Rooms that are more comfortable and show some personality with texture and color. Some traditional furnishing could work in such an environment and give a depth and dimention to the room.

What is your style mantra?

The complete room, a room that makes you smile as you enter, you'll love being there.

What inspired you to be a part of the ASID Dream Home?

I responded to the call for designers by going to the first meeting. I felt it was a wonderful opportunity to design a room with my own concept and ideas. Usually when working with a client I will discover what they want in a design and create the concept around their design asthetic.

How are you incorporating universal design into your room?

I'm very much in favor of universal design as it's clear that clients plan to live in their homes for many years - boomers don't want to give up their independance and move to communities for the aged. They are more inclined to adapt their home through re-model to accommodate their needs as they age. The master bedroom has a good flow and function, it's a retreat for the couple. I've incorporated comfort and ease of use - the window shades and lighting are remote controlled, with a push of a button, the shades open or close and the light fixtures can be turned off/on/dimmed. The floors are level and firm to allow for easy walking/wheelchair/non slip. Chairs and sofa are custom made for easy rise to accommodate someone with limited strength.

Where do you look for inspiration, whether it be design or style?

For me, inspiration can come from many things. The color palette was a given for this project but in a broad sense. I searched first for fabrics to design the custom bedding, it's like a color and texture puzzle (designing bedding) and this gave me inspiration. The grays and greens of the palette started to come together - silver emerged as a strong accent for the room. I woke up one night thinking of a wall covering for the bed wall, that morning I was so excited to go searching for the pattern I wanted, I found it! I want the room to be calm and scerene but also cheerful...so I brought in accents of fuschia to lift the colors.

What is your best design tip?

For clients wanting to redesign their home, work on one room and complete the room before moving to the next space. Many time people thing a new sofa and chairs will change the room but these pieces are the foundation of the design. The secret is in the accents and investing in the complete room design.

We all run into problems doing design work. Can you tell me about a headache you had and how you resolved it?

Recently a worked with a client on the re-model of his kitchen. Things were going smoothly, all the contractors were on board and I wanted to put together a timeline for installations. I soon discovered the cabinetry vendor stalling on their given timeline. My general contractor hired/recommended the cabinetry vendor and he also began to avoid my calls. I visited the cabinet vendor without an appointment to discover the problem - they had too much work to meet their deadline. We came to a compromize to help out the client for the short term by building a temporary sink in his unfinished kitchen. I stayed on top of the situation and communicated effectively with the client. Once back on track, all installations were done smoothly and the client gave me a bonus 50% additionl fee for handling the problems in a professional way.

What is your proudest moment to date?

My proudest moment in design happens when the design I've visualized and created comes together and is complete... and looks great! It's very fulfilling and the client is so happy. I worked with a client a couple of years ago to remodel his business office space, he was both inspired and inspiring to work with and gave me freedom to explore, the result is so great that I visit from time to time, just to get another look. Oh how I love that office!

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Any advice to aspiring designers?ny advice to aspiring designers?

Listen to your clients, ask questions to discover what they really want. Most times they don't know so you must ask good questions of both husband and wife - they never think alike! Design for the client not yourself.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Never leave a client unhappy, resolve all issues that come up during the project as quickly and professionally as possible. If you intend managing your own business, be sure to understand the business side of Interior Design - making a profit is important to growing your business. Create a business plan as a living working document, it's the "road map" for growing your business.

You can find and contact Veronica here:

http://www.veronicalawrenceinteriordesign.com/

Designer Profile: Adriel Cogdal

Adriel Cogdal of Adriel Designs is heading up the committee of designers selected for the MS Dream Home. A longtime practitioner of interior design and former ASID chapter president, her firm is also known for yacht design. Adriel will be designing the intermediate foyer this year for the Dream Home.When did you become interested in interior design?
Without knowing it as a child. Always loved looking at beautiful furniture and houses with my mother. Seriously as an adult after my husband died and my family pressured me to find a career. Like a lighting bolt it occurred to me that interior design fulfilled all my career requirements. So I went to school and have never looked back.

What would you say is your design style? Your niche?

What ever the client wants. I do not impart my style onto anyone. My niche is Universal Design and Yacht interiors along with residential. Still love houses.

What is your style mantra?

Just enough.

What inspired you to be a part of the ASID Dream Home?

I am the chair person. I took this on this year because we were doing something completely different than in years past. I believe ASID should be in the forefront of design, and this presented a unique opportunity for me in a leadership position.

How are you incorporating universal design into your room?
My tiny vestibule is a pathway between two rooms. The dark floor and bright walls are sharply contrasted for dimming eye sight. There is enough room to turn around in a wheel chair and go the opposite direction. There is room at the desk for a wheel chair to pull up to it and actually use, though the room is designed to really pass through.

My tiny vestibule is a pathway between two rooms. The dark floor and bright walls are sharply contrasted for dimming eye sight. There is enough room to turn around in a wheel chair and go the opposite direction. There is room at the desk for a wheel chair to pull up to it and actually use, though the room is designed to really pass through.Where do you look for inspiration, whether it be design or style?

My clients inspire me. But I get inspiration from books, fashion, movies, art anything and any where can bring inspiration if you're open to it.

What is your best design tip?

Hire a professional. And cry once. Spend the money for quality and assistance and you'll save a bunch of money by not having to go back and correct your mistakes or re-buying the same item over and over.

We all run into problems doing design work. Can you tell me about a headache you had and how you resolved it?

When trying to install medicine cabinets in a master bathroom we discovered there were pipes behind the wall that prevented us placing them centered over the sink, where we wanted them. We could have moved the pipe, but it would have been very expensive. We redesigned the area and placed the cabinets on the side walls and covered the doors with the wallpaper so you couldn't tell they were there.

What is your proudest moment to date?

Heading this team of interior designers through the design house process.

Any advice to aspiring designers?

Stay true to your dreams. If you truly love what you do it will not be like working, it will be a joy.

You can find and contact Adriel here:

http://adrieldesigns.com/

Universal Design: Design for All

Universal design means just that: design that allows for people of all physical abilities or life stage to comfortably use the designed space without compromising aesthetics or function. While the commercial design world has been operating with these requirements for many years, universal design for homes is quickly becoming the benchmark for good design as well. Everyone: old, young, able bodied or not, can benefit from a thoughtfully designed space. As designers, when we infuse aesthetics with the functional needs of a client, we create spaces that are both beautiful and efficient. These design changes can be as small as installing grab bars in home bathtubs or roll out bins in kitchen cabinetry and as large scale as installing ramps and elevators.

1. Equitable use – The home’s design should make it equally usable by everyone. Ideally, the means by which people use the home should be the same (e.g., providing one means of entry to the building that works well for everyone)tors in an entire home for wheelchair access. The 7 basic principles of Universal Design are:

2. Flexibility in use - The home’s design should allow people to use its design features in more than one prescribed way (e.g., providing a countertop that is usable from either a seated or standing position)

3. Simple and intuitive - The home should make it easy for everyone to understand the purpose of each design feature and how to use it.

4. Perceptible information- The home should provide all essential information in a variety of modes to ensure effective communication with all users regardless of their sensory abilities.

5. Tolerance for error - Ideally, the home’s design should eliminate, isolate or shield any design features that could prove hazardous or inconvenient to any user.

6. Low physical effort – little to no physical force necessary to operate (e.g., replacing a traditional doorknob with a lever handle that does not require the ability to grasp and turn the wrist)

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use - A home’s design needs to be arranged to provide a clear path of travel to and from important design features for all users.

When we consider the needs of all potential users of a space, we create spaces that will continue to function long past the original client and won’t need to be adapted to each individual. In the coming years, as the baby boomer generation enters retirement age, universal design will continue to pick up speed in our homes.

Designer Profiles: Eve Lowey

When did you become interested in interior design?
My father was an architect so there was always an inherent interest. When I was in junior high, my art teacher told me about a bedroom design contest. I entered and won an honorable mention! That project sparked my love for design and the rest is history.

What would you say is your design style? Your niche?
Style is about changing, staying ahead of what's going on, being a chameleon. I don't like to keep doing the same thing over and over, so Chameleon Design is always looking to turn the page on the styles we are doing. We are always thinking about what the next up and coming styles are going to be.

What is your style mantra?

We do something unique every day.

What inspired you to be a part of the ASID Dream Home?

As a professional member, I like to support the organization and their efforts. I'm flattered and very excited to be a part of the Dream Home.

How are you incorporating universal design into your room?

We've left a path of egress open. Also, the way you get into the room and move around within it is all very open. Seating is accessible and comfortable.

Where do you look for inspiration, whether it be design or style?

We look at everything for inspiration: magazines, design shows, catalogs, retail stores, wholesale sources, showrooms. We are a very informed team because we intentionally keep ourselves exposed to a wide range of design.

What is your best design tip?

Keep it clean! Simplify, edit down. When you buy new things for the home, get rid of older things.

We all run into problems doing design work. Can you tell me about a headache you had and how you resolved it?
The first thing that comes to mind is clients second-guessing or questioning our direction and ideas. When this happens we simply find another right answer. As a design pro, it's important to remember that we are there to support. With commercial design, we are there to support the marketing team and help sell the properties, and with residential design we are there to support the family and their lifestyle. It's all about flexibility.

Who are your style icons and why?

Michael Taylor is an icon and inspiration of mine. Although he passed away long ago, his designs are still very relevant today. He was innovative and extraordinary with everything he did.

What is your proudest moment to date?
My kids. They've shaped the person I am and I love watching them grow up and into themselves. Raising kids is a creative effort and a true test of flexibility!

Any advice to aspiring designers?
Don't' be afraid to roll up your sleeves!

You can find and contact Eve and her team here:

http://www.studiochameleon.com/

Designer Profiles: Alix Flamm

Alix Flamm of Alix Flamm Design "grew up in design," as she herself says; her father was an artist. Being exposed to design at such an early age has helped shape her aesthetic from the very beginning. Alix has also participated in 3 previous ASID design houses; she will be designing the Grandparent's Suite for the Dream Home

When did you become interested in interior design?I started off in another career, and I always wanted to do something creative. After watching HGTV I decided that I really wanted to be an Interior Designer.

What would you say is your design style? Your niche?I really have an appreciation for all styles. Client's have their own take on a certain style. So every style comes out differently based on what they want. The most fun is doing different styles, and doing the research and finding out something new.

What is your style mantra?Put your personality into your style. Your hobbies, collections, colors that you love. Make it your own.

What inspired you to be a part of the ASID Dream Home? Coming up with my own design concept and going through the design process. Being part of the design community,and contributing to MS.

How are you incorporating universal design into your room?
Following the ADA guidelines for space requirements and furniture heights for people with disabilities. It' a wonderful learning experience, and one that will stay with me.

Where do you look for inspiration, whether it be design or style?
Everywhere. Art, travel, nature are good places to start.

What is your best design tip?
Color, experiment, use your favorite colors.

We all run into problems doing design work. Can you tell me about a headache you had and how you resolved it?
Well things happen. I take a little time to think through the options. Asking other Designers how they handle a same situation is always good. They can put your mind at rest, and come up with things you might not of thought of.

Who are your style icons and why?
Ralph Lauren is an American Style Icon. He takes classic American looks and makes them fresh and unique. Also, love Diane Von Furstenburg she just keeps coming up with very bold designs that are fun yet accessible. I enjoy many different fashion designers, as well. Fashion is a big influence on home design.

What is your proudest moment to date?
Becoming an Interior Designer. Having the courage to follow my dream.

Any advice to aspiring designers?
Get out as much as you can to events and meeting people, and doing the ASID Dream Home to showcase your work.  Be yourself, and help others.

You can find and contact Alix and her team here:

http://alixflammdesigns.com/