I am the bookend to an interesting design firm. I say interesting because we are two people with strong personalities that have shared an office for over nine years with minimal meltdowns. Let’s be clear, the meltdowns are mine. Dad is much better at pulling off stoic than me. I am what people describe as passionate. They aren’t wrong. I carry strong opinions about many things. I love fiercely- including my industry. I also struggle to sustain an indoor voice level. Makes me interesting. At least that’s what my husband maintains.
Over the past sixteen years, I have experienced a diverse career. Partially from my own curiosity, partially from economic conditions that pushed me in various directions purely for survival. The experiences have been a blessing, expanding my knowledge base; allowing me to better assist my clients. Selfishly, it also solidifies that I know I am exactly where I want to be in my career- residential design.
There is something universally beautiful to assisting a family- either burgeoning or established- forming a space that is definitively a reflection of them. A space that caters to their needs and personalities. Creating a home.
Life can be so very stressful. Juggling a career, family, and somewhere in there trying to keep your sanity. Your home is the one place in the world you should be safe to weather the storm. Rest. Feel secure enough to put your guard down. Being part of that process in an honor.
The thing is, for some people the idea of expanding a home feels complex, at best. They aren’t sure where to start or what questions to ask. Is what they want to do even feasible? Who can they contact to answer their questions without pressure? There is another group of people that are still dreaming of owning a home. Full disclosure, I am land in the latter category. Though I have lived in my home for eight years and it feels like mine- it’s chockablock full of mementos and so many Legos- legally it belongs to a corporation.
It was mentioned in the “Canaries and Bookends” post written by my dad that I am a millennial. For better or worse, I am of the Oregon Trail generation. An elder millennial who watched the birth of the internet. Graduated from undergrad in the 2009 economy. Watched the meteoric rise of social media and the connections we can now make effortlessly around the world. I also get to blow my son’s mind every time he hears my birth year, as it makes me sound like a relic to his young brain. My life to this point has been equal parts frustrating and absolutely mesmerizing. The milestones I have yet to achieve are frustrating. I know there are a lot of my peers that sit in the same position. But it isn’t hopeless. There are things we can do. Steps we can take. One small change today, built on the change made yesterday eventually compounds into large shifts.
So, what will I bring to this duo? My entertaining magnetism, obviously. Beyond that, I will bring my perspective as a person that straddles an interesting vantage- one that has built a career in residential design while simultaneously working toward becoming a homeowner myself. I will chat about this industry that I love, sharing my thoughts and research pockets. Mostly I am a giant nerd who is in love with all of this stuff and I hope I can entertain you along the ride. And maybe help a little too.
