Thinking of hiring a designer? What are the options – Designer, Decorator, Licensed? How do you narrow down the choices?
There are two ways to design a space:
- Pull and Replace: This is where the majority of remodelers and contractors work. Replace the old with new. Same layout, same design. Maybe change small details here or there.
- Functional Space Planning: Beginning with a functional lifestyle analysis, our design team studies how you use your space and considers how they think it could be improved. Then they apply their specialized training, testing, continued education, and years of experience to create a new space that enhances how you live in that space.
Designer – Decorator. Historically, a decorator was a person that selected colors, fabrics, and textures to finish off a space. A Designer is usually someone with specialized education or testing to show that not only can they select the finishes, but they can also create new spaces, modify existing spaces, consider the human impact of each decision and so much more. Whereas a decorator can be a part-time job, Designers typically are full-time professionals that continue their education through the lifetime of their career.
We are proud of the fact that Brenda and Megan, our lead Designers, are both Licensed and Registered with the State of Oklahoma as Interior Designers. This three day exam tests their competency with creating spaces and considering all impacts of the decisions they recommend. Before even being allowed to sit for this exam, the state requires a designer to either hold a Bachelors degree in Interior Design plus 2 years experience, or have 6 years full-time experience as a designer in the field (much more knowledge is required than a “registration” type license like a builder or roofer).
Our design team also consists of Maureen and Addie, bringing designs to life with their CAD renders. These renders are critical to ensuring a design is created as you hoped, while providing a road map for our build team to follow. These four ladies have created dream come true spaces for hundreds of clients in central Oklahoma over the years.
As true designers, our team specializes in creating new spaces – both during a remodel, and in new home design. This means they study the way you use your space and they create a room to improve the function and enhance your life. All with an eye toward the aesthetics of the space. They are providing so much more than simply pulling and replacing the cabinets. The space-planning they provide truly changes the way people use the rooms. With nearly 2 decades experience creating and planning new spaces, functional changes are incorporated into just about every home we are invited into. Sometimes small changes can make a huge impact – other times a complete room rearrangement is in order. Rest assured we have the experience and reputation to design and create your space – and make it right.
As stated above, designing a room to function and enhance your family is crucial to the success of a project. When designing or rebuilding a kitchen, you are about to spend a lot of money – you really need to know it will be designed to your liking. Our designers bring their education, experience, and ideas to work on a project, creating the look and solving the challenges along the way. Select slowly, research your options, and give us a call to talk about your project. Even if we are not selected to design your space, you will be glad you spoke with a professional about your situation.
