If you’d like to learn a bit more about my professional background and my Interior Design Credentials, keep reading.
I am a Certified Interior Designer as well as a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer with a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design. If you want to know what qualifies me as an Interior Designer instead of an Interior Decorator, read the blog post here: Blog
Even though I knew from an early age that I was destined to be in the Interior Design industry in some capacity, I never expected to become a Kitchen and Bath Designer.
I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) where I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2017. Although there were some General Education courses we had to complete, the majority of the classes were related to Interior Design and Art History. During my 4 years at FIDM I was also an intern for several different types of companies to learn about the multiple facets of Interior Design. On my very first day as a design student, I became a student member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). From there, I held positions as the secretary, then president, and then student representative to the board for the local chapter. I interned for a Fabric Showroom, Custom Furniture Manufacturer and a High End Luxury Residential Design Firm. After receiving my 2 year Associates Degree in 2013 I took 2 years off to work in the field as a Design Assistant until going back for another 2 years to earn my Bachelors Degree. This time around, I was attending FIDM full-time, working full-time as an In-House Designer and Manager at Pottery Barn and also working part-time for a General Contractor.
After I graduated Cum Laude, I was able to work full-time as a Design Assistant and stay on part time at Pottery Barn. Due to my years of work experience, I was able to sit for the IDEX exam from CCIDC (California Council for Interior Design Certification) and became a Certified Interior Designer in 2018. Today, I am currently a member of The Conejo Association of Professional Interior Designers (CAPID), a local design association, and also a proud member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work as an executive assistant to a general contractor early in my career. Although I am thankful for that job, it was one of the worst experiences of my life. It was then that I realized the importance of having a cohesive partnership with all other trades in the industry which sparked my passion for bringing credibility and legitimacy to the interior design profession as well as the construction industry. That terrible contractor made me initially not want to be in the remodeling world because of how poorly he treated his client. After years of working on projects that I never got to see first hand, I wanted the remodeling experience and I wanted it to be positive. Once COVID hit I was burnt out with the Luxury Interior Design market and made a huge leap into the Kitchen and Bath Remodeling world. I joined the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and studied to become a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) which also requires an exam and continued education units. Through the NKBA I also hold certificates for being a Cabinet Specialist and Remodeling Specialist.
As the Operations Manager for Building With Integrity and Principal Designer for Design With Integrity, I wear many hats, seamlessly integrating the interior design process into construction.
Remodeling a home is stressful, even under the best circumstances. There is so much that goes into construction that homeowners don’t understand and contractors often take advantage of that. There are tons of decisions that need to be made, many inconveniences like having workers in your home constantly and a load of money spent. Unfortunately most people have a negative view of contractors because many of them do not have their clients best interest in mind. Sadly, most homeowners do get ripped off, whether it’s a GC who takes a large deposit and never comes back or one that bids so low and once the job starts hits you with nothing but change orders. I’ve heard so many horror stories about contractors from homeowners. After several failed attempts myself working with a multitude of GCs on behalf of my clients, I decided I would become one myself to help alleviate homeowners of a bad experience.
In 2022 I become a General Contractor and have been helping homeowners design and remodel their homes ever since. If you need help navigating your remodel or need help trying to hire the right contractor, I’m your girl. Send me a message and I will do everything I can so you don’t become another victim of a terrible contractor.
