Where do you first meet with a client?
It varies. Many times it’s at the client’s home or job site. It gives us an idea of how they actually live, what furniture they possess, what they collect and what they want to change. The first meeting is really about how people react to one another. Chemistry is critical.
Do most clients bring pictures?
Photos and clippings are good for inspiration, giving insight into their taste and personality as we reinterpret the design qualities from the pictures. We always encourage bringing available architectural plans and details.
How many projects do you accept each year? Do you oversee each project?
We do several projects a year. The number is determined by the scope and scale of each project, as well as how many others we have going on at the same time. I personally oversee every each project. Customer service is our foundation. Many of our
new construction projects may last for two years from concept to turn key which allows us to do exclusive craftwork.
Do you work closely with Architects and Residential Designers?
Very closely. We enjoy a collaborative team approach to design.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Design and advanced studies in Classical Architecture, I have tremendous respect for architects and building designers. I am also a Professional Building Designer, but prefer to concentrate on the Interior and detailing aspects of the home design. The project is always more successful when there is some discussion early on of what the plans are, how the desired furnishings fit and how the spaces function.
Reviewing the preliminary plans will save the client money in the end. We do a lot of interior architecture ourselves. We find that most clients want us to design the fireplaces, wall treatments, libraries, tiles, details, custom furnishings, ceilings, moldings, cabinetry, lighting, electrical, theaters and everything you see inside that brings the total design vision
together.
How large is your staff?
Our inclusive working nature provides high quality work to all of our clients. As needed, we call upon design assistants, draftsmen, artists and craftsmen to help produce exclusive designs.
Can you think of a time when you turned a design crisis around?
Yes, in the midst creating a home, sometimes even the smallest details can appear as a crisis. We strive for serenity. We simply analyze the situation and create alternate solutions.
How do you convince a skeptical client that you are right?
We listen. We give them visuals. Lots of sketches custom tailored to their ideas, bring the vision to life. Reevaluating certain aspects based on a client’s wants and needs , can open up new avenues to explore. We learn to see through the eyes of the person who is actually going to live or work in the space and work on ideal fit. Design is a process.
Is there a room you prefer to design first? Where do you start in any given room?
It depends on the project and the client’s needs. We look at the architecture first, what the space has to offer, how the rooms connect and how people move through the space. We develop an overall design concept. Materials, finishes, accessories and furnishings evolve through ideas.
Which cultures shaped your aesthetic?
I am fascinated by pieces that transcend their style or period. Details which are timeless.
Does your style have surprise elements?
I like to incorporate surprise elements or colors that work with the overall scheme. It might be a unique accessory or even a major piece that adds an element of intrigue to a room. I love hearing a client say, “Wow! I never would have thought of that, but I love it!” It tickles the soul when something unexpected fits in.
What design style do you abhor?
Anything too predictable or overdone.
How are your costs handled?
All projects are quoted on an individual basis.
What is the most expensive job you’ve done? What is the least expensive?
Residential projects have ranged from 22,000 S.F. mansions to home libraries.
Each year we select several different Children’s philantrophy to donate design services.
What are the biggest mistakes clients make?
Completing the architecture without an interior decorator’s involvement is the #1 mistake clients make. That’s where the most serious, costly errors are made. Builders sometimes expect that they can control the whole process. Projects tend to take on a life of their own. Only through a team effort, common vision and open communication, do we make the creation process a great experience.
Repeat clients and colleague referrals are at the core of our business. We thrive on creating an exceptional experience clients desire to share with friends and colleagues. Our objective is “simply beautiful design”.
Susan P. Berry can be reached in her studio at (407)622-4855 or on the web at http://www.classicalhomedesign.com/
She can also be reached by email SusanBerryDesign@aol.com
Reviewing the preliminary plans will save the client money in the end. We do a lot of interior architecture ourselves. We find that most clients want us to design the fireplaces, wall treatments, libraries, tiles, details, custom furnishings, ceilings, moldings, cabinetry, lighting, electrical, theaters and everything you see inside that brings the total design vision
together.
How large is your staff?
Our inclusive working nature provides high quality work to all of our clients. As needed, we call upon design assistants, draftsmen, artists and craftsmen to help produce exclusive designs.
Can you think of a time when you turned a design crisis around?
Yes, in the midst creating a home, sometimes even the smallest details can appear as a crisis. We strive for serenity. We simply analyze the situation and create alternate solutions.
How do you convince a skeptical client that you are right?
We listen. We give them visuals. Lots of sketches custom tailored to their ideas, bring the vision to life. Reevaluating certain aspects based on a client’s wants and needs , can open up new avenues to explore. We learn to see through the eyes of the person who is actually going to live or work in the space and work on ideal fit. Design is a process.
Is there a room you prefer to design first? Where do you start in any given room?
It depends on the project and the client’s needs. We look at the architecture first, what the space has to offer, how the rooms connect and how people move through the space. We develop an overall design concept. Materials, finishes, accessories and furnishings evolve through ideas.
Which cultures shaped your aesthetic?
I am fascinated by pieces that transcend their style or period. Details which are timeless.
Does your style have surprise elements?
I like to incorporate surprise elements or colors that work with the overall scheme. It might be a unique accessory or even a major piece that adds an element of intrigue to a room. I love hearing a client say, “Wow! I never would have thought of that, but I love it!” It tickles the soul when something unexpected fits in.
What design style do you abhor?
Anything too predictable or overdone.
How are your costs handled?
All projects are quoted on an individual basis.
What is the most expensive job you’ve done? What is the least expensive?
Residential projects have ranged from 22,000 S.F. mansions to home libraries.
Each year we select several different Children’s philantrophy to donate design services.
What are the biggest mistakes clients make?
Completing the architecture without an interior decorator’s involvement is the #1 mistake clients make. That’s where the most serious, costly errors are made. Builders sometimes expect that they can control the whole process. Projects tend to take on a life of their own. Only through a team effort, common vision and open communication, do we make the creation process a great experience.
Repeat clients and colleague referrals are at the core of our business. We thrive on creating an exceptional experience clients desire to share with friends and colleagues. Our objective is “simply beautiful design”.
Susan P. Berry can be reached in her studio at (407)622-4855 or on the web at http://www.classicalhomedesign.com/
She can also be reached by email SusanBerryDesign@aol.com
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