DESIGNER OF THE MONTH – AUGUST 2010
Lauren James Studio
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120 Ionia Ave SW Suite 201
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 301-6000
www.laurenjamesstudio.com
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Interior Designers:
Lorene Elzinga Roskamp, Principal, ASID IIDA
Amanda Vanden Berg
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Q: What’s the difference between a designer and a decorator?
A: Decorating deals mainly with color, fabrics, things that “decorate” a room or house. Interior design takes in the entire picture of a home, literally in 3-D, and works with all elements of the existing or new home plan. From color flow to phone/data jacks placement and from HVAC considerations to faucet choice, Interior Designers take all the spaces of a home and make them not only unique, but also a flowing part of the whole.
Q: What is your procedure, or the steps you take, for designing the interior of someone’s home? Just for fun, let’s say that the client comes with very few ideas of his or her own.
A: First, we really get to know our client. We love to have them come to our office, but, more importantly, we like to go to their home. Here is where we are able to get a taste of who they are, what their households are like and what other elements impact their lives. This all sets the stage for what they want their home to become.
Next, we look at their home; the architectural lines of the home, the natural versus artificial lighting, the “quiet”, calm areas and the focal areas…in other words, the personality of the home.
Then, it’s time to take that personality, tie it in to what we now know about the client, add our expertise and ideas, some they may have never even thought of before, and design the home of their dreams.
We also pass on our professional discounts on products to our clients. We never pay retail prices on anything…another very good reason to use a Designer.
Q: What part of a home do you enjoy designing the most?
L: I enjoy doing areas where the family gathers and spends time together. But I also, love creating the serenity of a beautiful master bedroom and bath. To see a comfortable, warm and restful atmosphere appear from carefully crafted plans…that’s exciting to me.
A: My favorite part of a home is its heart…the kitchen. To me, making the flow between cabinets, sink fixtures, appliances, the dining area all become one desirable place to be for a family is very enjoyable.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face?
A: Both Lorene and Amanda agree that when they, along with the other members of the “team” (architects, electrical engineers, HVAC), create a plan that will result in a gorgeous look for a client, and that client decides he/she doesn’t like or wants to change one element of the plan, it is a true challenge to make it all flow once again. Each element of a design will impact the other elements so when one is changed, it makes it difficult, although not impossible, to retain the original look and feel of the global picture. It is a challenge they both embrace with the confidence that they will be able to finish the project and have a happy and grateful client.
Q: Do you see any trending towards more sustainable products in your profession?
A: That’s all over the board! Many people request sustainable products but most just want what they feel looks best in their project. Commercial developers are usually more prone to ask for sustainable materials.
Q: What is the most common mistake someone makes when they do their own decorating or designing?
A: A common mistake we’ll see is someone has made a choice, for instance, on carpeting, from seeing a very small sample. Once they put it down in their house and have spent a great deal of money to do so, they find they don’t like the look at all. We are able to show and educate the client on what kind of design or pattern would look good in a room, pass on to them our professional discount on the carpet and save them a lot of money and grief. You really can’t afford NOT to use an Interior Designer.
Q: What advice would you give a prospective student of interior design as they start their training?
A: The prospective designer should definitely job shadow for several weeks on different projects, ask a lot of questions, know what you’re getting into. Many students going in don’t really have a grasp of what interior design is. And then, if this is what you want, go to an accredited school so that you can form good affiliations with companies in the area. Three accredited schools in this area are Kendall School of Art and Design, Michigan State University and Western Michigan University.