How has living in Tahoe inspired your interior design philosophy?
HDH: I suppose it’s a “less is more” philosophy inspired by the mountains and all that mother nature has to offer.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering hiring an interior designer?
The design process takes time. Your design team will be part of your life for long enough that you should like and trust each other. As designers we put so much into our projects, and we want our clients to know that we want to create a space for them that they will love.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in interior design?
There are a ton of amazing aspects of interior design. That said, you will also spend more time than you could ever imagine talking, thinking and discussing not so glamorous aspects of the job. tNever be too proud to ask questions. You will constantly be surrounded by people with a wealth of knowledge that are more than willing to help you.
What brought you to ID.3?
I moved home to Tahoe after graduating from design school in 2010. As we all know, this was not an ideal time to get into the design industry. During that time I dropped a couple of resumes off at ID.3 and not too shockingly, they weren’t hiring at that time.
Fast forward ten years, and I found myself sitting on Shannon’s couch having the most chill job interview ever. I feel lucky everyday that Shannon believed in me and that I get to learn from each of the ladies that make ID.3 so special on a daily basis.
What strengths have you brought to the firm?
Oh gosh, I am really not great at selling myself. I like to think that I bring some humor into the office — I think laughter is the key to life. I also think I have made my colleagues enjoy plaid just a little more than they already did.
What feeds your creativity?
My surroundings for sure.
What didn’t they tell you in design school that you wish you would have known?
There will always be a budget! The design process is nothing like you see on TV, nothing will go as planned, items will break, be the wrong size and/or color, lots of things will be back-ordered. Get ready to pivot.
What is the benefit of working alongside Gen X women?
Their knowledge and experience in both work and everyday life.
What are the most important personality traits to have while designing a home and working with both clients and tradespeople?
Being organized definitely helps. As Designers we are keepers of all “the bits”. Some of them are big, some are small but without all the pieces the puzzle doesn’t work. Being able to work well with others is also very important, there are so many people needed to build a home and create a space that a client loves. Being able to build relationships with each of those people is so important.
In a nutshell, what is your design ethos?
Homes are meant to be lived in and enjoyed. I want the spaces I create to make people feel welcome and be a place where memories are made. There is nothing worse than walking into a home and feeling afraid to touch anything.
Aside from design, what are your passions?
I love the winter. I enjoy skiing as much as I can, cooking (and eating), good wine, walking my dogs in the woods, and laughing with my husband. Sounds cheesy, I know.
What is your interior design superpower?
I enjoy being on the job site and building relationships with all the people it takes to build a home.
What are your colleague’s interior design superpowers?
Each of the women I get to work with have so many super powers - it’s hard to pick out just one. I appreciate Amy’s ability to stay so organized and keep all that info in her brain and on our schedules! I admire Katie’s cool, calm and collected demeanor, and Shannon for being our fearless leader, always ready to help in any way that she can.