Katherine Jacobus at work
It occurred to me recently that more than being a designer, a friend, a shoulder to lean on for my clients, I am a problem solver.
Something I hear over and over from my clients is that one of the unexpected perks of hiring an interior designer is having someone handle the myriad problems that arise as a result of coordinating a disparate team of artisans, delivery companies, and vendors, including painters, builders, installers, etc.
With so many moving parts in this business of interior design, and so many people who can potentially run into or even cause issues, it helps to have a skilled problem-solver at the helm, someone who exerts control over how things get handled and maintains the vision for the unified whole.
My success in this industry has depended on my ability to handle situations that arise, to do so effectively and gracefully with as little impact as possible on my clients. But I could not—and do not—do this alone.
I depend on an amazing team.
Over the years, I have hand-selected a fleet of extraordinary vendors who follow through till the end to provide products and services that make my clients happy. Our vendors—and this is particularly true of the ones being highlighted below—consistently deliver beautiful work in a skillful, professional, and timely manner.
These vendors make me look good.
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Thomas Featherston of Custom Furniture Design creates exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces for many top interior designers and our clients.
He also happens to be the only vendor who makes us a handmade decorative box every year during the holidays; a little gem that any designer—or one of our clients—would love to use for hiding keys on the front hall table.
Just take a look at a few of the pieces he’s made for designers and their clients over the years…
For Penny Shawback
For Nicole Hollis
For Douglas Durkin
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Jerry Kuroda at Queen on Grand Avenue has been sewing our pillows, bench seat cushions and window treatments for years, and he was the generous vendor who donated his services to fabricate the valance and bedding for our Heart of the Home Tour room last year.
Thank you, Jerry, for your years of beautiful work!
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We have mentioned decorative painter (and my birthday twin) Katherine Jacobus in this blog before, but we have to do so again, given that she mind-bogglingly talented, creative, and kind. I dare say she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.
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Who is on your team? Do you have a list of favorite service providers who make your life easier? Who are the vendors who help you to shine in your work world? Please feel free to give a shout out to your beloveds in the comments field, below.
Especially love the wood plank table–fabulous us of a natural material that shines through in all its glory! Of course, the decorative painting and pillows are great too. Beautiful work!
Yes, if ever you need a piece of furniture made Thomas is the guy. Thanks M.
Hmmm. interesting table legs on the wood plank table. They look just like the legs from the George Nelson bench. You should let your friend Thomas know that his image is way too pink. BTW, I love what your blog is turning into… lotsa pictures! Me likee pictures.
Gorgeous – all of it. You have talented vendors indeed, all of whom bring your vision to life! Thanks for the visual feast.
Thanks G, I agree, and there are so many others. Look for them in future blogs and we will see you there someday soon-you master organizer!
Wonderful post, Laura. I love acknowledging people. And I especially love hearing other people do so. Your team is fabulous and reflects upon you in a glowing way. I’m still putting together my team, and understand it’s a process, so it’s inspiring to hear how you’ve assembled yours.
Now that bathroom. You will NEVER see a Reader’s Digest in that bathroom – EVER!
I am INSPIRED. Clearly you value your team and the work they do.
I love the passion you have for your work which is completely evident with posts like these. I can’t wait to work together on future projects and be able to build out amazing spaces!
I had no idea you had custom items made. Beautiful work from very talented people. I especially love the decorative paint, it makes the rooms alive. Thanks for sharing.
Good vendors are the heart of a business!
I have a number of folks I rely on to help make the websites I work on, sing. My graphic design go-to folks are Kern Toy and my color specialist, Robyn Adams. I rely on web designer Michael Waters of Studio 678 to help make the back end do what the back end is supposed to do.
So glad to hear about the talented team you work with. Your post is a great reminder to appreciate the people in our life – personal & professional – who contribute to our own success and help us achieve what we want. Thank you to YOU!