It Matters.

When embarking on a design project—whether it’s a remodel or a new home build—the planning and details can quickly become overwhelming. There are many treacherous unknowns, especially if you’re going it alone. This is where engaging the right professionals becomes invaluable—saving time and money, preserving your sanity, and preventing mistakes that could cost you for years.

A seasoned design professional should have an extensive network of skilled experts, including general contractors, suppliers, and specialized tradespeople. This network protects you from the uncertainty of relying on unknown journeymen who might not show up, perform the work correctly, or even complete the project at all. A cohesive team that works well together is one of the most critical components of a successful project.

Here are a few examples I’ve observed in the field where I live and work:

I have a notoriously frugal friend. Despite well-meaning advice, he insisted on handling his bathroom remodel himself. The result was a design with bland colors, uninspired textures, lighting, and surface selections that neither reflected his style nor complemented the rest of his home. Since he uses this room daily, it ended up being a poor investment of time and money. Needless to say, he isn’t planning on redoing it anytime soon and is stuck with this mediocrity.

Last fall, I met with prospective clients who wanted to serve as their own general contractors and personally assemble a team of subcontractors for an extensive gut remodel of an older home in a new town. Complicating matters, they were still working full-time jobs that required cross-country travel. Six months later, they still hadn’t secured the necessary permits from the county. With a mortgage and a rental property in a high-cost lakeside community in Tahoe, they remain stuck in a holding pattern.

Consider this: while we’re constantly bombarded with interior design media, the truth is—you can DIY many things, like cutting your own hair, fixing your own car, or even butchering your own Thanksgiving turkey. But why would you? Invest your time, skills, and resources in what you do best, and leave the rest to true professionals.

In short, hire a professional. I’m here to help.