How I Describe My Interiors:
"Timeless rooms and elements without obvious references to trends. I blend diverse elements from
periods and styles to create warm and inviting interiors. It is very important
to me that the final result not reflect the trendy. A sense of beauty and
stillness is crucial to me. I believe the first function of decoration is to
make itself invisible, reflecting the taste and above all, the lifestyle of the client."
Elements that I Prefer in My Design:
"I always use the actual space as the departure point - forcing neither client nor space. I
believe in positive dialogue between the architecture, decor and objects of
different periods, places and genres. My goal is always to balance silence,
strength and warmth. Elements such as color are the clients' preference,
naturally. At all times I strive to use the best quality available, while
working within the client's financial considerations. Natural textures,
beautiful antiques, comforting and luxurious fabrics and pleasing art.
As a professional artist I enjoy using my own pieces for projects when and if
appropriate. Very often a painting is born as a direct result of the design
process. A client might have a certain wall that calls for a piece of art that
I instinctively visualize along with all the other elements. It is a most
rewarding process and in a way like a musician building his own instrument to
play. Naturally clients often have extensive and valuable art collections
that I incorporate or use as departure points for designs. Whatever the
process, I find art the cornerstone of my work."
Projects:
"I strive for integrity and personal commitment at all times. Because I like to oversee
everything and be totally 'hands-on', I keep my staff small. My clients hire me
for my skills, not for the size of my firm nor the amount of assistants I choose
to involve."
Contracts:
"Having a written agreement provides a clear understanding between both parties and as a
result, the client is familiar with all our policies, fees and business
operations from the outset. The contract also sets the foundation for mutual
respect, confidence and trust - crucial to the process of working successfully
with a client. At the onset, I like to provide my clients with an overview of
the work to be undertaken by my firm before they sign a contract. Most of my
work is based on a design fee, plus mark-up on product; however, custom
contracts may be warranted depending on the project."
My Design Background:
"I've been designing interiors interiors since 1999, I have had offices in Seattle,
Los Angeles (simultaneously) and San Francisco. Now located in New York, I find the
geographic location a great asset to sources both in the United States and
abroad. I am largely self-taught, finding that my background in the Arts and
Music have allowed me to look at interiors with a fresh perspective. I have a
PhD in piano performance and have studied in universities and colleges in South
Africa, Great Britain and the United States. I am able to draft and present a
complete and comprehensive presentation no matter what the project. I would say
that my greatest strengths are scale, color coordination and client interaction.
My projects have ranged in size from studio apartments to entire, large scale
residences, covering costs from $50,000 to several million dollars. I have also
assisted with extensive architectural consulation on several projects and enjoy
the complete immersion process in a project, from start to finish."
|
Contemporary Custom Furniture & Rugs by Pia