Inspiration in the Studio

We spent last weekend at the annual Fall Conference for ASID Carolinas. It was two days filled with professional development and connecting with designer friends and colleagues!

One of the highlights was Martha and I receiving an ASID Excellence in Design Award for a project we completed last year! We were so excited and honored to be among some of the best designers in the Carolinas.

The Proximity Hotel was the perfect location (an incredible “green” property that was the first in the state to earn the LEED Platinum certification).

We’re feeling inspired, educated and motivated to go back to work and create great designs for our clients!  Thanks ASID Carolinas.

Several years ago I challenged myself to grow professionally.  As a longtime member of the American Society of Interior Designers, I decided it was time to become involved and try to make a difference.  One thing led to the next (as most of these volunteer positions do) and two years ago I found myself agreeing to serve on the ASID Carolinas Board of Directors. Since then I have been coordinating (8) local design communities throughout North and South Carolina.  It has been a rewarding experience….sometimes frustrating, sometimes challenging….but, in the process, I have made connections with designers, industry partners and students from across both states.

This past weekend we all met in High Point for Leadership Training.  My term expires next month and it’s time to pass the baton.

Leadership Training with Carole Gaskins, Lauren Ferderigos, Jesse Phipps, Angela Sutton

Since I’m constantly looking for a new challenge, I’m ready to set a new goal. It’s all about trying to make a difference in some small way. Thanks to all who choose to serve!

The past couple of weeks have been exciting! It started at the ASID Carolinas Fall Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. I was thrilled when I won Second Place in the 2011 ASID Excellence in Design Awards for a Singular Space.

Last night, Whitney Blair Custom Homes won the Diamond Award in the Brunswick County Parade of Homes for the same home!  A double award winning home for the homeowners, Jerry and Melodie!

It continues to amaze me how many people contribute to these projects. Jeff Sanderson and his team at Whitney Blair Custom Homes, Kirk Riffel with Creative Cabinetry and many other talented individuals. This is what happens when a team works together to combine individual elements like these….

to create a space like this….

{Photo by Chris Campbell}

Once again, it’s the details in every design that make the difference. We try every day to bring the vision of our clients to reality….and this gives us motivation to keep working on the details!

To wrap up the highlights from the Fall 2010 High Point Market, I had to include a few personal highlights. I’m absolutely blessed to wake up every day and be able to do what I love to do! I work with wonderful people on the very personal space they call home….and I never take that for granted.

I’m also fortunate to have some wonderful friends and colleagues in this industry. In High Point, we had an impromptu lunch with fellow designers from Raleigh…

I also spent some time volunteering at the new ASID Carolinas booth. It would be so easy to be too busy to volunteer, but I think it’s important to give back to the industry that has treated me so well.

I found this print in one of the showrooms and it sums it all up!

Have a great week….and remember to do something you love!

Last weekend, an amazing group of designers gathered in Charlotte for the ASID Carolinas Leadership training. I am getting ready to assume the role of Design Community Liaison for the Chapter. There are currently eight design communities throughout North and South Carolina and I am so looking forward to the variety of programs that will be offered on a local level (and I’m hoping that I even get to take a few road trips to visit my new friends). Here’s our 2010-2011 group of Design Community Chairs….

Stark Carpet in Charlotte generously hosted our meeting. Let me tell you, visiting this showroom was so worth the trip.

The textures and colors of these rugs were gorgeous. They were a beautiful combination of wool and silk (perfect choices for a current project and if she’s reading, she’ll know who she is)!

The showroom is also home to an outlet center that has thousands of square feet of constantly changing inventory. This is only one room, so imagine the possibilities.

As hard as it was to wake up at 4:30a on a Saturday in August, I’m so glad I did!  Thanks to all for another inspiring designer day!