Learn how working with a Designer can improve your home renovation project! The last few months have given us all an opportunity to take stock of our surroundings at home. Some people find themselves on the DIY networks and in the isles of Home Depot while others choose to call in the experts.
I sat down to talk with Krista Schwartz from Indicia recently to discuss the benefits of working with professional designers.
Krista explained that she met Joe through a recommendation at a NARI function 14 years ago. She chose All Seasons Fireplace and Joe for this job because this long time client has a discerning eye and appreciates unique solutions to common design challenges.
All Seasons has unique products and working with Joe is a big advantage because the project stays on schedule and it just 'gets done.' Our relationship makes it easier to complete projects because we are comfortable with each other.
Professionals are experts on their subject. If you want tax advice, call a CPA. If you want legal advice, call an attorney. If you want to design a space, hire an interior designer. Professional services in fireplace design include interior designers who create solutions that will incorporate your individual preferences in ways you could never image on your own. And designers have a vast knowledge of materials and finishes as well as reliable trade partners to pull the design together; all of this can save you precious time.
“I think that a designer makes it possible to explore options that may bring more value than the solutions the homeowner would envision by themselves.”
The Mendota Heights project we completed with All Seasons was a good example. I have worked with the homeowner on several projects over the past 6 years to turn his town home from the 1980’s Golden Girl vibe to what it is today. He is the type of client who is open and willing to explore ideas that I bring forward. My client likes to use unique products and I knew All Seasons Fireplace would have the right fireplace; we chose an Element 4 as the focal point in the great room.
We were especially pleased with the way the fireplace design turned out; but it was not without its challenges. We tore down the interior brick and had to work around some framing issues and the final result was wonderful.
When you work with a designer you get a team of professionals who work seamlessly together in a process that ensures that the project stays on schedule. There is a huge demand for talented craftspeople these days and a designer will have access to the best of them.
The builder on the project was Rick from Clairmont Design Build.
One of the special things Rick does is that he creates a temporary wall which allows the homeowner to remain in the home while the remodeling is being done. The wall keeps all the dust contained in the work area but also includes a door so the client can be available for quick discussions throughout the process and easily monitor the progress. This is just one example of how a designer will advocate for the client to make the process as painless as possible.
Changes are an inevitable part of the construction process. Without the steady eye of the designer, the original vision can be lost. The designer will keep the final outcome top of mind and will orchestrate the process to guarantee a predictable result.
In this project, the cantilevered cement hearth required significant engineering because of the substantial weight of the cement and the porousness of the cement prescribed a special sealant to protect it against stains. All of these challenges are routine for the Indicia team.
The steel wall surrounding the fireplace was another custom design which required careful fabrication and installation.
And who wouldn’t love the rolling ladder on the built in bookcase? Classic! Krista explained that the original “golden girls” design of the room included cabinetry that went to 8’. Bringing the book case all the way to the vaulted ceiling was a big improvement and tied all the materials, wood cabinets, metal surround and linear fireplace, together
Designers are skilled project managers and use their communication skills to orchestrate the completion of the project to reflect the original design intent. Krista created these six phases in her project management process.
Skip the DIY network and put your next renovation project in the hands of the experts.
For more inspiration on fireplace space design, consult this page on our website.