Drab to Fab

Hello, my name is Rachel Waldron. I am an interior designer, and a new addition to Vashon Island. I have been here with my family for about six months now and have loved every minute. The air is fresh, people are friendly and fun, my children are safe, and I have an amazing new (old) home to try out all my design ideas. My husband and I bought a 1920 fixer-upper with a great view and great bones, and have been ever so slowly coming up with a design that is worthy of the original intent and architecture.

I have A LOT of projects to complete in my home, and I’m sure many of you can relate. As a designer, I look forward to collaborating with home improvement professionals to enhance my project and ensure that it is built to last with safety considered.

So, what professionals do I regularly rely on that will be used in my own project? We all have different projects and needs, but there are key professionals we encounter in the home improvement industry, beginning with the general contractor (GC). I value many of the skills general contractors have, including scheduling, budgeting, and their relationships with craftspeople – often they are craftspeople themselves.  General contractors also provide the invaluable service of helping with permitting.  Anyone who has ever permitted a project knows that each permit submittal deserves a standing ovation, and I gladly accept the understanding and patience with this process that the GC has.  Any big project (kitchen remodel, home addition, new construction) should use a GC where small jobs (replacing existing finishes and fixtures) can be self-managed.

These fields easily overlap and it is not hard to see where confusion takes place. What is the point of my role, of my husband’s role in a project that has a General Contractor? An architect is a licensed professional who has taken state required exams to ensure that they are intimately familiar with building codes, structural systems, building systems, construction documents, and much more. In fact, many licensed general contractors have many, if not all, of these skills as well. The difference lies in design experience. A general contractor has the experience and know-how to construct our vision. In addition to the responsibilities listed above, designers, whether they’re an architect or interior designer, have years of training to develop a plan or project concept.

Interior Designers present the big picture. They have a formal design education, are trained to understand and follow building codes and create a vision for the overall design.  Their education includes the study of architecture, design history, design concept and development. An interior designer can suggest layouts for your furnishings in ways you may have never considered, but the real skill lies in stepping back and considering the full space and every design element and principle to ensure a cohesive design – one that lasts and improves the lives of those inhabiting them. An interior designer is a great choice if you are working on multiple spaces or want to ensure spaces visually connect to one another and that every design element coordinates with the next. Another time to consider working with an interior designer is when you are working with fixed elements (walls, windows, openings, or changing the orientation or function of a space.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DESIGNER AND A DECORATOR?
Interior designers are formally trained at an accredited institution and earn a degree. Decorators require no license, certification or formal training. The talented friend who has an “eye” for design may call himself/herself an interior decorator. A decorator works with fabric, furnishings, window coverings, and color. It may be useful to think of an interior designer as an interior “architect”.  Many of us (though not all) have the skills to decorate but our training and experience may permeate deeper than a traditional interior decorator.  
The best results are realized when a project’s team of professionals have a good working relationship with clear communication and an organized plan. I am looking forward to getting started with my own team and keeping you posted here and on my blog (www.waldrondesigns.com/news) as my project moves along. I am also very excited about starting my interior design business on this amazing island and invite you to contact me with any questions about my services.

To learn about Rachel Waldron’s interior design services, contact her at 206.249.9860 or rachel@waldrondesigns.com