365 days ago I took a leap of faith and launched Fuchsia Design. I had a vision for a beginning-to-end residential firm. One that was detail-oriented and paid attention to all the little things that can make a huge difference in the end. I wanted to be accessible enough to the average family, and knowledgeable and skilled enough to successfully design high-end homes. I aspired to be a designer that didn’t just do things the easy way; I wanted to do things the right way. I hoped to offer my clients the best version of me, and I felt they deserved a certified designer who had passed the NCIDQ. I wanted to be the designer who listened, not the one who talked; the designer who could take a single word or inspirational picture from my client and turn it into their dream home. I saw Fuchsia Design as being a versatile design company that worked on renovations as well as new construction. I envisioned days on-site in work boots and hard hats standing in the mud with electricians and contractors and days sitting in coffee shops in high heels searching the web for furniture and accessories. In a sense, you could say I wanted it all. I started Fuchsia Design fully knowing what I wanted it to become yet having no idea how it would truly do. Fast forward to today, and I can officially say that this past year has been incredible and truly unexpected! In the beginning, I anticipated that there would be an initial lull where I would have time to establish design contracts, processes, and oh! … A website. Things took off so quickly that it took me an additional 2 months just to finalize my branding and website and announce to the world that I had started my own business. Over the past year, I’ve developed valuable relationships with local builders who trust my vision and capabilities. I’ve been a part of 23 projects – 16 of which are either still being built, working through designs, or having the final touches put on. I’ve been a part of 17 new construction homes and 5 renovations. Three times, I’ve gotten to see a house taken down to the studs and rebuilt into something beautiful. I’ve worked with so many amazing clients who have been waiting for their dream home for years. A dream home they’ve trusted me to design.
Working in residential design is an honor. It’s someone’s personal space, and earning my client’s trust is truly a rewarding process. Hearing things like, “just pick what you think is best” or “I trust your vision” or “whichever one you recommend” are some of the best words to hear as a designer. Not because it means I get to go crazy and pick whatever I want, but because it means they TRUST me with their home. The place they’ll raise their family and make memories. The spaces they’ll have their morning coffee or lay their head at night. I feel very lucky to be a part of their journey.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned during the past year is that you are only as strong as the team you work with. To all of the clients, builders, electricians, cabinet designers, contractors, suppliers, trim carpenters, painters, and reps I’ve worked with during the past 12 months, thank you! Thank you for being patient with my overly detailed specs and specific walkthroughs. Thanks for agreeing to move a light to the left ½” or changing a molding from 3/8” to ½” MDF. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me; for teaching me. Thank you for being a part of Fuchsia Design.
Looking forward, I’m excited to see my team grow. I still have bigger dreams for Fuchsia Design; a vision for 5 years, 10 years, AND BEYOND. In the meantime, I have a thankful heart for where I am today and each and every person who has helped me get here.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FUCHSIA DESIGN!