Trisha Elena Guillen, founder of Trisha Elena Designs, LLC, took on an exciting interior design challenge when she was tipped off that Columbia University was searching for a designer to remodel a student space. Leveraging the skills she gained at The Academy of Home Staging & Design, she secured the project, beating out three other designers. Her story highlights how training, organization, and a strong portfolio can make all the difference in interior design success.
Landing the Columbia University Interior Design Project
A strong portfolio and presentation skills helped Trisha Elena Guillen win the bid for the Columbia University remodel. After initial discussions with university representatives and project stakeholders, she provided:
- A strategic redesign plan for six key areas, including the living room, dining area, foyer, hallway entry, study room, and basement.
- A vision for a modern, student-friendly environment that balanced aesthetics with durability.
- A budget-conscious approach, working within a $30,000 decorating budget separate from structural improvements.
Trisha credits The Academy of Home Staging & Design for refining her skills, stating,
“I am so happy that I had finished my program at The Academy so I had the confidence and tools to complete an amazing look for this client.”
Design Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Trisha Elena Guillen’s interior design approach needed to satisfy both student functionality and Columbia University’s aesthetic expectations. Some of the primary challenges included:
1. Balancing Modern Elegance with Durability
- The client desired a light, modern space with delicate fabrics, but the design needed to withstand high student traffic.
- Solution: Trisha incorporated mixed metals, concrete, and lacquered wood for durability while maintaining a contemporary look.
2. Maximizing Seating in Limited Space
- The space had to accommodate large meeting groups but lacked sufficient seating.
- Solution:
- Modular steel coffee tables that doubled as seating.
- Eames chairs in the study room and dining area for comfort and flexibility.
- A foyer seating nook using small settees and a Worlds Away coffee table.
3. Enhancing Natural Light in a Darker Space
- Limited natural light made the space feel smaller and less inviting.
- Solution:
- Light color palettes featuring crisp Benjamin Moore white for wainscoting and light gray walls.
- Mirrors from Ballard Designs to reflect light and open up the space.
- Furniture with legs instead of bulky, heavy pieces to maintain an airy feel.
Project Execution: The Importance of Organization in Interior Design
Throughout the project, Trisha Elena Guillen Interior Design maintained high levels of organization and client communication. Following the principles taught at The Academy of Home Staging & Design, she:
- Provided weekly updates to the university and clients, including revised budget charts and upcoming steps.
- Managed on-site execution, ensuring every detail aligned with the approved design plan.
- Used professional design software to visualize and refine plans before implementation.
“These strategies and software tools taught at The Academy were essential in the progress of communicating my vision and staying organized,” said Trisha.
The Academy of Home Staging & Design: Building Confidence for Interior Design Success
Trisha attributes her interior design success to the intensive 5-day certification program at The Academy of Home Staging & Design, where she learned:
- How to present a professional portfolio and win design bids.
- Client communication techniques to keep projects on track.
- Budgeting and strategic planning skills to optimize project execution.
“The tools, documents, advice, and processes taught and provided during the course were used throughout the full project,” she shared.
Kim Kapellusch, founder of The Academy, emphasizes that their hands-on courses equip students with:
- Practical, real-world design experience
- Strong business communication strategies
- Industry-leading techniques for seamless project management
The Academy takes pride in Trisha Elena Guillen’s interior design accomplishments and the many graduates successfully building careers in the field.
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