The Academy of Home Staging & Design graduate, Trisha Elena Guillen of Trisha Elena Designs LLC, had a tip from a friend that Columbia University was looking for an designer for a remodel project for a student area on campus.
New York, NY (PRWEB)April 19, 2016
Trisha Elena Guillen of Trisha Elena Designs,LLC, a recent graduate of The Academy of Home Staging & Design’ s Interior Design Certification Course, was given a tip by a friend that Columbia University was looking for a designer for their large remodel project for a brownstone on campus.
After communicating with the clients, as well as, Columbia University contacts, interviewing, presenting a portfolio and providing a plan of action, all skills that were enhanced and refined during the Academy’s 5 day Certification program, Trisha was hired for the project, beating out 3 other Interior Designers. Trisha jumped in with both feet.
In a recent interview, Trisha explains the parameters of the project “The job included a redesign plan for six main spaces, including a living room, dining area, foyer, hallway entry, study room, and basement. The redesign plan included new flooring, paint, furniture, rugs, window treatments, artwork, and accessories for these spaces. The goal was to keep all redecorating within a budget of around $30K, a separate budget from the structural enhancements and changes with flooring and paint. “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.” The client asked Trisha to design a space that was light and modern with plenty of seating. Trisha said, “They liked glass, very light neutral shades, and delicate fabrics, however, we had to make sure that the space would be durable for groups of students to use frequently and comfortably as well as provide upholstery within the standards of fire and safety codes.”
Trisha’s design solutions included incorporating mixed metals for a light, modern look yet durable structure, neutrals in concrete, wood, and lacquer as well as for décor, and navy accents for upholstery in performance fabrics that would resist wear for longer. The main challenges of the space included the lack of seating for large meeting groups, storage, and natural light. Trisha comments, “In a common meeting area, it is crucial that the space inspires creativity and participation while fostering a collaborative environment.”
In the foyer, Trisha created a seating nook with small settees and a tiny coffee table from Worlds Away. For the dining space, Trisha chose fashionable Eames chairs, perfect for long hours of meeting and studying and comfort, and used these same chairs in the large study room so that they could be moved in for meetings. In the living room, she chose steel coffee table pieces that double as seating and added in an extra corner study nook with x shape stools. Trisha lightened up the space by choosing new Benjamin Moore paint in a crisp white for wainscoting and very light gray for walls, as well as neutrals throughout the decorating color scheme. Upholstered furniture pieces were chosen with legs to provide an open airy look versus heavy pieces. Concrete and steel made up her material choices throughout the design, allowing durability along with a contemporary, light space. Mirrors played a huge role as well – The mirrors by Ballard Designs used in the living room opened up the room and bounced natural light into the space!
Trisha managed all aspects of the project including onsite management and double checked every step. Following The Academy’s core training, she believes that communication and organization are the most important aspects of any successful project. Throughout the project, Trisha provided weekly and/or as needed updates with regularly updated budget charts, detailed steps of the plan, and next steps in order to keep the client in the loop as well as the university. “I also utilized many of the programs and techniques that I learned while at The Academy of Home Staging.”The tools, documents, advice, and processes taught and provided during the course were used throughout the full project.”
Kim Kapellusch, owner and founder of The Academy’s 5-day Interior Design intensive for beginners in Los Angeles, CA. says The Academy teaches strong client communication and transparency with standards in business that provide a clear vision to the client, tracking client satisfaction and needs, and how to efficiently move the project forward.
“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 is proud of their students and of Trisha Elena Guillen.
Trisha, and all students of The Academy of Home Staging & Design are able to be successful in their Design businesses because of the tools learned from these hands-on courses.
For More Information on Home Staging or Interior Design Certificate programs call 800-574-5576 or click here: The Academy of Home Staging & Design.
For more info on Trisha Elena Designs, LLC, please click here: Trisha Elena Designs, LLC.