T H E Y T H E N H AV E O P T I O N S : TA K E T H E R E I N S A N D CO M P L E T E T H E D E S I G N T H E M S E LV E S , WO R K D I R E C T LY W I T H M E A N D W H AT I C A L L M Y “ P O S S E , ” O R T U R N OV E R T H E E N T I R E P R OJ E C T A N D E X P E R I E N C E T H E E XC I T E M E N T A N D LUXU R Y O F H AV I N G T H E D E S I G N E R D O A L L T H E WO R K !
VIE: Do you have a favorite project in your portfolio?
VIE: What is some advice you would give to a client looking for an interior designer? Dawn:
Credentials and degrees are great; however, finding a designer who listens to your likes, needs, and lifestyle, respects your budget, and delivers their promises on time is worth their weight in gold.
VIE:
What is the advantage to real estate professionals working with a professional designer?
Dawn:
Realtors contact me quite often in particular for out-of-town clients who are relocating to the area and have no idea where to start. In the case of home staging, the benefits are phenomenal since staged homes command a higher price with less time on the market. Higher real estate prices are good for neighborhoods, as every home sold is compared to the others in the area. Many properly prepped homes are so desirable to the home buyers that they enlist my design services to design their new home.
VIE:
Living and working in many Southern cities, would you say there is a distinct style to the region?
Dawn: I have designed all across the US, and, yes, indeed, the South does have its own style. It has a warmth and a traditional flavor with layers of browns and neutrals and a touch of floral and geometric patterns mixed in.
Dawn: Ha ha! I know this may sound silly, but I genuinely love all of my design projects. Every one of them is entirely different from the last, and I work hard to keep it that way. Custom one-of-a-kind designs are my signature. Currently, I am designing a medical spa, and, believe it or not, it is a complete mystery makeover for my doctor client—how fun and exciting it all has been! VIE:
How would you describe your personal style?
Dawn: My design style is that of uniqueness, one that reflects a non-cookie-cutter approach. Customizing furniture and light fixtures and using local artisans for art versus store-bought art creates a perfect opportunity for a one-of-a-kind custom home or office.
Left: Part of a recent “mystery makeover” for a spa, this dreamy reception area gives customers an immediate sense of serenity and luxury. Opposite top: The Farmhouse’s openconcept kitchen and dining room reflect the home’s contemporarymeets-French country style. Opposite bottom: The design of this condo living room in Chattanooga revolved around the metallic charcoal wallpaper with flecks of gold throughout.
VIE:
How does your style work with or compete with your clients’ styles?
Dawn: The client comes first. They are the boss. I am the trained professional, but their vision is always at the forefront of each and every design from beginning to end. Client collaboration is key. There is still room for some designer style and inspiration, which is part of the need for a design pro’s assistance. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 69
