Design Firm Visit

    

     Wednesday, November 27, I met with Nicole Diedrich from Susan Thorsen Interiors in Kennewick WA. Nicole graduated from the American Institute of Interior Design, located in Fountain Hills Arizona. She then worked in the Seattle area for several years before settling in the Tri-Cities area. She has worked at Susan Thorsen Interiors for several years.

     Nicole primarily works in the residential sector of interior design, but also does some light commercial work such as Doctor’s offices and an occasional Winery. Much of the business at this firm is done with builders building new homes, or residential remodel and renovation projects. Susan Thorsen is a full-service design firm, providing everything from a simple consultation to interior space planning, hard finish selections, window coverings and furniture and accessories if needed. The showroom was filled with beautiful samples, and thousands of choices. This firm specializes in the “hard”material aspects of interior design, offering many flooring, counter, tile, paint and fixture choices. Nicole typically gets input from the customer, whether it is in their showroom, or at the client’s home. She then comes up with a plan that includes choices for the client to review. After choices have been made, contractors and sub-contractors are hired, and she is continually checking on the work progress and the quality of work.

     The aspects of the work Nicole enjoys most is working with the people, and the creativity her job allows. She is very knowledgeable in all residential materials, and knows what type of material will be best suited for her client. Susan Thorsen Interiors pride themselves on providing quality selections, products and installation on all their projects. They also feel that they provide a value-added factor of expertise and knowledge, along with the competitive prices they offer to their clients. Susan Thorsen has been in the Tri-Cities for 25 years, and has built relationships with quality contractors and sub-contractors in the area. Nicole told me they actually have a list of “go-to” contractors that they routinely work with and look to for advice on products and installation methods. They will not continue a professional relationship with a contractor if they are not willing to stand behind the work they do.

     While Nicole did not have an aspect of her work that she disliked, she did say that she missed creating project boards and drawings. I brought my current studio project for her to look over, and she said the hand- work was something she missed from her time at school. In their firm, they do not create client boards, or do presentations. Nicole said this was too formal for the type of client they find in this area. People in the Tri-Cities feel that designers are expensive, and want the consultation at a minimum price. Not spending the time to make boards, and do presentations not only saves them time, but it also cuts down on costs. This was very surprising to me.

     When I asked Nicole what the most frustrating part of working with construction professionals was, she said it was their reluctance to use new or different materials in the projects. Her comment was that they could be very stubborn at times, and only wanted to use products and materials they were familiar with and had worked with previously. She talked about the importance of creating a network of people that are trusted and reliable to work with. In the type of business they do, this is paramount. She felt that the reputation of their firm was only as good as client’s response to what they provide. They do not advertise, so word of mouth and client referrals are the primary source of new business.

     I had a great visit with Nicole; she was very informative and taught me a lot about the type of business a small local firm like this does in Interior Design. This was a wonderful experience, as the firms I have previously visited have all been large. Having exposure to a different type of Interior Design business helps me to determine where I might like to work and what types of opportunities there may be for me once I graduate.