About Us
As an older more experienced designer, I have seen a great deal. I have all the accolades and awards, but my favorite thing is to start with a new client. The new challenges, meticulous research and the solving of problems to satisfy the client are what makes this firm so successful.
We are a full service Interior Design Studio. NCIDQ certified Professional Designer. Winner of ASID's Dora Gray Award (Outstanding Designer in North and South Carolina), Carolinas Chapter Award, Education Award as well as countless ASID Design Excellence Awards. Named Best of Houzz in Customer Service and Design. Specializing in Historic Properties.
How We Got Started
10 years after BA degree in Contemporary Humanities from Converse College went back to college and received a degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Houston. Have been practicing in Charleston ever since. Projects have been extensive from family homes downtown, the beach houses on the island, offices throughout the try county area and plantations on Edisto, in Jamestown and Georgetown. With a strong belief in giving back to the community I have done pro bono work with the SC Aquarium, McBee House at Ashley Hall and the Preservation Society to name a few.
The products and services we offer
Recommendations Received (13)
"Jane is a terrific designer and business woman."
"Jane is an extraordinary talent! "
Products & Services
The least expensive way to get a whole new look in your house or office is to freshen up the paint. Colors follow trends and what looked cutting ed...
Recommendations Given (40)
"Her combination of items in her "baskets" are so creative and fun! "
"Jay is a solid businessman that you can trust. I recommend Melcer Tile to many of my clients."
Recent Activity
Just ask them.
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Just ask them.
As an Interior Designer with education and 25 years experience, I can help clients in half the time and with less mistakes than most new young designers. Besides I am very good at what I do.
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As an Interior Designer with education and 25 years experience, I can help clients in half the time and with less mistakes than most new young designers. Besides I am very good at what I do.
Doesn't work well in my business.
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Doesn't work well in my business.
Morris Sokol Furniture. Joe Sokol was a class act. He always had time to work personally with designers and could find almost anything that I was looking for. He will be missed.
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Morris Sokol Furniture. Joe Sokol was a class act. He always had time to work personally with designers and could find almost anything that I was looking for. He will be missed.
Definitely word of mouth and referrals. I have been in business over thirty years. Most of my clients have done more than one home with me or the same home several times. I am gratified that most of my clients have been so loyal. On the other hand I think you need to get out into the community....
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Definitely word of mouth and referrals. I have been in business over thirty years. Most of my clients have done more than one home with me or the same home several times. I am gratified that most of my clients have been so loyal. On the other hand I think you need to get out into the community. Do volunteer work with Arts groups, with preservation efforts, serve on commissions and various boards. Be visible. Be involved.
#1 you need a lot of capital. Not necessarily, but it would truly help. Even if you are a fabulous designer, it is hard to support yourself in the beginning. There are start-up costs and monthly costs and other operating cost. In the meantime you have to build your client base and this doesn't...
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#1 you need a lot of capital. Not necessarily, but it would truly help. Even if you are a fabulous designer, it is hard to support yourself in the beginning. There are start-up costs and monthly costs and other operating cost. In the meantime you have to build your client base and this doesn't happen overnight. I teach a very basic business class to Interior Designer students. Most have no conception of what it takes. They don't understand overhead, cash flow, and how to manage a business. I would not change having my own business, but it has been a real challenge over the years.
I own an Interior Design Firm working in the Charleston area. We have been in business almost 30 years and have won many awards. I listen to my clients and assimilate their ideas into successful projects. The client should feel very secure in their home because we address their space planning...
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I own an Interior Design Firm working in the Charleston area. We have been in business almost 30 years and have won many awards. I listen to my clients and assimilate their ideas into successful projects. The client should feel very secure in their home because we address their space planning problems, the desired ambience, and practical issues for long term use. Your friends should compliment you on your taste, not the designer's name.
I began my own business almost 30 years ago. At that time there were no "real jobs" for designers unless you worked commission only. Tough to live on. I began my company under capitalized and not sure what I was doing. Hurricane Hugo gave us tremendous business for a few years. I also did a great...
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I began my own business almost 30 years ago. At that time there were no "real jobs" for designers unless you worked commission only. Tough to live on. I began my company under capitalized and not sure what I was doing. Hurricane Hugo gave us tremendous business for a few years. I also did a great deal of pro bono work.
Always believing that Interior Design was different from Interior Decorating, my company thrived on complete projects. We were in on the beginning stages, doing drawings, designing details, selecting all finishes, etc.
I don't know if there is ever a point that I will be completely secure in running my business, because I have seen recessions wipe out business overnight. So I keep plugging along always trying to reflect the client's ideas into good design. I have been fortunate to have clients who have stuck with me for years and years. Now I design their children's homes!
I have never received a real client from paid advertising.
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I have never received a real client from paid advertising.
I hate doing interviews. It is so hard to figure out from a few questions if the potential employee will work with our environment.
On the other hand: I look for attitude (really wanting the job with out asking the salary), truth in advertising (that they can really do what they say they can),...
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I hate doing interviews. It is so hard to figure out from a few questions if the potential employee will work with our environment.
On the other hand: I look for attitude (really wanting the job with out asking the salary), truth in advertising (that they can really do what they say they can), personal appearance (if they don't dress properly for the interview, what should I expect on a daily basis) Grammar and way of speaking ( this is a combination of education and upbringing, but it is essential) and proper manners. I know this sounds old fashion, it is definitely important in the business world. (My 65 year old client may let me address her by her first name, but my twenty something employee had better address her as "Mrs.")
And finally it helps if they know how to pronounce my last name.
