Recently, I was asked by a local college interior design student to take part in an interview for her class. Her class has to interview an interior decorator and ask 10 questions on everything from their beliefs in design, running the day to day business and tips I have learned along the way. I jumped at the chance to participate, but my first reaction was, really? me? are you sure you have the right person for this? ok, here goes! I haven’t had that classroom assignment feeling in many, many years, so it was fun. {I hope I passed!} After I handed in my answers to her, I realized it was also a great self reflection for me, because it gave me the chance to really dissect my day to day happenings and what I value as important for Amber B Design. So I thought it would be fun to share some questions and answers here! I would love to hear your feedback if you’re a designer, to see if you have any different, useful methods. I also thought this could bring up a fun discussion for anyone who loves design. I definitely do not have all the answers or even pretend to think I do. But, this is my honest interpretation of my experiences, so far. Here we go…
A timeline of your accomplishments (ie. schooling, positions held, years of experience).
My name is Amber Balistreri and I am the owner of the boutique interior decorating firm, Amber B Design. I would say that my design career was something that evolved over time. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/concentration in English and a Master’s degree in Early Literacy. Out of college, I became an elementary school teacher in an American school in Germany, when my husband’s job took us overseas. We lived in Germany for three years and it was then that my love for interior design started to evolve. Soon after we moved back to the U.S., I started the design blog Simple Dwellings as a way to bring together two of my favorite pastimes… my love for writing and interior design. My blog started to grow and readers were asking for design help. I then realized I could potentially have a business. After two years of growing my blog, I took some design classes at a local school and worked hard on both my blog and budding business venture. Soon after, Amber B Design was born. I left the teaching profession to pursue my dream. I started my business back in 2012 and I truly enjoy decorating spaces for others.
Our living room, Sarah Heppell Photography
In your opinion, how important is interior design education in today’s industry?
That is an interesting question. I believe if you have a passion for any artistic profession, such as interior design, you are meant to have that career. Schooling can, however, help to take out a lot of the guess work that comes from being a self taught designer, like myself. In school, you learn so many of the important parts to the profession that I would have liked to learn through a design degree. But sometimes, life goes in different directions and you decide to change course. Since my degrees are in other professions, I worked tirelessly to catch myself up to what I would have learned in design school. The main elements in design have to be learned in order to be successful and I have devoted years to making sure I know just as much. I would suggest that anyone wanting to achieve a successful career in design should constantly learn and evolve. You will never have all the answers. It is important to continue reading and studying your profession, so that you stay current to the trends and happenings in design.
{That was a tough one to answer and I felt that I gave my most honest answer possible. There are definitely times when I wish I had a design degree, but like I said, life goes in different directions sometimes and I wouldn’t change the experiences I had for anything. I do believe, however, that I need to know just as much, in order to be successful. So, that’s what I am trying to do!}
My client’s cat definitely stole the show during this photo shoot!
What motivated you to enter interior design and your particular specialty?
My motivation to start this career came from a true passion for design. I have always appreciated all forms of design, from fashion to interiors. When you absolutely love what you do, you never work a day in your life! So when I decided to switch paths and follow design, I felt that it was already there with me. The obstacles in front of me were just hard work, determination and a desire to make this come to fruition.
What are the primary responsibilities and duties of your current position?
Amber B Design is a firm that works with clients on everything from conceptual idea to the final install day. Currently, I work by myself, so I wear all hats. From initial consult to the reveal and photography session- I am there through it all. Our first meeting is the client consult, where we meet in their home to discuss the space. After measurements and before photos are taken, I get to work in the studio (my home), designing the space, drawing up the floor plan and coming up with the design vision. About three weeks later, the plans are presented to the client and we go from there. I will do the sourcing, shopping, budget management and style installs. When the space is complete, I schedule a photography session for my portfolio.
Our dining room
What advice could you offer to someone interested in pursuing an interior design career, especially in your specialty?
My advice would be to stay true to your design self. You have done all of the hard work it takes to get here. So, believe in your design opinion and have confidence. Having said that, also make sure to stay humble and be open to letting the client have their input. When you open up the possibility to really listen to your client, you learn and grow as a designer. It is your work and your name going on the project, so make sure to put your own design spin on it, while also staying true to the client’s needs. That can be tough, because you have to be confident in your own style to do both. The clients have reached out to you because they value your work and like your style. So don’t lose sight of yourself in the project. If you give them a design that you do not stand behind 100%, it shows. Trust your design sense and know that you can give them their style, while also incorporating things they would not have thought of on their own.
{This is an ever evolving process for me and one that takes constant practice.}
Project Vintage Gem
Sarh Heppell Photography
So that was the interview, in a nutshell. I really believe that working well with your clients and having that positive partnership helps so much in the overall design experience for both of you. It is when your personalities mesh and you both truly listen to each other, that makes the best outcome. Those are the projects when you are sad they have come to an end. It was just that much fun! By no means do I have all the answers. This was just my opinion on my own experiences. This exercise helped me to examine the way I approach design and I was glad to be asked. It was a pretty cool experience!
I would love to hear your thoughts!
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