Over the past few of years, we've received a lot of different questions about our business, our process and our background. Hiring a designer is a big commitment so we don't blame our clients for wanting to know a bit more about us! That's why today we wanted to put all of your frequently asked questions together in one place. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
1 | Did you study interior design?
Yes, I have a Diploma and an Associate Degree in Interior Design and Decoration from RMIT. I graduated back in 2015 and I have been working in the industry since before I graduated.
2 | What made you want to become an interior designer?
When I was in my early years of high-school, I decided I wanted to be an interior designer because I was very creative and it seemed so fun. Looking back now, I really had no idea what being a designer would involve when I decided this was the career path for me. Luckily, being a designer turned out to be a perfect fit and I love every part of it!
3 | What made you start your own business?
It all actually happened a bit by chance. I left my full time interior design job in 2020 during the pandemic. I was looking for something more and decided to go back to university to study architecture. I had an Instagram account where I had been posting images of my work and while I was still studying, I started to get some interest from clients through there. I therefore set up YDM Design Studio to work with those clients and the rest is history. Turns out that running my business was exactly the something more I was after, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else now!
4 | What goals do you have for your business and career?
Our business has been consistently growing since our first clients and we are so excited to see where it will lead. We have recently hired our first assistant to help with our current workload, and I am hoping to continue to grow our team more as we get busier. My goal is to be able to eventually open an office and showroom for my clients and team, as the business is currently taking over my house!
5 | What is your favourite room to design?
This is such a hard question as I love taking clients on the design journey no matter the room! However, one of my favourite things to design in any room is custom cabinetry. I have a very technical mind and love problem solving, so being able to create cabinetry that is perfectly tailored to the needs of the site and the client is very exciting for me!
6 | What is your design process like?
Our design process can vary a bit from project to project, but usually we start with a meeting and check measure, then create a concept presentation showing overall ideas and floorplans. From there we continue to develop the design, using samples and 3D renders to communicate our ideas. When the design is approved, we put together a finishes schedule and drawings for site. Once the job is onsite we can help you and your builder with any questions or issues, and perform site inspections at the key stages to make sure it's all going to plan. Once it's done, we do a handover and have a photoshoot on site! If you're wanting to know more, we do have a blog post with more information about our design process that you can check our below:
6 | What is your favourite part of the design process?
My favourite part is the initial concept stage where we are coming up with ideas and playing around with layouts and designs. I also really love to create 3D models and renders. Not only do I love seeing our ideas come to life in 3D but I find the whole modeling process so much fun!
7 | What is your style?
My personal style is perfectly described by this quote by interior designer Trip Haenisch, "Less is more. Texture is essential, as well as scale." I love minimal interiors that are brought to life through texture - particularly natural textures like timbers, concrete, and stone. However, one of my favourite things about being a designer is having clients with different styles and needs. I love the challenge of creating homes that suit our clients perfectly, instead of always designing for one sort of style!
If you would like to discuss how we can work together on your new build or renovation project, get in touch with us below!
Have wonderful week!
Nina xx