The fireplace serves as a stunning focal point for this living room, adding visual interest and a sense of coziness even during the summer days when it’s not in use.
Andrew Joseph: How do you approach a new design project?
Emily Ruff: We start a new project by sending clients a detailed questionnaire and asking them to gather 10-15 inspiration images for each space that we are working on. From there, we have an in-person kickoff meeting to review their questionnaire and inspiration images, take detailed measurements when needed and then focus on documenting their detailed wish list for each space. Functionality and how they want the spaces to feel are the top priorities when we are starting off; We focus more on the detailed aesthetics once we have those two pieces nailed down. During the first design phase, we put together a small number of inspiration images, moodboards, floor plans, elevations and black and white renderings of each space. This helps to communicate our vision while also showing the client how we have accounted for everything on their wish list.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
ER: My favorite aspect of my job is the stage in the design process when clients get to see cabinetry and finishes start to go in. There is always this element of surprise and excitement that everything works so well functionally and aesthetically once they are able to see my vision for them come to life. It is so rewarding and I don’t think that part of the design process will ever get old!
This bathroom exudes luxury with marble finishes and brass fixtures, making for a serene and functional retreat.
AJ: How do you incorporate client feedback into your designs?
ER: We incorporate client feedback early and often. We request revisions for all spaces at one time during conceptual design and detailed design. We incorporate client feedback as much as possible, but we also are not afraid to tell a client if we think that implementing a piece of their feedback would be a mistake. Ultimately they hired us for our expertise and sometimes it takes some additional explaining on our part to help them understand why something won’t work well in the end.
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple projects?
ER: We have less than 20 projects for the first time in 2 years and we have a very small firm so organization is crucial. We use Dubsado to manage our project load in terms of status and we also house all of our contracts, invoices and project details there. We use Monday.com for in-house task management, Google Sheets for materials schedules and Canva for design presentations. It is important to have cloud-based programs that we can collaborate on easily and access at any time. We have a Dropbox folder for each client with all the pertinent documentation so anyone can access the latest details easily. We also version everything and never delete previous versions so we have historical documentation.
The cozy banquette seating creates a charming nook in this kitchen, making it an inviting spot for morning coffee or casual meals. The combination of natural light and warm wood tones adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
AJ: What is your favorite type of space to design?
ER: My favorite space to design is definitely kitchens. It is always the most important space in a project to the client and everyone has such a unique ideal kitchen. There are definitely elements we’ve repeated across multiple projects, but after designing close to 50 kitchens, I can’t say the must-haves that a client has communicated to us has ever been the same. I love the process of figuring out how to make everything fit and create the ideal layout for the client and how they plan to use the space.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
ER: Right now I am really craving a client who is looking for something out of the box and unique with lots of bold pattern, color and statement stone. I love the challenge of mixing wallpaper, different colors, uniquely patterned pillows and patterns on furniture or window treatments. Most clients are so afraid of committing to color and pattern and think that they will tire of it in a few years. The truth is, if you love something now, you will still love it 5 years from now.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.