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Conversations with the Inspiring Brandy Holden

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Holden.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Tucson, Arizona from Mobile, Alabama in 2002 to pursue getting a degree in Interior Design. I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Interior Design in 2004 from The Art Center Design College (now known as SUVA). I was hired as a design consultant in 2004 at California Closets and stayed with the company until 2013. In August of 2013, I hung up my hat with California Closets and decided it was time to spread my wings and fly. I joined my best friend and now business partner, Eva Murzaite, at Interiors In Design. Eva opened Interiors In Design in July 2009 and we are now approaching the 10-year anniversary. When Eva opened the company, it was a “one man band” as she worked out of her home wearing many hats: interior designer, draftsman, project manager, administration, basically doing anything it took to run the business. As the business began to flourish and growth was on the horizon, I was offered the position of joining Interiors In Design as a Design Associate. We took a leap of faith in 2014 and moved into our first office outside of our homes located in the heart of Downtown Tucson. We started hitting our stride and the word was getting around about the services we offer.

After two years in that location, we outgrew the space and moved a few blocks away to what is now our design studio. We now occupy a 1500 SF space and employ the most amazing team! Yes, a TEAM! We have two designers on staff and one administrative assistant. Eva and I are both Principal Designers, and I take on the role of Creative Director. Interiors In Design is a full-service Interior Design firm specializing in both commercial and residential projects. We offer services ranging from design, to procurement, to project management. I can honestly say we have hit our stride, business is fantastic, and we are ready for more!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to where we are today at Interiors In Design has been an adventurous one full of bumps, curves, twists, and turns but that is how we have learned. I say to everyone Interior Design school did not teach us how to run a business. Learning how to run a business has come from the “School of Hard Knocks”: our mentors lending advice, trying out various methods of establishing a system, and just rolling with the punches. And just as soon as you think you have it figured out, the next day in different. While it is important to implement a system, our growth has a lot to do with us going with the flow and letting our business evolve organically.

Everyone struggles along the way and I’m here to be honest and say, we continue to face trial’s 10 years into running the business. It’s a part of growth and expansion. We struggled with the decision to move from working out of our homes and into an office space. That came with a whole new set of responsibilities. And then came the decision on whether or not to hire an employee. But yet, we knew we could not keep going with just the two of us at the rate we were growing. And all of this was happening and continues to happen while both Eva and I have a household to run. We both have children, family, friends, and life outside of our business. But both of us would take on struggles to be able to have the freedom that comes with running your own business. Eva and I both know we will forever have each other’s back and at the end of the day, we will figure it out.

As far as giving advice to young women starting their journey, just keep swimming! You will rise and then you will fall. But when you fall, get back up, dust yourself off, and keep going. Take all the mistakes you make and learn from them. Be open to constructive criticism. Join various groups and connect with others in your field and in business. Find a mentor and a coach, someone you can look up to and ask any question and get back an honest answer. Be confident! Join a group such as Toastmasters to enhance your public speaking skills. Always tell the truth because it’s ok to admit when you do not have the answer. And to me, most importantly, be true to yourself and your values. Do not let anyone make you feel unimportant. There’s not one human on the face of this planet that should ever make another person feel insignificant.

What should we know about Interiors In Design? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Interiors In Design is a full-service interior design firm. We design both commercial and resident spaces, ranging from new construction to remodels. We have three segments of the business: design services, procurement, and project management.

The first area of design covers what is known as FF&E in our industry: finishes, furniture, and equipment. We set up an initial meeting with the client to cover what is the end goal of the project. We chat about likes, dislikes, how the space will be used, timelines, and budgets. We then take this information and compose a conceptual design through sketches, images, and materials. Once the concept is approved, we then implement the FF&E selections into Construction Documents and Specifications. Once complete, the CD’s and Specifications can be handed off to a General Contractor to bid the job.

The next phase of a project is procurement. We have accounts set up with vendors to purchase items at wholesale cost. The items range from but are not limited to furniture, accessories, lighting, tile, flooring, plumbing fixtures, window coverings, and cabinetry. Clients can choose whether to procure items on their own or use our service to help facilitate making sure all items are ordered correctly and that they ship out and arrive on time to the project.

Large scale procurement: as our business has grown and so have the size of jobs, we now have the ability to import certain products from overseas. We have a first-hand connection with European cabinetry and furniture factories and have started shipping containers of items into the USA.

Finally, we offer project management services. Once is job is into the construction phase, we can work hand in hand with the General Contractor and/or client to ensure the project runs smoothly and on time. We are available for site meetings, phone calls, emails, Facetime, and Go To Meetings. We can make a plan on paper but until the walls start going up or coming down, a majority of questions get answered in the field.

One industry that I say we specialize in is Student Housing. New high rises are popping up left and right and with that comes older complexes being remodeled. We started by designing an interior 6 years ago for an older property in Tucson. That particular owner has a portfolio of over 50 properties throughout the US and now 6 years later, our team has designed interior spaces for the Louisiana State University (LSU), Texas A & M, University of Arkansas and Colorado State University. With the knowledge we have gained from designing student housing, we have now rolled into Multi-Housing and Hotel Design. Other facilities that we are currently designing include medical offices, restaurants, and an assortment of commercial businesses.

We could not have a better team at Interiors In Design! What started out as a one-man show is now five people doing what we all love, Interior Design. Each person within our organization is truly a team player. Everyone is dedicated to the job and wants what is best for the client. Along with our employees  comes a brigade of the most fantastic vendors. Our vendors are part of our In Design Family. They look out for us, educate us, keep our library up to date, and take us on field trips to have hands-on learning about the latest and greatest in products. Vendors are the people that continue to teach us so that we stay on the top of our game. Education is empowerment and when we have the right knowledge and tools at your disposal, the possibilities are endless for a tremendous design.

I think in order to answer the question “what sets you apart from others” really has to be an education process for the general public. Interior Designers offer a service that goes beyond the title of “paint picker” or “pillow fluffer.” If you’re unsure of the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator, just ask. I’m confident enough to say that most if not all Interior Designers would be more than happy to educate you. For our firm, yes we provide the basics of interior design: finish and furniture selections, all the way through construction documentation and specifications. But what I know is that we go beyond just handing off the design and completing our contract. We offer a service of educating the client about the products that were selected. We walk them through every step of the construction process so they know what to expect. We help devise a plan so that the client’s home or business is usable during construction. We are there on site the day of the furniture delivery to ensure everything on the order arrived and that it’s placed in the proper location. We all have been on installs where we are installing art, putting together lamps, ironing the curtains, breaking down boxes… the list could go on forever. Basically, we are a “hands on” firm that will go above the beyond the call of duty.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I follow many other interior designers and vendors on Instagram. It’s instant gratification to see what the design community is up to and a way to gather inspiration for our own jobs. Plus, we can always click on links and read more if needed.

The other approach I take to getting current information or to be inspired is by taking Continuing Education Units. I’m a member of ASID, American Society of Interior Designers and by being a member, I am required to take 10 CEU’s every 2 years. The CEU’s are always up to date and full of valuable information.

When I do catch a moment to read, I prefer reading books such as You are a Badass, Dare to Lead, Scale or Fail, and In the Company of Women.

Contact Info:

    Image Credit:
Jeff Volker, James Holden

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