September 18, 2019

Meet Shellie Rudow

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shellie Rudow.

Shellie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am lucky in that I always knew what I wanted to do with my life. I have been interested in the art of putting a house together since I was very young when my parents decided to have a new home built. I watched them spend hours selecting finishes and making changes to the floorplan, and I was there when the paint went up on the walls and the carpeting went in. It was thrilling to see the work in progress and fascinating to see the bare bones house transform into a wonderful place to live. I loved it and spent the rest of my young life unofficially studying interiors by visiting model homes and reading every shelter magazine I could get my hands on!

After college, I landed a position with a large design firm where my education continued and I learned how the design industry works hand in hand with architects, contractors and a trove of other tradesmen. I collaborated with other designers on various projects and was part of a team that was instrumental in securing a design award for an upscale development in the East Valley. The office was always a whirlwind of activity and a great place to gain experience. After they announced they would be moving an hour away, I decided to go out on my own.

My work as an Independent Interior Designer started quietly in 1998 with one client and has continued uninterrupted by word of mouth ever since. I am now the one making selections and discovering how people use their homes. I spend a lot of time drawing floorplans, tile layouts, and pulling together materials that work well for my clients. I have also designed custom pieces of furniture all along the way. I am passionate about all of it because, in the end, I know that those decisions will make a difference in someone’s life. I enjoy getting to know the people I work for and seeing their happy faces when the project is finished.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think in any profession there are things you learn along the way that weren’t taught in the classroom. My profession is no exception, and it is common to have a challenge or hiccup here and there, such as a delay in receiving tile from out of the country, dye-lot changes in fabric and carpet, people getting sick and not showing up, and the list goes on. When those things happen, I work hard to minimize the ripple effect and try to get back on track as soon as possible. It makes a difference when clients know you are working a problem and have their best interest at heart.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
My work as a residential designer in a growing city like Phoenix has given me the opportunity to work with an array of clients, from all parts of the country, all bringing their own thoughts to the table as to what is important to them and how they want their homes to feel.

Whether its a whole house or a singular space, my job is to listen to and understand my clients needs and then come up with a smart, functioning and good looking interior that will suit them perfectly. This approach has worked well and has always provided for a more connected, interesting and beautiful outcome. No two homes are ever the same and I am proud of that. It has always been my belief that your home should be a personal place of refuge, a place to keep to yourself or happily share with friends.

It is really gratifying when a client confides in me that they are so happy with their home that they don’t want to leave. That is the biggest compliment I could ask for.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My success is not something I completely whipped up on my own, but has been built and aided by many people along the way.

My family encouraged me to move forward with my dream and dear friends have supported me through many referrals and commissions of their own. I confer with other creative people about the business of design through monthly meetings and rely on an army of vendors for their expertise in executing designs and their reliable quality products.

There are so many people who I have worked with over the years that have offered words of wisdom that I have never forgotten. I am very grateful for all of it – very grateful.

Contact Info:

Website: www.shellierudowinteriors.com
Phone: 602.206.0112
Email: shellie@shellierudowinteriors.com
Instagram: shellierudow
Facebook: Shellie Rudow

Image Credit:
Mark Boisclair Photography, Luis Alvarenga Photography

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