{ Designer In The Spotlight: Jennifer Dumoulin }

Jennifer Dumoulin's design philosophy has evolved over her 17 years in the industry. She was kind enough to sit down with us and share her views on current and future changes in the interior design industry and key ingredients to a designer's success.

Dabbieri: Where do most of your clients come from?
JD: Most of my new work comes from referrals from existing clients. My future focus will be on promoting myself through targeted media relations activities. Ninety percent of my work is residential and the other ten percent is commercial.

Dabbieri: How would you describe your design philosophy?
JD: I would have to say that design is a look, it’s a feel, it’s creating a real living, breathing
environment that engages all of the senses, and the only way I can design is to listen closely to my clients.

Dabbieri: How do you approach an initial design meeting with your client?
JD: I look at the dynamic of the client and what the function of the space or spaces will be. Listening to the client is key as I try to draw out what the client’s “mojo” is – what is their style, what are their preferences, what key pieces are important to them in the home. I’ve learned it’s so critical to be sensitive to favored objects in the home.

Dabbieri: What’s the biggest change you see in the design industry and in the home?
JD: The Internet has definitely changed the design industry with clients able to quickly access items from all around the world. The room that has changed the most in my opinion (and that I’m most excited about) is the expansion of the kitchen. It’s the gathering place in the home and it truly is the hub. I’ve noticed the increasing openness of space and the tearing down of the walls to incorporate a smoother flow from each room with the kitchen.

Dabbieri: What’s the one thing you’d like to do differently for 2007?
JD: As a designer, I often underestimate my worth and value, as I’ve heard many other designers say as well, and if I could improve on one thing I would bill out my time more accurately to the client so that I’m truly paid for the work that I do.

Dabbieri: What is the key ingredient to your success?
JD: Working well with people you know and trust, and showrooms that deliver exceptional products and
the highest level of service. It simply makes business much easier – and allows me to deliver the best to my clients.

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Jennifer Dumoulin is a 17-year design industry veteran and won first runner-up in International Design Guild's 2006 Designer Showcase Awards. Materials used in Jennifer’s award winning entry are from The Rug Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jennifer also served as guest speaker at the recent Premier Professional Program "Emerging Design Trends" webinar.

Are you a fabulous designer? If you'd like to be featured as a Designer In The Spotlight, please email us your contact information along with 400 words or less on your own interior design philosophy. Please don't forget to include image(s) of your most creative interior designs with a list of floor covering products used.

Comments

[Sonciary Honnoll (Dabbieri Blog)]

Angel, I'm so glad!

[Angel]

Thanks for this nice interview. I really liked it.