Fall 2009

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Fall 2009
Successful Partnership
ON THE COVER:
Cover Design by:
Carter Averbeck,
Trompe Decorative Finishes,
Industry Partner of ASID
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
President-elect’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP
Meaningful Collaborations to Solve Creative Challenges . . . . . 8
All Together Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Showcase Home Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
What in the World Wide Web are you talking about? . . . . . . . 13
Kitchen & Bath Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Working with Subcontractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CHAPTER NEWS
Teamwork Experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Awards & Accolades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reporting Your CEU Compliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Is Green Your Team Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ASID Office
Tabitha Czeck, chapter adminstrator
275 Market St., Suite 160
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612-339-6003 • FAX 612-339-8691
[email protected]
www.asidmn.org
People’s Choice Awards - 2009 ASID Showcase Home. . . . . . 19
Awards Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Problem Solving 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Welcome Chapter Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Shell Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Interior Designer Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ASID Minnesota Board 2008-2009
PRESIDENT
Jackie Millea, ASID, Associate AIA
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Catherine Harrington, ASID, CID
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Brant McManigle, Industry Partner
Representative for Filament Lighting
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Linda Engler, ASID
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Krista Schwartz, Allied Member ASID
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
TO THE BOARD
Cindy Lehner-Smith,
Student Member ASID
OUR ADVERTISERS
Art Resources Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Aubry Angelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
Lisa La Nasa, ASID
Casa Verde. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
AT-LARGE DIRECTOR
Mary Fobes, ASID, CID, IIDA
Francis King, Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DESIGN DIRECTIONS CONTRIBUTORS:
Angela Parker, Allied Member ASID, Chair
Charlene Ackley, Allied Member ASID
Bonnie Birnbaum, ASID, CID
Colleen Slack, Allied Member ASID
Carter Averbeck, Trompe Decorative Finishes, Industry Partner of ASID
Stephany Eaton, Painted Ambiance, LLC, Industry Partner of ASID
Emily Little, Allied Member ASID
Design Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Kate-Lo Tile & Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Kazempour Oriental Rugs, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Odegard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Rubble Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SPS Company, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Collection on 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Weskuske . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Zachary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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President’s Message
NOTEWORTHY
SCRIBBLINGS FROM
THE PRESIDENT
Greetings Members,
Teamwork is the theme for this issue. I usually pride myself on being an effective team player, however, at this time I think the Design Directions
committee would disagree. This letter is written with multiple emails asking very politely for me to help them meet their deadlines. Not only did
I fail to comply, but I am certain that I have caused a great deal of anxiety for them. For that, I apologize and vow to do better in the future.
Throughout the ASID organization, we rely on teamwork to accomplish our goals. We have amazing members who bring all types of skills to make
each of our ambitious endeavors reality. Teams are made up of leaders, followers, detail, and big idea people. It does take all types of people and
skills to make effective teams, and at ASID, we can put your unique talents to use. We have many teams that could use your skills, and please, let
our office administrator (Tabitha) know if you are interested in participating in one of the committees.
One skill that I believe is the number one requirement for effective teamwork is communication. A leader must be effective at outlining the issues
at hand, delegating the workload to the team to take advantage of the collective skills, and be willing to listen to new and fresh ideas. The team
members who take on the tasks need to be in communication when a task hits a road block or has been completed. Every team has someone who
is good at documenting the progress of the work being done.
As we move into fall as our busiest time of the year, we will be changing the membership of the ASID board, some committees will add new members to their rosters, and we have three major events – the Kitchen and Bath Spectacular, the Sample Sale, and the Awards judging and celebration.
Each of these teams has been busy utilizing each member’s talents to benefit all of us with very little, if any, expectation of individual reward. That
is true teamwork and I, as an ASID member, am truly grateful for their work and talents.
Jacalyn, “Jackie” Millea, ASID, A-AIA
President
ASID Minnesota Chapter
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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President-elect’s Message
WORDS FROM THE
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Dear ASID Members,
Why include an interior designer on your team for your remodeling project?
The simple answer to that question is primarily that interior designers make it their
priority to focus on the finished spaces in the home and how the family members
will use the space and how they will move through it.
Any construction project needs to have a team of professionals overseeing the different aspects of the job and how these aspects interrelate and coordinate.
The architectural designer will know and work with the structure. Some of these
decisions include; bearing walls and trusses, the layout of the new space in conjunction with the existing space. Also, roof lines, orientation of the windows for natural
lighting, and architectural details to insure that the style and aesthetic of the new addition is in keeping with the existing architecture of the home.
The contractor will price the project including the labor, materials, subcontractors, and determine allowances for yet to be selected finishes and fixtures. He develops the contract, and manages the project to insure that it is completed on time and within budget. He is responsible for any permits, code compliance, and safety issues, and is generally in charge of overseeing all of the elements
and their coordination. He hires the lead carpenter, and the construction crew, selects the subcontractors, and leads the team. The
contractor brings the designs to life by building the new spaces. Ultimately, the buck stops here.
The interior designer will study the new proposed spaces for furniture layout, and spatial relationships insuring the appropriate sizes
and arrangements for the function of each room. Interior designers are educated in the way we live in the built environment. This
includes details such as the size of dining table necessary to seat the required number of diners to the correct lighting for the task
at hand. This names only a couple of the myriad of important considerations in the new spaces to make them function for the
client. Of course, the interior designer is also involved in the many, many selections that must be made in any project. Tile,
countertops, flooring, paint colors, hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, etc. These selections must be appropriate for the
individual project to ensure correct materials, coordination of colors, style in keeping with the architecture and age of the home,
staying within the budget and allowance amounts.
The overall color scheme and coordination of all of the selected elements unifies style and aesthetic to provide the ultimate spaces
for the homeowners and their lifestyle. The interior designer will have a whole network of sources to draw from to find the best
products, showrooms and experts required for each project.
Always keeping in mind the concerns of the structural integrity, code compliance, and safety issues, the interior designer will have
knowledge in all areas of the project for a successful result. In short, function, safety and beauty must be integrated for the optimal
outcome.
These simplified descriptions of the professionals necessary for a successful project explains why having each of them involved and
working together will result in a project that is the best it can be. The time and energy saved in making appropriate decisions correctly the first time will be beneficial, and a savings in money and time in the long run.
Sincerely,
Catherine Harrington, ASID, CID
President-Elect
ASID Minnesota Chapter
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
6
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Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
7
Focus Articles
Meaningful Collaborations
to Solve
Creative Challenges
by Stephany Eaton, Painted Ambiance, LLC,
Industry Partner of ASID
Master bedroom, 2008 Showcase Home Designed by Bonnie
Birnbaum, ASID and Kimberly Herrick, ASID. The ceilings artisan
finish was created by Painted Ambianace, LLC, Industry Partner of ASID
“If you want a golden rule that will fit
everything, this is it:
Have nothing in your houses that you do not
know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
– Wiliam Morris
Karen Melvin, Photographer
In custom design, every situation is a little different and
just as everyone is a unique individual, so too is each creative opportunity and its solution. Working with a decorative artisan can help support interior designers to achieve
their goal and distinct vision. It is the difference between
buying something off-the-rack and having something tailor made. One might get the false impression that this
would be the more costly route to take. In truth, crafting
a solution can be more about being smart, using what is
already available and finding that inspired answer that can
take the project to the next level. Depending on the
needs, an artisan finish can be created to give the look of
more expensive options like marble, wood or high-end
fabric and wallpaper.
as a simple “golf mural” for that odd space left in a home
theater when the screen is retracted. While collaborating
with the interior designer and the home owner, it was
determined that rather than just some simple golf scene,
it would be nice to make the location a bit more meaningful. As a result, the client now owns something which
reflects her “ideals” on location, and the season and the
time of day.
Art That Speaks to You
– Robert Southey
There are times when the creation of a custom art piece is
the best solution for a project. It can be called for in situations where something very personal is preferred, a particular color palette is desired or just simply, a piece that
cannot be found otherwise. With a teamwork mindset, an
interior designer can work in tandem with a decorative
artisan in a creative brainstorm which can result in just that
perfect piece. Although not an antique, this piece could
evoke an aged feel it is meant to portray. Every now and
then the perfect piece is something that is derived upon
after some consideration. By example, one project began
The idea of incorporating a feeling or a message in any
art form is the key to its full potential in existence. Leo
Tolstoy identified art as a use of indirect means to communicate from one person to another. And what is taken
in visually can profoundly affect how someone feels. A
jarring example of this might be the way one feels when
watching images of war and conflict in contrast to those
of a view overlooking a calm marshland on a sunny day.
This underscores the importance and significance of
selecting the right art piece for the location in which it
will reside.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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Art and What it can Express
“There is a magic in that little world, home;
it is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts
and virtues never known beyond its hallowed limits.”
Focus Articles
Backsplash created for the Pink
Ribbon Project Home designed
in collaborative efforts between
Maureen Haggerty, Allied Member
ASID, Kimberly Kangas, Allied
Member ASID and Stephany Eaton
Painted Ambiance, LLC, Industry
Partner of ASID.
Mark Ehlen, Photographer, Ehlen
Creative Communications, Industry
Partner of ASID
To design and create a backsplash for the Pink Ribbon –
Breast Cancer Awareness House, the visual message had
to be carefully considered. Not only did it need to encourage the healing process, but it also needed to translate
into a good accompaniment to the family as they moved
forward in their journey beyond the cancer.
Collaborative conversations with the interior designers
involved in the project and interweaving the overall
desired feel of the piece with the home’s architecture
allowed for a final artistic vision to be solidified. Through
research, the idea of incorporating the concept of the
Mandala, a circular form of art very connected to and representing the idea of wholeness and healing became a
visual metaphor for the entire project.
The Meaningful Solution
Collaborating to find solutions for creative challenges is
what a decorative artisan does. Times are undoubtedly
different from what they once were, but along with any
difficulty or change can also come an opportunity or silver
lining. People are more thoughtful of what they do with
their time and their financial resources. The idea of simplifying and making things more meaningful is a growing
positive response to the collectively modified lifestyle. It
is, after all, the little things in life that bring the most joy.
Free your mind and be open in the design process and
imagine an “out of the box” solution. What is it that
would really suit the client and would demonstrate the
interior designer’s individual design style and character? If
it can be imagined, it can be created.
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Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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Focus Articles
by Eric W. Flom,
INTERSOURCE, Inc., Industry Partner of ASID
All together now” is not just a catchy chorus from a classic
Beatles tune. It exemplifies the very essence of what the industry strives to achieve on a daily basis. A successful interior design
project is the sum of its many parts and players. Parts consist of
concept, design, application, color, texture, and form. Others
include function, aesthetics, budget, schedule, and not to forget
furnishings, accessories, lighting, equipment, finishes, and execution. The players include the client, interior designer, architect, contractor, sub-contractors, and vendors. There is a multitude of interdependent details that affect the outcome of any
given project. The common bond that brings and holds together all of these various aspects of a project are the human factor.
Design is of and about human experience and human interaction
with the environment. Teamwork, partnership and relationship
are vital to realizing the vision of the interior designer.
Let’s break this down from the perspective of the vendor of a
floor covering dealer/contractor. The floor covering component
of a project typically begins in the design development phase
where material type, application, texture, color, style and budget are researched to achieve the vision of the designer. Options
are reviewed, performance is considered, samples are ordered,
and the budget is developed.
When one pauses to consider the layers of human touch that are
essential to each type of floor covering (or any other material or
item), it is amazing. There is a supply chain fraught with opportunity for misstep or failure. Thankfully, the end result is typically successful! Vendor upon vendor, mill worker upon mill worker
have a hand in producing a material sample. Each needs to be a
conscientious expert of their craft or task, and this is only about
samples. A custom order is a totally different story. The human
factor is multiplied many times more with a custom order.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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Once the material sample is properly ordered by the showroom
expert, an interior designer relies on timely delivery to present
the option to the client. Everyone relies on the FedEx, USPS, or
UPS drivers who know where to safely leave the packages so
that they are received in one piece and dry. Also, do not forget
all of the hands-on folks in various warehouses and freight terminals around the country, or the world, who package the sample,
label it with the correct delivery address, and ensure that it is
loaded on the appropriate delivery truck.
Moving ahead, the interior designer and client agree on material selections. There are usually many selections. Rarely does a
project require only one type of floor covering. Estimates and
proposals are developed, reviewed, and accepted. Signatures
are made on the dotted lines, deposits are secured, dyelot cuttings are delivered when appropriate, and orders are placed.
The process now becomes localized. The floor covering dealer
of choice will match the specified material with the appropriately skilled installer. The material arrives at a local freight terminal
or distributor and is readied for local delivery to an installer’s
warehouse to be verified. Specifications are matched, the material is inspected, stored and ultimately readied and staged for
installation. The day of installation, the material is loaded onto a
delivery van with installers ready to execute per the seaming diagram and detailed work order developed by the floor covering
vendor to achieve the overall design vision. Tackstrip, adhesive,
seam sealers, underlayment, and floor preparation material are
also loaded. There are many types of carpet tackstrip designed
for different material types, constructions, and applications, and
these can be of varying quality. Improper tackstrip selection may
cause installation failure. There are also a multitude of tools
designed to perform the varying tasks associated with installing
Focus Articles
any given floor covering. Knives, shears, seaming irons, power
stretchers, trowels of varying tooth size, hammers for different
purposes, scrapers, staplers, scivers, nailers, kickers, trimmers,
and stair tools are just a few of the items needed. The human
factor plays a major role in the selection of sundries and tools
to achieve a successful installation. Hand skills, experience,
creativity, problem-solving ability and attitude are also key
components.
The purpose of laying bare the various steps in the floor covering selection, specification, installation process, and its potential
pitfalls is because teamwork is extremely important. This process
is common to all components of an interior design project. The
human factor has been mentioned time and again. The interior
designer relies upon the systematic approach of the vendors
steeped in knowledge, good judgment, experience and expertise to achieve the ultimate goals. A design element is only as
good as the sum of the human touch that went into producing,
delivering and implementing it into the design concept.
Communication, teamwork, partnership and developing longterm relationships with vendors that can be trusted to deliver
will make all the difference in achieving the vision of the interior
designer and the success of the project. Vendors are here to
address the minutiae, to track the details, and the many unseen
touches. Ultimately, the human factor reigns supreme.
Teamwork, partnership and relationship are key components to
the interior designer’s success.
Teamwork
Experiences
Tabitha Czeck, Association Administrator for ASID
Minnesota Chapter, graduated from the University of
Minnesota Duluth with two degrees; a Bachelor of
Applied Art in Secondary Education, Social Studies
Teaching, and a Bachelor of Art degree in History. Her
best team experience has been with her husband of 10
years. She believes team work, whether involving a
spouse, friend, or colleague, requires constant clear
communication.
Each
team
must
find
the
best
communication style for their setting and composition of
personalities. Tabitha believes the secret weapon in
successful communication is listening. She lives in St. Paul
with her husband, two cats and over 500 cookbooks.
911 West 50th Street | Minneapolis, MN 55419 | 612.353.4401 | casaverdedesign.com
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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Focus Articles
Exceptional Teamwork
by Bonnie Birnbaum, ASID, CID
Quote from an anonymous designer-“Designers don’t do team!”
There is a measure of truth in this statement as many interior
designers while having a collaborative relationship with their
clients work very independently. Wikipedia defines teamwork as
a joint action by two or more people or a group, in which each
person contributes with different skills. Team members are looking for a “value fit” with their team. Team members must have a
feeling of interdependence and ownership. A group consists of
any number of people who interact with one another and think
of themselves as a group. A team is a group whose members
influence one another to accomplish a common goal.
• The Law of Significance: One is too small a number to achieve
greatness.
• The Law of the Big Picture: The goal is more important than
the role.
• The Law of the Niche: All players have a place where they add
the most value.
• The Law of the Great Challenge: As the challenge escalates,
the need for teamwork escalates.
• The Law of the Chain: The strength of the team is impacted by
its weakest link.
Not all groups in organizations are teams, but all teams are
groups. The difference between a team and a group is that a
team is interdependent for overall performance. A group qualifies as a team only if its members focus on helping one another
to accomplish organizational objectives. Be a team player. The
most valuable single factor that contributes towards high levels
of excellence and quality in a team stems from an individual
team member's ability to work with others (i.e. his or her level of
cooperation and communication). These "social intelligence"
skills include the ability to persuade, to negotiate, to compromise and to make others feel important.
The Minnesota chapter of ASID does a showcase house project
every year and this requires the participants to work with a large
group of people, many of whom they may not know. The success
of the project depends on the ability of the participants to willingly work together toward a common goal. The showcase
home is unique in that there is always a homeowner, who
becomes the collective client. There are many challenges in this
project and everyone needs to be a team player.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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• Challenge 1 - Find a home and homeowner whose home is
in a good location and is willing to renovate the home to
the level that ASID demands, understanding that they
will have to live elsewhere while the renovation is
completed and then the home opened to approximately
10,000 people for one month. The homeowner pays for
this renovation.
• Challenge 2 - Assign the spaces to the interior designers
while trying to be fair. Several years ago the board decided
that participation in the showcase house should be considered a reward for participating in chapter work. Therefore,
an interior designer receives “points” for working on committees and the board. Those with the highest points get to
choose the space in which they are interested. At the same
time, there is also an effort to get as many interior designers involved as possible and to mentor “newer designers”.
Usually there are one or two spaces that are the most popular which means once they are assigned, other interior
designers must choose another space. Being a team player
is essential right from the “get go” and those who are willing to consider other spaces and are willing to team with
other interior designers are the ones who get to participate.
• Challenge 3 – Keeping everyone on the same page. Since
this project includes a homeowner who is paying for the
renovation, they get to decide how they want their home to
look. The architects, the construction company, and the
interior designers need to buy into the “shared value”
aspect of the projects goals. It is the role of the steering
committee to persuade the team members that the goal of
a cohesive home is more important than an individual’s
need to express themselves. Most interior designers can
work within the constraints that this endeavor puts on their
work.
When the public views the end product, the ASID Showcase
Home, it is always amazing that such a large group of 30+
designers can work as a team and produce a cohesive whole.
It does prove however, there is power in numbers and working
together can create a home that exceeds the public’s
expectations.
Focus Articles
What in the World Wide Web are you talking about?
Partnering with the internet to market business.
As intriguing and entertaining as social networking sites may be,
it is important to always consider the business image and think
about having both a business presence and a personal presence
rather than mingling them together. Social networking sites such
as Facebook & MySpace allow users to find people with common interests, keep in touch with friends and share photos,
emails & videos. Even though there are privacy settings, it is
important to be mindful of what is posted and what other people are permitted to post on the site. ASID President Jackie
Millea’s firm Shelter Architecture & Interior Design is present on
Facebook to promote events, share publicity, and other news
that fans of their work may enjoy in a professional and fun way.
by Emily Little, Allied Member ASID
The world has been brought to the public’s fingertips by the
internet and now is the time to figure out what to do with it.
With so many options and so little time, it is important to look at
what is going to serve a business best. After interviewing fellow
ASID members, visiting members’ web pages, and searching
networking sites, here is a summary of what type of internet
presence the local chapter members are most using. Websites
are viewed as the most popular, essential and obvious form of
internet marketing.
Websites can be a client’s first interaction with an interior
designer’s business and can offer foreshadowing of what is
ahead should they decide to make a hiring decision. Think about
the type of information a prospective client is likely to be seeking. What services are provided? How can they reach the interior designer and what type of projects are in the portfolio?
Flashing animations, movement, and sounds can be distracting,
but can also be done tastefully. Lola Watson’s website plays
audio that is thoughtful and consistent with her gallery images
and tone of the site. Let the website be an extension and reflection of the work you do.
If you don’t have, want, or need a website, ask yourself if it is
possible for someone to find your contact information through
an internet search. One of Barbara Haften’s clients found her by
searching “interior designers” plus their home’s zip code.
Google yourself and see what your clients are finding out about
you.
LinkedIn is also a popular fit among ASID members because it is
a website designed and intended for business networking. The
home page is reminiscent of a resume allowing others to see
work history, portfolios, links to websites and any other details
to be shared. It has been especially interesting in this turbulent
economy because it sends updates when contacts have
switched firms or started new businesses. This makes it easier
than ever to keep track of people. Allied Member Carla Bast
recently announced her new website and business venture on
LinkedIn and there are many other ASID members regularly
posting and connecting in this way.
When it comes to time, blogs and the aforementioned social
networking sites can absorb a lot of it. Blank stares were a common response when ASID members were asked about
Twittering. It can best be described as micro-blogging, but following is Twitter’s official explanation. “Twitter is a service for
friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one
simple question: What are you doing?” For example, if taken literally, an entry right now would say, “reading the ASID Design
Directions”. Considering a more promotional business
approach, the entry might make posts promoting a current project, a website launch, or an event that people can attend. While
blogs can be enormous postings entries of information, Twitter
limits the length of entries to 140 characters to keep it quick and
easy for all the people who are updating from their cell phones.
We would love to hear more about how other ASID members
are using technology. If you have a story or experience to share,
please email [email protected]. We’re especially interested in your stories regarding ASID’s online community
Connex. Try it out and let us know what you think.
www.asidconnex.org.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
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Focus Articles
by Shirley Bolduc, ASID
This is the fifth year of the Kitchen and Bath Tour, and the committee is thrilled to announce that baths have been added to the
tour. It is exciting to expand the tour and know it will keep it
fresh and fun! Some homes will feature both rooms; some will
focus on the kitchen or bath only.
The tour takes place the weekend of the 10th and 11th of
October. It is a time to look forward to large crowds as the
weather will be some of the best in Minnesota! It is an exciting
and relevant event because most people purchasing tickets and
attending are planning to remodel their own kitchens or baths.
They are serious about finding interior designers and products
for their homes. What works so beautifully is that as these
potential clients come to the interior designers at each home,
the interior designer is present to walk and talk them through
the specifics of their design. Most homes have 70 to 150 people
a day and they truly exemplify a viable market to tap into for
future projects. Each project will also be featured in the home
section of the Mpls St Paul Magazine, and that is great visibility
for all involved.
Applications from interior designers were submitted in April,
and they included snap shots and a completed form that was
provided by the ASID office. If selected for the tour, the interior designer's clients are asked to open their homes to the public for 6-7 hours each of the two days.
kitchens/baths will be on the tour will be made shortly thereafter. There is room for only 16 homes on this tour. It is the goal
of the committee to select the most innovative and unique
rooms to be featured on the tour, while offering the consumer
a variety of styles, sizes and budgets.
The committee will be visiting every home that entered the
competition in June and the decision about which
A visiting chef will be incorporated at the kitchens. They will be
there for an hour each day offering finger foods of their
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
14
Focus Articles
choice/specialty. The chefs are either representing a restaurant or catering firm. This element of the tour is extremely popular with the many
people touring as they love a treat and it fits the focus of kitchens.
Anyone interested in being on the committee next year is welcome to
contact the committee chairs now. Volunteer help will be needed this
October, and it would be a great way to get involved with the committee.
The current committee is comprised of representatives from ASID, Mpls.
St. Paul Magazine, and the industry partners, Roth Distributing
Company and Ferguson.
Please contact Shirley or Rita if you would like to help with this exciting
tour. Consider entering your kitchen and bath projects next year!
Co-chairs:
Shirley Bolduc, ASID, [email protected]
Rita Larson, Allied Member ASID, [email protected]
Committee members:
Natasha Freimark, Industry Partner Representative of Mpls. St. Paul
Magazine
Kirsten Johnson, Mpls.St. Paul Magazine
Elaine Mahin, Industry Partner Representative of Roth Distributing
Company
Alison Hirtz, Ferguson
Krysta Gibbons, Allied Member ASID, Engler Skogmo Interior Design
Barbara Hafften, Allied Member ASID, Barbara Haffton Interior Design
Christine Frisk, ASID, Inunison Design
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
15
Focus Articles
“That’s
NOT what I expected!”
How to work well with subcontractors
by Carter Averbeck, Trompe Decorative Finishes, Industry Partner
of ASID
Have you ever uttered the phrase written above while working
on by
a project
that you are designing?
Carter Averbeck
ASID Industry Partner
How
effectively
an interior
designer communicates with a subTrompe
Decorative
Finishes
contractor speaks volumes to their clients. Clear communication
between interior designers and their subcontractors is the key to
a long
lasting
rewarding
relationship.
A potential
clientabove
will
Have
youandever
uttered
the phrase
written
hire an interior designer on a set of criteria: expertise, skill level,
while working on a project that you are designing?
design style, personality and communication abilities. Interior
designers can use the same approach to hiring those who will
work in tandem with them on their projects. They are better
How effectively an interior designer communicates
known as subcontractors.
with a subcontractor speaks volumes to their clients.
Subcontractors require a different approach to communication
Clear communication between interior designers and
than the clients. Instead of just relaying ideas to them, an interior their
designer
has to relay how
willabe
manifested.
subcontractors
is the
the ideas
key to
long
lasting By
and
developing listening skills as well as the ability to transmit clear
rewarding
relationship.
A
potential
client
will
hire
information to subcontractors, interior designers can achieve a
smoother
outcome
with lesson
frustration
could potentially
an interior
designer
a set ofthatcriteria:
expertise,
break down a good relationship.
s
The Sub Shop
What is a subcontractor?
A subcontractor is an independent entity hired specifically for a
project requiring their services. This can be everything from a
remodeling contractor, drapery room, electrician, decorative
painter and the list goes on. A subcontractor is hired for the
same reasons a potential client hires an interior designer. It is for
their knowledge and expertise within their chosen profession.
While an interior designer may be the deciding factor of who will
work on any given project, the subcontractor is still considered
a separate entity. They will be working for the client, but representing the interior designer’s business as part of a team
approach. What a subcontractor is not, is someone who works
for interior designers exclusively on their payroll similar to an
employee. The state of Minnesota has adopted new laws for
interior designers to clear up the difference between employees
and subcontractors. The MN chapter of ASID is a good place to
contact regarding information on the new laws.
T
What’s Your Style?
Personality Traits
An interior designer’s leadership style is very important for a
project to be successful. Everyone has different personalities,
and different approaches to taking the lead on a project. When
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
16
interior designers know their strengths and weaknesses as a
leader, it helps to guide them to finding the right type of subcontractor who will be the right fit. Below are a few examples of
leadership styles with both the positives and negatives associated with each type:
The Overlord: This type of leader has a strong sense of self and
what they want. Nothing is left to chance without their approval.
If someone is an overlord type, they will do best with subcontractors who take direction without offering suggestions.
The Director: This type of leader works best in a setting where
they can rely on the aptitude of subcontractors to guide them
towards the final outcome. Subcontractors who show teamwork
skills and are free to offer their opinions and expertise when
needed are best suited for a director.
The Ghost Designer: This is the wild card personality trait. Ghost
designers hire subcontractors sometimes without meeting them.
The project at hand may or may not go well. If an interior
designer is not able to visit the project often, then having a long
term relationship with the subcontractor or developing extremely good communication skills will lead to a successful outcome.
Myth-Busters
You’re right brained,...your subcontractor is?
There are some common myths that are best dispelled if an interior designer is going to have a long working relationship with a
Focus Articles
KAZEMPOUR
subcontractor. These myths unfortunately exist, but when
informed, they can be put to rest by making better choices on
how to communicate with others.
Myth #1: Venus vs. Mars: An interior designer may be the creative one, but most likely the subcontractor is the practical one
who is taking the abstract concepts and analyzing them into real
time production abilities. Assuming that the contractor has the
same visionary skills as an interior designer can be dangerous.
They work by a different set of principles. Communication on
their level is a key component in a project.
ORIENTAL RUGS
P
PICK U ERY
LIV
E
D
D
AN
BLE
AVAILA
Myth #2: Osmosis-tosis: Thinking that a subcontractor is a mind
reader. Odds are they cannot do it 100% of the time. Making
sure to communicate every aspect of the conceptual ideas to a
subcontractor will provide assurance of getting exactly what is
wanted in the end.
Myth #3: The One & Only: Thinking that the subcontractor
needs to be pleasing to the interior designer instead of the
client. Teamwork is the name of the game and the client is the
receiver of the final outcome.
FEATURING
CLEANING & RESTORATION
SOAK TANK FOR PET ODOR REMOVAL
LARGE SELECTION OF TRIBAL AND PERSIAN GABBEH ORIENTAL RUGS
The Perfect Match
Tricks to finding good Subs
There are a few tricks to finding a good subcontractor. They are
out there and ready to help achieve success. The guidelines
below are a quick path to finding who will work best.
FAMILY OWNED IN THE TWIN CITIES SINCE 1991
210 3rd Ave. North
Across from Monte Carlo Restaurant. Inside Antiques River Walk
612.672.0434 • www.kazempourusa.com
Referral Method: It is as good as gold. Ask peers, coworkers,
friends, family, even clients for referrals. When an interior
designer comes across work created by a subcontractor that is
high quality, ask the appropriate party for information.
Portfolio Method: Ask to see a portfolio if it is applicable when
meeting with a subcontractor for the first time. Look at the photos, but also look at the condition of the portfolio itself. The
appearance of the portfolio and how it is presented is a very
good indication of how the subcontractor will perform on the
job.
Homework Method: Do homework on a potential subcontractor
before a meeting. Write down pertinent questions to ask. Look
at their website if they have one. Check for membership in professional organizations. Review former projects or ask former
clients about their experience working with the subcontractor.
An interior designer has many skills, but cannot do it alone.
Creating a team of reliable people who can help achieve a beautiful interior design will also help achieve a very successful, lasting career. It starts with respect on both fronts: the interior
designer and the subcontractor. By taking the time to understand how individual subcontractors work, getting to know their
thought patterns and personalities, adjusting communication
styles so they comprehend the vision, an interior designer will
have better success with any project undertaken.
Carter Averbeck is the owner of Trompe Decorative Finishes. A
decorative painting and plastering company enjoying the fruits
of positive teamwork with Interior Design professionals.
www.TrompeArt.com
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
17
Chapter News
Maureen Haggerty, Allied Member ASID, mint, inc., whose latest
update of a Minneapolis penthouse condo for a client she has
been working with for 16 years, is featured in “Perfect Pairing,”
Spaces, Spring/Summer 2009.
Maureen Haggerty, Allied Member ASID, mint, inc., was profiled in
“Signature Looks,” Star Tribune Homes section, April 26, 2009.
David Heide, Allied Member ASID, David Heide Design Studio,
whose renovation of his own Prairie-style home is featured in
“Prairie Restoration,” Star Tribune Homes section, May 3, 2009.
Jackie Millea, ASID, Shelter Architecture, for her green remodel
of her 1920s Minneapolis bungalow to create a fresh, modern
look, featured in “Razing the Roof,” Midwest Home, April/May
2009.
Lisa Peck, ASID, LiLu Interiors, whose design work helped
transform a boathouse into a cozy cottage, is featured in “Nod
to Nautical,” Midwest Home, June/July 2009.
Lisa Peck, ASID, LiLu Interiors, who designed a creative storage
wall inspired by a skyscraper, and other storage and design
solutions for empty nesters downsizing to an urban condo,
“Spare Room,” Spaces, April/May 2009.
Talla Skogmo, ASID, Linda Engler, ASID, and Renee LeJeune
Hallberg, Allied Member ASID, Engler Skogmo Interior Design,
whose tablescape for the annual WAMSO luncheon was
highlighted in “A Little Lunch Music,” Star Tribune Variety
section, May 17, 2009.
Carter Averbeck, Trompe Decorative Finishes, Industry Partner of
ASID, whose artistic finishes and fabulous downtown live/work
space are profiled in “Have paint, will travel,” Metro, May 2009.
Sheryl VanderPol, Untapped Resources, Industry Partner of
ASID, whose article “Art on Tap,” about customizing sinks for
clients, was published in Design Journal, Spring 2009.
Desi Creswell, Allied Member ASID, Perkins + Will, passed the
NCIDQ exam.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
18
Karen Soojian, ASID, Gabberts, whose home was featured in
“American Ingenuity,” Better Homes and Gardens Creative
Home, Summer 2009.
Catherine Harrington, ASID, Waldenwood, Ltd. has been honored
in the Dream Home Award, a national competition sponsored by
the Wall Street Journal. Waldenwood is one of only two
Minnesota companies receiving a Dream Home Award. The
category was "Kitchen Remodel” and features a butler’s pantry,
screen porch, guest bedroom, and exterior patio.
Reporting your CEU Compliance
by Charlene Ackley, Allied Member ASID
All Allied Members are required to complete 0.6 CEUs of
continuing education in a two year period. The first time
period for this mandatory reporting is between January 1,
2008 and December 31, 2009.
Reporting your CEU compliance is very simple. Log into
www.asid.org. Login to the ASID site. Your userid is
“firstname.lastname.membernumber”. Your password is
your “membernumber”. These are all in lower case. Select
“Go to My ASID” which is located immediately below your
welcome on the right side of the page. In the list under
Membership, Programs and Services, select “Report your
CEU Compliance”. If you have completed the 0.6 CEU
requirements, then check the box beside the paragraph that
states, “I certify that I have successfully completed my CEU
requirement as required during the two-year period
beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31,
2009”. Then click “Update” and you are done.
You will not be recording the classes you have taken, but
you are responsible to keep a paper copy of them in your
files for reference or in the case of an audit.
There are many opportunities to earn CEUs if you have not
taken enough classes. Refer to the ASID Minnesota website
for information. Also, look for future eblasts.
Chapter News
by Tim Jensen, Industry Partner Representative for
Mike Otto Construction
Teamwork is defined in Webster's New World Dictionary as "a
joint action by a group of people, in which each person
subordinates his or her individual interests and opinions to the
unity and efficiency of the group." Does this mean that the
individual is not an integral part of the equation? Each
contribution to the effort is critical, and the entire process is
prone to collapse if one of the team members “doesn’t play well
with others.”
With the ever-increasing interest in green products and services,
is it worth it for an interior designer to learn the language and
begin accessing teams?
As a team is built, there are a great number of resources
available. Minnesota GreenStar Certification for Green Homes
and Remodeling have confirmed that many Minnesota
contractors are building green. There are approximately 450
professionals that have taken the GreenStar training during the
past year. Their excitement for green has resulted in more than
100 registered projects, 15 certified homes and remodels, and
special recognition in the Parade of Homes and Remodeler’s
Showcase tour guides. Two strong founding supporters of
GreenStar include The Builder’s Association of the Twin Cities
(BATC), and the National Association of the Remodeling
Industry, Minnesota chapter (NARI MN).
It is essential for interior designers to know the role of design in
the success of Green building. Points can be awarded to
projects that have an interior designer involved when that
interior designer has attended the GreenStar contractor
training. GreenStar is currently working on creating a website
database of all the people that have attended the training class
– helping to sell their knowledge to the marketplace. The
training is also discounted if the interior designer is a member of
a professional design organization. The US Green Building
Council (USGBC) developed the green building rating system
known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design). Design is such an integral component of developing
successful green homes that design considerations have been
given primary positioning in the manual and the checklist. A
LEED Accredited Professional on a project team helps the team
earn additional scoring on the checklist.
Knowing about green building and design and working with the
growing number of contractors, trade partners, and
homeowners investing in that venue is integral for the future.
Building a team that can collectively work together toward a
green goal will have a great impact on the community. Consider
the strength attributed to being part of a team, being around
folks who are empathetic, compassionate, and driven. Tim
Jensen works for Mike Otto Construction and strives to build
healthy relationships with clients based on assurance and
understanding every step of the way. He brings a wealth of
experience with customer relationships, site analysis, program
development and cultural diversity offering insight rarely
found in the industry.
Pe o p l e ' s C h o i c e Aw a r d s f o r t h e
2009 ASID Showcase Home
Best Use of Color:
KID'S BATH (2ND FLOOR BATHROOM)
Carla Bast, Allied Member ASID
Mary Ellen Gardiner, Allied Member ASID
Favorite Private Space:
STUDY
Michele Boucher Eich-Misiak, Allied Member ASID
Favorite Specialty Space:
PANTRY
Lisa Ball, Allied Member ASID
Rob Edman, Allied Member ASID
Favorite Gathering Space:
FAMILY ROOM
Suzanne Goodwin, ASID
Holly Bayer, Allied Member ASID
Amber Ranzau, Allied Member ASID
Laura Paulson, Allied Member ASID
Favorite Mid-Century Interpretation:
LIVING ROOM
Pat Manning-Hanson, ASID
Cindy Abramovitz, Allied Member ASID
Matt Blom, Allied Member ASID
Duane Waltzer, Allied Member ASID
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
19
Chapter News
by Colleen Slack, Allied Member ASID
On Thursday, November 12, 2009, International Market Square
will be transformed once again so that the Minnesota Chapter of
the American Society of Interior Designers can celebrate their
annual Awards Banquet. In order to keep the event fresh and
interesting for attendees, the Awards and Banquet Task Forces
continue to refine both the awards process and the banquet
design and format.
Changes to this year’s awards process start with the submissions
themselves. Previously, designers submitted their entries in
binders. Now each project must be submitted in the form of
photos, text, and drawings presented on one 24” by 24” foam
core board. The intent of this format is to facilitate the judging
process, provide easy display of projects in IMS showrooms, and
provide easy display of the winning entries in other venues.
Refer to sample boards in the ASID office; also look at presentation boards in the AIA office for examples. Awards will be due
on September 14, 2009 at the ASID office.
Specific jury members for judging the award submissions had
not been selected as of press time, but, like last year, there will
be five people, with representation from the contract and residential sides. They will be selected with an eye toward a diversity of expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and will likely
include an educator and individuals with experience in a variety
of project scopes and sizes. The other major change to the
awards portion of the event is that the winners will be notified
once the judging is complete and before the Gala Night. This
will give winners the opportunity to invite homeowners, contractors and others involved in the project to the event.
Since the format of last year’s banquet was well received, this
year’s event will once again include interviews of the winners by
Shawn Gilliam, from Mpls. St. Paul magazine. Mpls. St. Paul
magazine has been a hands-on partner, teaming on the development of the invitations, graphics, powerpoint and script for the
evening. To remain sensitive to the current economic climate,
ASID has adjusted the sponsorship levels. More than ever, these
sponsorships are key in making this evening possible. All support is greatly appreciated.
The theme for the banquet is Simple Elegance, with a fun mix of
hot pink and orange accents juxtaposed against glimmering
crystal chandeliers. Centerpieces by Wisteria will be a study in
water and light, to continue the light reflection created by the
chandeliers. The committees hope this will be an evening for
everyone to gather together and celebrate accomplishments in
these challenging times.
Awards Task Force Members:
• David Heide, Chair, Allied Member ASID, David Heide Design
Studio
• Keri Olson, Allied Member ASID, KOR Interior Design
• Krista Schwartz, Allied Member ASID, Indicia Interior Design &
Furnishings
• Pat Undlin, ASID, Pappas Inc.
Banquet Task Force Members:
• Maureen Haggerty, Co-Chair, Allied Member ASID, mint, inc.
• Tim Mohnkern, Co-Chair, Baker, Knapp & Tubbs, Industry
Partner of ASID
• Lisa Ball, Allied Member ASID, Design by Lisa
• Rob Edman, Allied Member ASID, Beson Kading Interior
Design Group
• Kim Kangas, Allied Member ASID, Transitions Interiors
• Katherine Larson, ASID, Moka Interior Design
• Lisa Oldakowski, Allied Member ASID, Pappas, Inc.
• Heather Zappo, Allied Member ASID, Pappas, Inc.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
20
Chapter News
Welcome New
Members
by Bonnie Birnbaum ASID, CID
The Steering Committee for the Showcase Home asks interior designers to
work together as teams on the project. This is in the spirit of getting as many
interior designers involved as possible. Sometimes the interior designers have
not met, and sometimes they volunteer to join forces. When these “marriages
of convenience” are formed, the committee has no idea how or if it will work.
The following are three success stories written by the designers involved.
Carla Bast and Mary Ellen Gardiner
Carla and I have collaborated on the past two Showcase House projects, and
hope to do more of them together. We were discussing our working
relationship and why we think it is successful and came up with several
reasons, including the fun we have and the friendship we share. We were able
to reduce them down to our top three reasons that we have such great
success working together. First, we are passionate about the projects and
the design. We share the same drive to make the design outstanding and
challenge each other to come up with creative solutions. Secondly, on the
occasion we disagree, we calmly and respectfully present our opinions, back
them up, and then come to a mutual solution. Sometimes one of us wins, and
sometimes we arrive at a better compromise. There is no ego involved and
no grudges are held. Finally, and maybe most importantly, we genuinely want
each other to succeed. There is no competition between us for clients and
we encourage each other in our businesses. If one of us were to meet a client
through a project we did together, the other would be thrilled.
Angela Parker and Cynthia Larson
Interior designers working together, how can that be? When Cynthia Larson
and I were teamed together for the 2006 showcase home, I was apprehensive
about working with someone I did not know. Both of us were experienced
interior designers specializing in renovations. Cynthia’s knowledge of
exquisite furnishings and accessories from the International Market Square
complimented my space planning, drafting and attention to details in custom
cabinetry and tile layouts. We met at the Wayzata home, reviewed the
servant’s quarters, brainstormed on a plan and went to work. Our first interior
design plan came in at over double the owner’s planned budget, so we went
back to the drawing board. We trimmed out high-end faucets, body sprays
and fixtures. We then moved the plumbing stacks back to the original location
to stay within our budget and came up with an alternate plan. The
homeowner approved and the contractor began construction. Our
completed guest suite won the overall favorite room for the showcase home
and was awarded an Honorable Mention for Residential Renovation at the
ASID awards. Cynthia and I have developed a great friendship and refer
business to each other, and collaborate on many projects. We would not have
met without partnering at the ASID Showcase Home.
Shirley Bolduc and Mary Dworsky
It has been my pleasure to work with Mary Dworsky on two showcase home
projects in the past couple years. I had known Mary through ASID, but
because we both owned our own businesses, had never worked with her
before on a joint project. We both marveled at how enjoyable it was and how
Industry Partners
Allied Members cont.
Kathy Basil
Hirshfield`s Design Studio
Angela Gruber
Imajin Interiors
Megan Burton
Intereum Inc.
Megan Hilk
Kendra Lamb
Cindy Chapman
Light ‘N Up!
John Dwyer
Shelter Architecture & Interior Design
Katherine Morgan
Meghann Westover
Katrina Williamson
Chelli Ray
Odegard, Inc.
Student Members
Sara Route
All. Inc.
Art Institutes International
Minnesota
Susan Thayer
Hickory Chair
Soner Ustun
Uson Design Solutions
Heidi Batcheller
Marie Fern
Karin Fitchett
Jaime Latzke
Kim Streeter
Dakota County Technical College
Eileen Ziegler
All. Inc.
Professional Members
Joanne Trangle
Allied Members
Barbara Cockfield
Peninsula Interiors & Design
Suzanne Casler
Amy Christopherson
Kari Hoen
Tara Van Berkom
University of Minnesota
Liliana Cortes
Bethany DeLine
Unnifiliated
Jori Boeckman
Natasha Gaffer
Kelly Dorso-Provolt
much we learned from each other. We each brought past experiences and
knowledge that made for a better end result than if we had worked on the
space alone.
We approached the projects with the end user’s needs and requests in mind
like any other project. We went together to pick out tile and plumbing, etc.,
and found we gravitated toward the same selections, brainstorming how we
might best use our options. The "two heads are better than one" certainly
seemed true for us. We naturally tended to divide up tasks that only needed
one person to accomplish making for much less work individually. The first
year there were three designers, Mary, Martina Willegalle and myself. We
had the same positive experience when the three of us worked together also.
My experience has been, when people, all professionals, join together for the
good of a project, it goes more quickly, is a lot more enjoyable, and is easier
and more creative than if approached alone. I would work with Mary or
Martina again in a minute.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
21
Chapter News
By Brad Shark
It is difficult to believe the governments of different jurisdictions
agree on anything, but one thing they agree on is purchases use
tax. In a nut shell, and I am not referring to the homes of government officials and politicians, all states agree on the responsibility to file and pay purchases use tax. When reviewing Use
Tax on the North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and
Minnesota websites, the conclusion is the same.
HOW TO KEEP TRACK OF PURCHASES
SUBJECT TO USE TAX:
Make a copy of any purchases subject to use tax and file them
in a Use Tax folder. At the time sales taxes are filed, take all
receipts out and calculate the amount due. Then attach the
copies with your sales tax confirmation for verification. The most
logical time to make these copies is when the purchases are
being recorded or paid. Set a routine and stick with it. You will
WHAT IS USE TAX?
thank yourself for taking the extra time if you have a sales tax
In essence, use tax is the same as sales tax, the difference being
audit.
who reports and pays the tax. When you purchase office supplies locally, sales tax is charged on the purchase. The retailer
collects and remits sales taxes to the state. If you purchase office
supplies online from an out of state retailer, you may not be
charged sales taxes. The states agree these office supplies are
brought into and used in the state of your business, and therefore use tax needs to be paid on these purchases. Sales tax auditors look not only at the tax charged to your clients and remitted to the state, but at items subject to use tax.
Here is where this gets a little crazy. If you purchase office supplies in Edina, MN with a combined tax rate of 6.9% and your
office is located in Minneapolis, MN with a combined tax rate of
7.4%, you are responsible for reporting the purchase and remitting the difference of .5% when filing sales taxes. Maybe I need
to rethink my earlier comment about nut shells.
PERSONAL PURCHASES:
The design industry triggers additional scrutiny by sales tax
auditors due to what is sold. It is assumed owners and employees purchase merchandise through the design firm, so they want
to be sure sales taxes are being paid on the merchandise. There
are several ways to approach personal purchases. The easiest
one is to ask suppliers to charge sales taxes on all purchases for
personal use. This is less work for the design firm. If your suppliers do not charge sales taxes, you can report the purchases as
described above for use tax purchases. An additional method is
to invoice yourself and charge sales taxes as you would any
client. Whatever method you choose, try to be consistent. You
or your employees could spend a lot of needless time tracking
this and being sure sales or use tax was paid. As more and more
purchases are made via the internet, states are looking at ways
to collect lost taxes. The recent increase in audits is a way for
HOW TO REPORT USE TAX:
states to both collect taxes and educate businesses. In recent
Use tax purchases are reported when filing sales taxes. Each
years, 30% of my clients have experienced sales tax audits. I
state has lines for you to include purchases subject to use tax.
believe it is not a matter of if businesses will be audited, but
when will they be audited. Being a proactive business owner can
save time, money and sweat.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
22
Chapter News
Interior Designer Profile
by Charlene Ackley, Allied Member ASID
Each year interior designers come together to work on the ASID Showcase
Home. Some of the interior designers have participated for years and other
interior designers are new to the project. Highlighted are the experiences
of three interior designers that took part in the ASID Showcase Home for
the first time.
Jeni Gelzhizer, Allied Member ASID
Interior Design by Jeni G
Minnetonka
952-934-1868
idjg.net
Jeni came away with many positive experiences
from participating in the showcase home. She
realized that when starting a business, it is difficult
to get images of a finished, polished space.
Designing the laundry and mudroom has provided
an opportunity for her to get a complete look for her portfolio.
During her work on the project, she learned about many new innovative
products from vendors and industry partners. She was excited to connect
with many industry partners at the Gallery of Stars event. It was amazing to
her how everyone, the interior designers, the contractors, the landscape
designers, etc. came together to create a beautiful, cohesive home.
He enjoyed meeting industry representatives and interior designers that he
had heard of but didn’t know. Rob feels that being part of the showcase
home has been a confidence builder for him to have created a beautiful
room that the public was able to see and appreciate.
Debra Herdman, ASID
Debra Herdman Design
Minneapolis
612-803-6275
Debra spent half of her career in the retail
business. She was involved in retail advertising,
and then started a company called Modern Linen
Industrie where she designed and manufactured a
line of household linens that were sold throughout
the country. She also custom designed window
fashions, bedding, pillows, etc. In 2001, she
evolved into Debra Herdman Design.
She is new to ASID, and enjoyed the experience because she got to meet
so many new people by participating in the showcase home. She
appreciated working with everyone from the committee members to the
homeowners. She was not teamed up with another interior designer, but
designed her space to flow with the adjacent playroom. She feels the house
was cohesive because of the client involvement and direction.
When Jeni was designer of the day, she enjoyed meeting the public and the
volunteers. This gave her an opportunity to educate them about design
and details of the house they normally would not have seen or noticed.
Jeni started in the interior design industry several years ago completing
builder selections with new homeowners, then decided to get her degree.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from The Art
Institutes International Minnesota. After her internship, she worked as an
assistant for a well known interior designer, and then found full time
employment with an interior design firm for over two years. Currently, she
has had her own interior design business for about two years.
Rob Edman, Allied Member ASID
Beson Kading Interior Design Group
Minneapolis
612-338-8187
Rob has been involved in the ASID organization for
approximately 10 years. He was a student member
while he attended college. He has his Bachelor of
Science degree in Interior Design from the
University of Minnesota. He interned with the Beson
Kading Interior Design Group and has been working
there as a full time interior designer for seven years.
Rob teamed up with Lisa Ball to do the butler’s pantry in the showcase
home. They had previously worked together at Beson Kading, so they
understood each other well. They both have a passion for mid-century
modern design and jumped at the opportunity to work together on a space.
The butler’s pantry is a mix of mid-century modern and modern. The clients
gave them good direction for color and budget. Rob and Lisa were always
unified with the process and selections which made it so enjoyable to work
together. They accessorized the room with some of their own vintage
pieces from their homes.
Design Directions • Minnesota Chapter
23
odegard ASID fall 09:Layout 1 8/21/09 10:04 AM Page 1
Up to 80% Off
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