I am often asked if I have a set formula for beginning a job. I love to sit down with a potential client and listen. I mean really listen by watching their expressions, body language and hearing what they are not saying. For example a client may say they hate pink. A simple statement which evokes a strong feeling but delve a little deeper by pressing them to explain or exemplify and chances are it is not all shades of rose but a mere few.

Another helpful next step is encouraging destruction. No not walls but magazines. Do not stop to think just rip out pages but upon your gut reaction to it. Once you have your pile of magazine clippings we can sort through it together. It is through this process that very often a style starts to develop through a common theme.

It soon becomes clear that certain colors, furniture styles and fabrics will illicit a positive reaction. It is around this time that I ask for a chance to just sit and observe the room or rooms that I will be designing. I am now looking for a mood to develop in my mind. I am paying particular attentions to the inter-play of light and shadows, the sound of a house - the overall feel. I now feel I can marry the reality of the room with all of its positive and negative attributes with the clients wishes or fantasy. This is when the design really comes into focus.

A story board is now created with paint and fabric samples including examples of furniture styles. It is when I present the storyboard to the client that I am really excited for their reaction. Once we have the final seal of approval we begin construction. Ah construction, that's the easy part...