As we move into the Memorial Day weekend, homeowners will be looking at their ‘to-do’ lists and deciding what projects to tackle. For the professional remodelers, like Blackdog Builders, this weekend will provide a short respite before they crank up their own projects. Blackdog Builders primary focus is residential remodeling. For the past 24 years, David & Brenda Bryan and the Blackdog design team have remained true to their vision of becoming a world class remodeling company. One of the key members of the Blackdog Builders’ team is Interior Designer, Jane Face. After heading up her own kitchen & bath consulting business, Jane settled in with Blackdog in November of 2010. We had an opportunity to get Jane’s take on the current remodeling environment and Blackdog’s place in that environment.
As an interior designer, what drew you to work in the home building industry? I love the process of putting together the pieces and parts of a project – watching the smallest of details makes a big impact.
How does Blackdog help their clients reach their goals? Listening is the biggest part of the design process and I believe it is essential to a great finished project.
What are some of your favorite product lines? We use a lot of Kohler products and I think that some of the new products they’ve introduced are very innovative. My favorite faucet line is Rohl/Perrin and Rowe – so special. I’d have to select Miele appliances as my favorite appliance manufacturer – they make a killer espresso machine.
What kind of role does the showroom play in your design process? Our showroom plays a very important role. It’s where our clients make all their selections, but more importantly. it is where the design goes from 3D computer images to real materials that they can touch and feel.
How do you interact with the showroom representatives? We periodically have reps come to our monthly sales meeting and show the “latest and greatest”.
It’s been a long four years in the home building industry, what kind of projects are homeowners taking on? We are getting a nice mix of projects right now – people are starting to think about projects that they have been putting off for the last couple of years. Size of project has definitely increased.
How does Blackdog view the future in the home building industry, with regards to style, trends and innovations? For style – most clients still lean toward clean lines. The painted kitchen is still very popular and spa like bathrooms are also a big request. There are many new products out there that allow clients with even a small space to get that spa-like bath experience. Green building products continues to be popular to some – but an increase in LED lighting has been our biggest request for a way to update their project.
What advice would you have for somebody, who wants to work in the home building industry? Follow your dream – it’s a great industry.
Note: Blackdog Builders was the winner of the Ultimate Bath Showroom’s 1st Design Contest last fall. View this video to learn more about Blackdog.
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