Making a major change to your home can be exciting and rewarding. It can also seem overwhelming. There are many ways to approach a remodeling project. Some of the most common are DIY or hiring a handyman, jack of all trades, or general contractor. For larger, more complex projects there are two options – hire an architect and/or designer and then a general contractor or hire a Design-Build remodeling firm.
In 1994, when George created The Cleary Company, he used the general contractor model, working with different architects and designers over the years to create some amazing projects. After 15 years, he realized that to best serve his clients it was time to add design to the company’s services. So, in 2009 George hired his first full-time designer, Laura Watson! Read more about our Design-Build process on our blog.
Differences Between a Residential Designer vs a Design Consultant?
What is a Residential Designer at The Cleary Company?
A residential designer, often referred to as a home designer, is a specialized professional who focuses on crafting well-planned, aesthetically pleasing, and highly functional living spaces. Our expert designers collaborate closely with our clients to design the layout and structure of both new and existing homes, ensuring that every space aligns with the homeowner’s lifestyle, needs, and vision.
Beyond aesthetics, residential designers consider practical aspects of home construction, advising on key architectural and structural elements to enhance the usability and flow of each room. They work in tandem with our Production Team, translating conceptual designs into detailed construction plans that bring each design-build project to life. Their expertise ensures that every element, from spatial arrangement to livability, contributes to a seamless and harmonious living environment.
What is a Design Consultant at The Cleary Company?
A design consultant is a skilled professional who specializes in guiding clients through the process of selecting aesthetic and functional elements for their spaces. By evaluating a client’s personal style, preferences, and needs, they offer expert advice on finishes, fixtures, and materials to create a cohesive and visually appealing design.
Our Design Consultants play a pivotal role in the success of each design-build project, ensuring that every selection aligns with both the client’s vision and project budget. Their responsibilities include:
- Assisting clients in choosing the perfect fixtures, finishes, and materials to match their style and functional requirements.
- Compiling detailed selection sheets to streamline the design and construction process.
- Pricing project selections to maintain alignment with the client’s budget while maximizing value.
- Calculating material take-offs and efficiently placing orders to ensure a smooth workflow.
- Managing and organizing samples within the design studio for easy reference and inspiration.
- Coordinating vendor meetings and product presentations, including lunch-and-learns, to stay updated on the latest design trends and innovations.
Our Design Consultants enhance the Design-Build process, making remodeling smoother and more enjoyable for our clients! Using their aesthetic expertise and product knowledge, they ensure that every project reflects a seamless blend of beauty, functionality, and practicality.
Five Facts Our Design Team Wants You to Know Before Starting Your Home Remodeling Project
- HGTV is not reality, it’s for entertainment. The more research you can do before you hire a remodeler, the more you’ll enjoy the process of developing your design plan. And although the design process can feel long, especially when you’re ready to get started with demo, all the planning on the front end pays off during the construction phase.
- It’s not necessarily the product selections you make that drives the cost of your project but adding to the scope of work. It may seem obvious but when a project begins with a single room, a kitchen or bathroom for example, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking, “they’re already here so let’s remodel the mudroom or laundry too!”. This will certainly increase not only the materials but also the labor hours required to build a project.
- It’s ok to feel emotional during your remodel. Change is hard and remodeling is messy. Our Design-Build Team is with you through every step. We utilize our 30+ combined years of remodeling experience to have your best interest in mind.
- Friends, family, and others will offer advice and opinions throughout your project. It’s ok to listen but don’t let it dissuade you from choosing what makes you happy. Our Design Team enjoys getting to know you, your style, and your needs so that we can collaborate with you to create a successful remodeling plan.
- Remodeling is not EVER going to go perfectly as planned. There will be bumps, surprises, delays, and inconveniences. With over 30+ combined years of experience in remodeling, our Design-Build Team has pretty much seen it all and we’re prepared to take care of you and your home and manage your project to a successful completion.
To read more about what to expect during your home remodel, Check out our blog!
Meet the Designers & Design Consultants on Our Development Team
Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP | Development & Design Department Manager – 30+ years experience – 2009 joined TCC – BA Interior Design @ University of Charleston – NARI Certified Professional
Katie Florjancic, UDCP | Project Developer/Designer – 12+ years experience – 2020 joined TCC – BS Interior Design & Business Management @ Ohio University – NARI Certified Professional
Emily Perebzak, UDCP | Designer – 4+ years experience – 2022 joined TCC – BA Interior Design & Marketing @ Kent State University – NARI Certified Professional
Clayanne Gould | Design Consultant – 5+ years experience – 2024 joined TCC
Tifany Pirkl | Design Consultant – 16+ years experience – 2025 joined TCC – BS Interior Design @ Bowling Green State University
Learn more about NARI’s Universal Design Certified Professional certification and why they matter to our Team here!
Design Team Q & A
We asked several of our designers the following questions and were intrigued by their answers. We love seeing their personalities and love for design come through in their thoughts.
Describe your favorite project.
Laura – I have been in this too long to have a favorite but the ones I love are the ones where the client comes back years later to tell us they still love their new space.
Katie – My favorite projects to design are kitchens! As an amateur home chef, I love to help others think about how they use their kitchens and come up with creative solutions to keep cooking fun!
Emily – Kitchen projects are my favorite! I love listening to clients share their vision for their dream kitchen and then bringing that to life. Understanding universal design principles and the working triangle in kitchen layouts is so important—it’s like piecing together a puzzle and stepping back to see it all come to life. It’s also exciting to introduce clients to the latest cabinet inserts that can make their space even more efficient and functional.
Clayanne – A kitchen or primary bathroom remodel are my favorite projects to work on. In these spaces, you can create personalized designs, custom to the client and unique.
Tiffany – I worked with fun, kind clients on a recent Clintonville new build. They had a quirky, unique style and loved color. We used art deco arched tiles on the fireplaces, beveled oxblood tiles in the primary bath, and warm wood tones throughout.
Best new product in the last 1-3 years? Why?
Laura – The bidet seat! Although this product has been around longer than 3 years, clients are finally catching on. Every home should have one. It saves on toilet paper, it’s very hygienic, it’s wonderful for the elderly, small children, and those with health issues.
Katie – Touch faucets! Older than 3 years but still a favorite. As someone who loves to cook, I love the ease of turning on and off the faucet without contaminating the faucet with raw meat germs.
Emily – I’m loving the integrated quartz sinks that match the countertops. The seamless design not only looks sleek but also makes cleaning so much easier. It creates a high-end, polished look that elevates the entire space.
Clayanne – Ceiling tiles! They have evolved over the years to become both a practical and aesthetic feature in interior design.
Tiffany – I love a wood slat wall; it’s a great way to bring some warmth and texture into a space and make it feel more upscale. Installed vertically it’s unexpected and stunning!
List 3 things you teach every client during the design process.
Laura:
- Trust your designer.
- Communicate likes & also dislikes.
- Stay away from using too many trends.
Katie:
- It’s important to create a space that functions well.
- A well designed space utilizes design principles but always breaks at least one too.
- Adding personal touches to each project makes the space unique to each client.
Emily:
- Maximizing Storage with Customization: I show clients how to take advantage of custom inserts and smart storage solutions like pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, or drawer dividers to make their space more organized and efficient. Customizing storage makes a huge difference in functionality.
- Flow and Space Planning: I teach clients how to achieve a natural flow in the space. Good space planning ensures that rooms feel open and inviting, with clear pathways and easy movement.
- Budgeting and Prioritizing: I help clients understand how to prioritize their spending on different aspects of the project. By setting a realistic budget and focusing on their highest priorities, we can achieve the best results without overspending.
Clayanne:
- Educating them on the stages of the design process.
- Teaching them how layout and flow are crucial to the functionality of a space.
- Guidance on selecting fixtures and finishes that not only look good, but also are practical considering their lifestyle and needs.
Tiffany:
- Where they can save money so that we can find the best areas to allocate their funds towards their investment.
- Finding a style that is unique to them and is timeless.
- Creating an intentional flow throughout their home so that everything feels harmonious and thoughtful.
Just for Fun!
What’s your dream project? Why?
Laura – Any type of project when a client knows what they like, can communicate well, and listens to their designer!
Katie – A boutique hotel because I love to travel and believe a space can enhance your experience.
Emily – A new build home with a blank canvas and an unlimited budget, where I can create something unique from the ground up. Or designing a cozy, intimate coffee shop that brings people together in a welcoming, stylish space. Both offer endless creative possibilities, but the idea of shaping a space that fosters connection and comfort in a community is something that excites me.
Clayanne – A wet room because that is where I LOVE to decompress after a long day!
Tiffany – Designing any space with a client who loves color and isn’t afraid to be bold! It is fun to get creative with textures and color to elevate a space!
Ready to Remodel your home?
Relationships and collaboration are important to our Team’s success. We live and love the details!
If you are ready to work with the best Design-Build Team in Columbus, OH, give us a call @ 614-459-4000 OR visit the Contact page on our website. The experienced Design-Build professionals on our Team are ready to get started to create your dream home!