Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Crawford.
Hi Kenneth, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been doing Interior Design for over 35 years. After graduating from the University of Louisville in 1987 my first job was designing restaurants then, I was headhunted by a competitor company and relocated down to Atlanta GA. doing the same but more unique restaurant design.
I relocated to South Florida for a position with the largest restaurant design firm in Fort Lauderdale. I decided that I wanted to expand my genre of design so I moved over to the largest luxury Residential Design firm in South Florida at the time. Working my way up the corporate ladder so to speak.
After 14 years I ventured out on my own. To this day, I am still working for myself on luxury residential projects from Fisher Island to Stuart Florida, and New York City. I have worked on some contract commercial work in Jupiter Florida and the Bahamas. Still growing my company in all directions and love every minute of it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There is nothing called a “smooth road” in the world of design. One gets laid off from a firm when the economy crashes which I have to add happened to me three times. Work slows down whenever there is a negative movement with the stock market or even more recently the pandemic. I was very fortunate that my projects did not stop during the pandemic.
Sometimes materials such as fabrics and wallcoverings are discontinued or come in wrong. Furniture comes in damaged or even worse when a client passes away during the project. Once I had carpet coming in from England for a restaurant and I received a call that the freighter hit a storm at sea and the container with my carpet was on the bottom of the Atlantic ocean.
So no, this field has lots and lots of wrenches that are constantly being thrown at you–you just have to quickly solve the problem and move on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
When I started, my work philosophy was that I would be 100% transparent in the process especially when it comes to pricing. I answer every client’s phone call when it comes in (Unless I am on a call with a client then I text to give me a minute or two to call). I answer every email and am prompt at appointment times. I loathe being late nor tolerate it with my trades.
I am very selective and passionate when I am pulling together ideas for a client and will not present to them unless I am 100% thrilled with what I have done. I guess I try to be perfect but we all know nobody is, but hey, I try. My clients always tell me that they appreciate me and that I listen to them. What they like, dislike wants, and needs, and follow through to the end. I want my clients to be part of the entire selection process. I mean come on, it’s their house or condo I am working on. It needs to reflect THEM, not me. Listening is soooooooo important.
Budgets also are so important. Like I said earlier, I have no problem being transparent when it comes to pricing. However, I DO NOT show what company I am using. I do not want a situation to occur, where they attempt to go behind me to my source to cut me out This happened once and I quickly terminated the contract. I just don’t play that game.
If you ask any of my clients or associates in the field what they would say, is that I am a very down-to-earth guy. I don’t mind getting dirty on job sites. I love to have fun but take my profession very seriously. I have designed custom lighting, upholstery, and case goods for clients and even custom wallcoverings and fabrics. I like a challenge when it comes to a design idea I haven’t done yet as well, like the last project I completed. In the end, I love what I do. I am passionate about what I do and it reflects in every project.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Well, I think if you are graduating from Design School, I highly suggest that you work for an Interiors Design firm. You get educated on the workings of a company about the ordering process, construction, and product and see the entire process from beginning to end. –You learn so much working for a firm. Take the information you learn and you can use it if you decide to venture out on your own. Join design groups like ASID and others to become familiar with the trade.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kennethcrawfordinteriors.com
- Instagram: @Kenneth_Crawford_Interiors
Image Credits
Jerry Lang Photography
