Meet Amy Miller of B&H Office Solutions. She recently joined our team to fulfill the roles of both Interior Design and Sales. Amy has a strong background and passion for interior design. In our latest blog post, Amy shares how she uses that skill to help clients develop a workspace that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing for their team to work in.
Highlights
- When I am creating an office space I think of the function and simple layouts, then I think of how that great space plan can be amped up.
- Getting to know your client helps you design a better space, period.
- Once you can determine the function of the space and how to address that function THEN you are able to make an even better aesthetic for the space.
Creating a work environment that promotes a sense of wellbeing and at the same time is structured in a way that drives a sense of purpose, is the balancing act that Amy has been able to accomplish over the years. We asked her some questions about her style and approach to help explain how she accomplishes this task with each project.
What drives your design decisions?
Functionality drives most of my design decisions. Once you know how a space needs to function, then you can add layers of design, color, and texture to create just the right spaces for your client.
Which section of your portfolio are you most proud of? What does it reflect in you as an interior designer?
There is not really one section of my portfolio that I am prouder of than another. I love that I have done so many avenues of design, and I think it makes me a well-rounded designer. I have even circled back to several of my past avenues and have been able to add new knowledge the second time around. When I am meeting with a client, I can think about their furniture needs in a very specific way because of my furniture background. I can think of their space and how they will need to function in it in the future because of my healthcare background. I can think about the best ways to lay a space out and possible expansion because of my experience in tenant development. I can educate the client on a wide range of things because of my background in education. I am proud of all my stops along this journey.
What’s one of your biggest accomplishments that you’re most proud of?
Again I am proud of all my stops along the way, but when I was teaching Interior Design to students and seeing their faces light up when it clicked for them, and inspiring the next generation of Interior Designers, my heart swelled. Creating the curriculum of 3 levels of classes including practicums for high school students for the entire school district, then teaching those courses, and of course hearing from former students after they had graduated that they are so grateful to have had my classes. It made that chapter of my life so rewarding.
What do you consider to be more important in the office space, aestheticism or functionality? Why?
Honestly, they are both important, but functionality is first for me. Once you can determine the function of the space and how to address that function THEN you are able to make an even better aesthetic for the space.
How do you bring creativity into an office space? What is a good way to inspire employees within the work environment?
When employees are happy in their space, they will produce better work, therefore it is critical to create spaces geared for the people who will be working in that space. With functionality as the foundation, you can then add the layers needed to make the space even more appealing, such as color and texture, fun furniture pieces. People can see their office space and love how it looks and feels, but when they are doing their job, and something you added to the design, helps them to do their job even better or easier, then that is the icing on the cake for designers.
What elements define your style? Where do you find inspiration?
Color and simple lines are my favorite, so when I am creating an office space I think of the function and simple layouts, then I think of how that great space plan can be amped up with just the color of the finishes inside that space. Color is so important to humans in general, it can completely change your perspective for the day.
What do you find most challenging about designing a space?
I enjoy being around people and getting to know my clients, so the most challenging part of designing a space lately has been doing it virtually. It can be done virtually, but I miss the people and thankful we are slowly working towards normalcy. During this pandemic, it became apparent that in the design industry, it is all about the relationships created. Getting to know your client helps you design a better space, period.
How do you approach starting on a new project, gathering the client’s ideas, and turning it into something that best serves the client?
I approach starting a new project by building that client relationship first and foremost. If the client knows that you understand their needs and wants, then it generally goes more smoothly throughout the entire process. When issues or questions arise, then the level of trust is already there, and the client knows you have their best interests in mind, each step of the way. I also strongly believe that being as authentic and transparent as possible will help add to that relationship and in turn the project.
What would be your dream design project?
My dream design project would be a full floor client, open space plan, a client that is open to unique ideas, loves color, and of course being able to do the furniture package for that client.
Have you been considering a remodel? Has there been a boom in employee growth lately? Or maybe you just realized that your current office space isn’t serving your staff as well as it could. Whatever the case might be, we’d love to help you find that perfect fit. Contact B&H Office Solutions today to schedule a free consultation, and let’s discover what we can do to help you and your team love your workspace and perform at their best.
