BUILD Q3 2019

BUILD Q3 2019 50 ellydesigns is an award-winning and creative interior design firm that specializes in renovations, new builds, and home staging. As one of BUILD’s ‘Ones to Watch in Design and Build’, kellydesigns has distinguished itself through a dedication to client service and a commitment to exqui- site design. Eager to find out more, we spoke with Owner, Kelly Sohigian who was eager to offer more insight into her company and work. “I strive to work closely with my clients to help them bring their wishes for a beautiful home into fruition.” - Kelly Sohigian on her approach to client-centricity during the design process For Kelly, the client is truly the focal point of interior design, defining the form, flow and function of her projects and spaces. Where other designers might be inspired by nature, or art or perspective, Kelly has found extraordinary success through being inspired by her clients – specifically their personalities and their unique familial dynamic. With many of her clients being professionals who are busy juggling home and work life, it becomes crucially important to create a space that not only evokes the individuals who call it home but creates a true equilibrium between form and function. This is where Kelly has flourished and forged her reputation, as she explains further. “They know what they like and really prefer to have some- one with knowledge and understanding to do it for them so they can achieve the aesthetic they are looking for. I approach each job with a mindset to spend a fair amount of time getting to know the client and their family to really understand what they want. This is a crucial step in getting the best results. This effort ensures that each home feels well curated – utilising my years of experience and knowledge – reflects the personality of the client and captures the aesthetic they are looking for.” Moreover, as an expert in the staging market, Kelly understands the importance of the smallest of details and finishing touches. This is reflected across her entire portfolio of work and serves to maximise the value of every property she works with. “In the stag- ing part of my business I work with some savvy realtors who know how to sell and market their listings as well as builders who also see the value of my services, experience and knowledge. Having worked as a realtor, I understand the market and strive to emulate Refine, Refresh and Renew with kellydesigns kellydesigns is an award-winning and creative interior design firm that specializes in renovations, new builds, and home staging. As one of BUILD’s ‘Ones to Watch in Design and Build’, kellydesigns has distinguished itself through a dedication to client service and a commitment to exquisite design. Eager to find out more, we spoke with Owner, Kelly Sohigian who was eager to offer more insight into her company and work. K Jul19349 the lifestyle a perspective buyer would like to see when purchasing a home.” “I really like to think of each client as part of an extended family and help them over time as their needs arise. I have had the pleasure of doing so with several of my clients, and it has bought both me and them great joy to work together over the last fifteen years.” Whilst there can be no doubt that Kelly is an expert in her field, she doesn’t work alone, as she takes a moment to discuss in more detail. “I work with staff that are respectful of each other and of my clients. We all try to have fun and have enthusiasm in doing our work and that is apparent to our clients. It makes for a great work- ing atmosphere and keeps everyone happy and calm. We want the clients to have a great experience while we are working with them and although the outcome is paramount, we feel the journey is just as important.” Finally, Kelly offers more insight into the future of kellydesigns and her efforts to make the company a more family-oriented business. “I am working on acquiring a larger warehouse space for my staging inventory, which will again allow me to grow that part of the business. Here in the Northeast staging has finally become relevant in selling a home and it leaves me in a position to expand even further. Long term, I have two sons. One is a construction management major, and the other is in finance. I could see both of them becoming involved in my business at some point one way or another. My older son and I would love to work on design/builds together and I can see my other son helping to run the financials of the business. A gal can dream, can’t she?”