Andrea May Hunter/Gatherer
La Jolla, California
(22)
La Jolla, California
(22)
Well, hello there. We're Andrea May Hunter/Gatherer an award-winning design and color consulting firm based in La Jolla, California. We work here on the sunny west coast and just about anywhere that our services can be used to help people feel happy every time they walk in the door.
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22 customer reviews
Linda Homayoun
I am a property manager in La Jolla California. This was the first time I worked with Andrea May to "refresh" a vacation rental which we manage and which she had originally decorated 5 years prior.
Andrea is not only very professional in her work and detail oriented, but she was always on time and respectful of my time as well. She has great taste and knows what materials and colors work well with the beachy environment in which the unit is located. Andrea went out of her way to work overtime with different vendors and appeared to have a very good professional relationship with them.
I am very happy I met Andrea and it was a pleasure working with her and I will definitely recommend her to my other clients.
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Mary Lasco
Andrea was professional, punctual, on budget and we received excellent follow up after the consultation. Andrea was very straight forward with reasoning for her thoughts and answers as opposed to the decorators that we previously hired. A true value.
Reviewed on Houzz
Michael Serdy
Andrea made the process of remodeling seamless from beginning to end - presenting design choices without overwhelming us with too many options, getting all necessary permits from the city, arranging for all necessary engineering, even overseeing the build and quality control. We couldn't recommend her any more highly. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Rebecca May Feffer
Andrea is the most talented designer! She is so innovative and creative. Love her!
Reviewed on Facebook
Lisa Kornfeld
Andrea is an excellent designer to partner with - she has a great eye and has nurtured excellent relationships with wholesale design centers, and craftspeople/installers who are the best at what they do.
On top of that, she is very intuitive and quick to pick up on your own aesthetic and quirks and is adept at providing excellent options to match, but also occasionally gently pushing you to reconsider your pre-conceived notions just enough to ensure the result is nothing short of fabulous. On top of that - she is always aware of your budget and particular circumstances. Couldn’t be happier with the work she’s done for me which includes paint colors, furniture and rug selection, art selection, framing and hanging, decorative object staging, and indoor plant selection.
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Britney Ewing
Andrea has a keen eye and really helped me with the finishing touches to my home. I love her creative thinking and the way she prioritizes where to take risk and where to purchase more conservative pieces. She quickly developed a feel for my style and made excellent suggestions. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Teresa and Bob Salkin
Andrea is a true professional: she has experience and knowledge with color that makes a big difference in any environment you are creating. Her help makes you realize how important the color you paint your wall or trim determines the success of the rest of your environment. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
eugeniagarcia
Andrea has worked on my client’s properties as well as my own. She quickly interprets what the client’s needs are and takes charge to accomplish those goals. I’ve found her to be thoughtful, patient and she brings a valuable perspective to the table. What’s more is her work offers a level of sophistication that is difficult to find in San Diego. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
7k7s77
I live in the Bay Area and needed a designer that could work with me
mostly by emails and a few face-to-face meetings to remodel my Coronado
condo. Andrea listened to my vision & budget, researched, and presented to me a furniture layout for my place. She kept me within the time line I had
before a renter used my place. With her gentle reminders to "accept or
not accept" ASAP, she got the furniture ordered and installed before
the renter came. In the end, my condo looked modern and gave my
renters a royal feel. Thank so much Andrea!
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kmckaveney555
Andrea May is a pleasure to work with. She is dedicated to her vision, hard working and has unique ability to balance the creative aspect of the work with the day to day details of running a business. I believe she is well qualified to handle a variety of design situations. More...
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chicago828
Andrea is a pleasure to work with!
She is organized, professional, and creative and I am a huge fan of her aesthetic. I look forward to working with her for many years to come!!
Reviewed on Houzz
amykproduces
When I work with Andrea the process is as wonderful as the result. She is warm, gracious, knowledgeable, dedicated, creative and resourceful. She has exquisite taste with a real flare for the unique and unexpected. She brings a wealth of varied experiences, resources and out of the box ideas to every project. She is professional, detail oriented, very thorough, fun and funny. I recommend her with the heart felt confidence that you will have fabulous new surroundings as well as a fabulous new friend! More...
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kkjos
We've used Andrea May on two renovation projects in the last 10 years, both being homes we live in. She really understands what you like as a client and comes up with creative ideas that really enhance your vision. When you don't have a vision she comes up with suggestions that really cater to you-she amazes me every time. We would highly recommend her, and will continue to use her in the future! More...
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Jodi Jimerson
Andrea May assisted me in designing the bed, selecting bedding and selecting fabrics for window treatments for the master suite of my home and I absolutely LOVE IT! !! My bed looks so crisp, clean and inviting with a gorgeous linen body pillow including a personalized monogram - stunning. From the cornices above the windows to the antique bronze lamps on the nightstands, to the reupholstered desk chair and ottoman the room now feels balanced and fresh and I am thoroughly pleased. Andrea is a dedicated professional with impeccable taste and is fun and easy to work with. More...
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tmdupuis
I recently worked with Andrea to redo a sun room in our house. I was extraordinarily pleased with the result - the room looks beautiful, and very put together. Andrea has amazing taste, and I also found her very attuned to my individual style. I really couldn't be more pleased, and would highly recommend Andrea. More...
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gb3design
It's always a pleasure working with Andrea May from Hunter/Gatherer.She has a wealth of knowledge about interior design and is passionate about creating beautiful spaces for her clients.
She especially loves using light to create ambience in her spaces.
I look forward to working with her again on another project!
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Trevor
This is my wife and my second whole house remodel with Andrea. She is amazing. We would not have taken on this current project if we did not know we had her in our corner.
Andrea has tons of resources, knows what to spend money on and what to save money on and has done a great job combining our vintage style with a modern feel for both of our houses.
We have been completely satisfied with her work and advice!
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jgrad1
Andrea was able to instantly recommend a bookcase and layout some very simple yet elegant changes to an extremely challenging, small space.
Andrea whipped through the rest of the house making excellent suggestions that were all within my budget. She provided me with cad designs of each room , that gave me a macro view and that really allowed me as well as my contractor to understand all the details that needed to get done.
Once the work was done she returned and suggested some bold colors for rooms that accurately reflect who i am and work great in the house.
Andrea has a great, yet simple view of design and communicates a level of detail that has been critical in transforming my home. Andrea has done some big, high budget jobs before. My concern was maybe my job, was too small or home not fancy enough. She treated the project as if it was top on her list and exuded excitement over the results.
I would highly recommend Andrea for anyone who wants classic, yet simple affordable design.
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amymjacobson
I first stumbled upon Andrea's website while I was searching for an interior designer after buying our first home in San Diego.
After looking at tons of sites it was hers that really stood out to me. Her online portfolio showed she had real vision for layering and pushing the boundaries while keeping things tasteful. She seemed like just the person I needed to help put me on the right path yet encouraging me take think outside the box. I ended up hiring Andrea for her color consultation service, and everyday I'm thankful I did.
We had corresponded a couple times prior to our meeting and decided, since I already had a few ideas for what I wanted, that I'd post those ideas to Pinterest for her to review. She took one of my inspiration images ('the bunny pic' as we kept calling it) and really brought it to life in my home. Knowing I was going for a grey neutral palette, she showed up to the consultation with paint boards in different grey families, and fabric and wallpaper books that coordinated well with the colors in 'the bunny pic' (she'd clearly doneb her homework!). We were able to pick out most of my room colors in one consultation (the others I wasn't quite ready to tackle) AND she gave me other color and general decorator's suggestions such as what color to paint our kitchen cabinets and to not be afraid to use our nice bedding for fear of it getting messed up. In addition to her clear talent for design and her professionalism, she's a pleasure to work with!
She continues to be a great resource as we slowly make our house a home. I've referred her to several friends and colleagues, and will be calling her for any consultation or decor work needed in the future.
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loism57
Andrea was the best designer we have ever used. Her taste is impeccable, and she thinks out of the box but stays within budget. We did a complete remodel -- she came up with innovative and practical uses of space, and she helped us pick out everything from flooring to paint and wallcoverings to window treatments and appliances. She found all the professionals for us, and was always professional herself. She was so easy to work with, and she completely turned our house into a home. We get so many compliments on our decor -- and we give Andrea all the credit. I wish we had more rooms to design so we could work with her again. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
smcbang1
Andrea May transformed my San Diego tract home (plan 4 to be precise) from ordinary to extraordinary remaining absolutely faithful to her Slow Luxe Design philosophy - four years before declaring Slow Luxe as her brand. Elements of Andrea's talent and style are layered throughout my house, and I am reminded daily - honestly, four years later - how much I love my home. Andrea helped me discover my own style and it was a delight to breathe life into many pieces I already owned by reupholstering with dazzling fabric, replacing the clear glass of an antique armoire with mirrored glass, painting a set of formerly cheesy stacking tables and transforming them into a set that anchors the room. Ordinary lamps magically became eye catching by simply changing out the lampshades. Andrea's design talents are showcased by the juicy chandeliers, the classic buffet, the fireplaces and the stunning backsplash she created as a part of my fabulous kitchen, to name just a few. Andrea assembled a talented team of craftsmen and artisans to work on my home who set the same high standards in their work and their work ethic. Andrea and I did leave a few corners of my home untouched four years ago, and I can't wait to get started transforming those spaces with her! More...
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Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures
Andrea is a wonderful and well rounded designer who provides excellent service to her clients. She has a way of beautifully mixing vintage, modern and classic pieces together to truly transform a space. We are always excited for the opportunity to collaborate with her on projects and the results are spectacular each and every time. More...
Reviewed on Houzz
What’s your interior design process?
First things first.
I like to start every design project with a brief complimentary phone call. I want
to hear about your project and get a sense of the scope of work, your wants
and needs, as well as your timeline and estimated budget. If, at the end of our
chat, it feels like we might be a good fit, we’ll move on to the next step, which is
the initial consultation.
Our first meeting.
Our first meeting will be at the site (if possible) and will last 1.5 to 2 hours. The
fee for this meeting is $475. Project minimum budget: $15,000.
During this meeting, we confirm the scope of work and go over the style
questionnaire you’ve filled out. We’ll take some initial measurements and
photos of your space. You’ll share your thoughts and ideas and I’ll share mine.
We’ll talk about your timeline and the investment you want to make in your
project. If you aren’t sure about your budget, I can help you determine some
realistic numbers. Most of all, this is a meeting to determine if we are a good fit
and if your needs align with what I can provide.
If so, I’ll take all the information you’ve shared with me about your project and
create a design proposal.
The Design Proposal
The interior design agreement will outline everything that will be included in your
project. It will itemize everything that will be designed, sourced and procured
on your behalf. This will be presented as a fixed fee, based on my past
experience with similar projects, and will be broken into two payments. The first
50% is due at the commencement of the project before work begins and the
balance is due at the time of the proposal presentation.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS.
Phase One: Information Gathering + Schematic Design
In this phase, we schedule a time to visit the site with our draftsmen and other
trades to take measurements and photos. This information is used to develop
plans, elevation and space plans. Preliminary design concepts and space plans
will be developed in the schematic design phase. Carefully considered spec
planning is crucial to a well-designed space and will inform all future decision
making.
Phase Two: Design Development + Final Presentation
Once we have our floor plans approved, we begin developing the design
narrative. Here, we flesh out the design with materials, finishes, fixtures,
furniture and color schemes. We design cabinetry, lighting and custom details.
Window treatments and soft goods are selected or designed. Quotes and
pricing are researched. This is the very important phase where all of the
elements of your project come together.
When it’s time for the final presentation, you’ll see drawings, samples, photos
and budget for the options presented. By the end of the meeting, we’ll have a
design scheme that meets your approval. We’ll do our best to arrange a field
trip if you want to see, touch and feel certain items. Timely approval of the
design scheme is crucial for maintaining accurate pricing and ensuring
availability of certain elements. Once the design has been approved and all
elements are finalized, we can begin executing the design.
Phase Three: Construction Documents + Procurement + Project Management
In this phase, we finalize all drawings required for renovation if applicable and
issue them to the appropriate industry professional.
Having finalized all approved elements of the design, we create and track
purchase orders necessary for your project. We also work with industry
professionals to ensure the project is being implemented the way we
envisioned.
Phase Four: Installation
Finally, we coordinate installation of all purchased items to ensure that no detail
is overlooked and your space is completed to your satisfaction.
Which interior design styles can you cater for?
A few words about Andrea May: With an artful mix of vintage, modern and classic elements, Andrea strives to create big-hearted, warm and welcoming spaces for her clients, imbued with unexpected elements and well-considered details. Andrea’s personalized, collaborative process and curatorial approach result in an offbeat style that’s timeless, modern and always livable.
What do you love most about your job?
I love working collaboratively with my clients to create inspiring spaces that reflect their needs and their personal styles.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Andrea May transitioned from a career as a writer to her passion, interior design, seamlessly merging her creativity with an innate ability to tell a story.
Why should our clients choose you?
Andrea opened her boutique firm in La Jolla in 2004 and strives to create big-hearted, warm and welcoming spaces for her clients, imbued with unexpected elements and well-considered details. Andrea’s personalized, collaborative process and curatorial approach result in an offbeat style that’s timeless, modern and always livable.
Acclaimed for interiors that are beautifully curated and collected to create rich and colorful spaces with lots of interest, Andrea works tirelessly to ensure that her clients’ dreams and needs are not only fulfilled, but far exceeded.
