I have a strong background in construction, having grown up in a family of architects and builders. I'm a good detective discovering who my clients are and who their customers are, if they are a business. Having designed many restaurants and hospitality projects, I've learned to be patient with contractors, yet firm in knowing what works and doesn't.
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3 customer reviews
Keshav chhetri
Carolyn took an empty place and made it into colorful Indian culture.
She created a place people are comfortable. Our decorations make customers feel good.
They compliment our place.
I would recommend Carolyn if you want a unique and artistic place .
She'll be devoted to your project.
Thanks again Carolyn!
Avatar's Indian Bistro, 8657 Auburn Folsom Rd, Granite Bay, CA
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Ines Cortes
Working with Carolyn Robbins was a creative, intriguing, interesting snd very successful experience. Carolyn has a profound understanding of space and color and she is an inventive problem solver. She asked the right questions and followed up in a timely manner. I would work with Carolyn Robbins in any project I may have in the future and I recommend her to anyone who is looking for an extraordinary designer. More...
Pat Phillips
Carolyn has helped me re-design my living room. We kept about half of the furniture that I originally had in the room and added some accents that totally changed the feeling of the room. I have some family furniture that I did not want to part with, and she respected that and built upon what I already had and liked. The addition of items like a new throw rug, a large floral arrangement, new lighting, and some new pillows and coverings completely updated the look of the room. All of my friends notice and compliment when they walk in my house. I will definitely use her for all of my design consultations in the future! More...
What’s your interior design process?
I work with my clients to understand what they would like from me, as their designer. I pay close attention to their natural style, or to their business plans and locations, if knowing 'a potential customer' is needed. I draw by hand quick sketches and offer ideas on the first meeting as well as work up a rough estimate of costs. If I am hired for the job, I then draw up a six week plan, indicating all steps we will take to finalize ideas, procure materials, vet contractors and checklist costs.
Which interior design styles can you cater for?
All styles. I think my work shows this. Design styles are many, yet when you get down to brass tacks; there are finer constraints like the existing architecture and what that style hints to, the mood and feel of what is needed in a hospitality environment for instance...(who is being attracted?), the eclectic mix of styles more acceptable in today's world, like never before. The natural styles that people are familiar with in their past homes, can be taken into account with new design changes, in some cases. I cater to the person or business, and what they like or need, more than I do to any particular design style.
What do you love most about your job?
Working with people. I find that over the years, even with difficult construction situations, I like it when an outcome makes all parties happy. It's not always possible, but the building puzzles between my craftsmen and clients, has always brought me back for more. I thrive on the client's excitement when the job is complete. I believe in supplying many tools to make it easy for the client to imagine the result, like models and renderings but when it all comes together it is just plain fun to watch.
What inspired you to start your own business?
No one would hire me. Truthfully, I can be motivated in ways that drive a project along, and all too often when I wanted to cease with the board room talks and get into the dust on the building site, to work out the problems, well...it didn't bode well for me. I guess I was always destined to be the captain of the ship. I also love to take on challenging work, no matter the budget and often design firms are compelled by square footage. I like the advantages small business owners possess, over large. Making a positive difference is paramount for me, in creating a successful outcome.
Why should our clients choose you?
I'm more creative than most. I think out the functional and esthetic equally when designing. I'm a good detective before I design....I find out about who my clients are, rather than what trends I can sell. I know more than most about construction, which makes it easier to converse with builders. I'm hard headed when it comes to the details. Yes, I'll compromise, but only when the opposing view is articulated well and makes sense. Like my architect grandfather taught me: make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I can make a little bit of money go a long way.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes. I do the Zoom thing, the Facetime thing and all the bells and whistles. What I'm best at, is describing through drawings, photos, website links and voice recorded messages. I use every app imaginable running two websites and all the social media surrounding them, but if there is one thing that I have learned: the value of time and being concise. I would probably spend more time up front with a new client, by asking questions and listening on Zoom, but then I would prefer email and phone.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Zoom and Google Drive. I stand apart from people on construction sites and yell a lot. :)
Commerical and residential design services
I've been a designer for over thirty years having designed over 60 restaurants and 32 homes. I work with a small group of talented artisans who know their fields impeccably. I focus on what is your particular individual tastes or talents in your industry. I believe my commercial properties have been successful because I use a variety of creative solutions. If you want either the classic, or an unusually entertaining space, take a few moments and let's chat.
