2020 Customer Spotlight
Justine has wanted to be an interior designer for as long as she can remember. “I was always rearranging my bedroom furniture as a child and driving my parents crazy,” admits Justine. After having her son while she was still in high school, she knew she needed to quickly take action on a career path.
Justine job-shadowed for her Aunt, a local interior designer, while she was enrolled in a business class in high school. Shortly after, she enrolled in the interior design program at Clover Park Technical College while finishing up her high school diploma.
“I worked for a small design firm while attending college, and after graduating I was hired at a kitchen and bath firm where I worked for almost four years,” says Justine. In April of 2017, she became an adjunct instructor at Clover Park, where she now teaches 2020 Design as part of their kitchen and bath program.
Justine opened Justine Marie Designs in August of 2017 where she works full time. She is a recent recipient of NKBA’s 2019 Thirty Under 30 class, and she will be attending KBIS in February. Justine is currently studying for her AKBD exam and she absolutely loves the career path she has chosen.
Question & Answer Session
Q: When did you start using 2020 Design and what were some of your reasons for choosing that software?
I started using 2020 Design in school (Clover Park Technical College) when I took a kitchen and bath course. It was one of the many software programs I was taught during my schooling, but I loved how versatile 2020 Design was. It was the only program with built-in pricing, and it was so easy to switch from elevations to floor plans to perspective drawings. A large reason I was hired right out of school to work at a kitchen and bath firm was because of my knowledge of 2020 Design.
About the Designer
Justine Marie
Justine Marie Designs
Favorite industry site/blog:
Style by Emily Henderson
Favorite designer:
Candice Olson
Favorite design style:
Traditional/transitional
Favorite paint color:
Naval by Sherwin Williams
Favorite book:
Business Boutique by Christy Wright
Q: What are some of the most helpful features you use in 2020 Design and why?
I love 2020 Cloud because I can personalize a client’s space and make their drawings just a little nicer with a few clicks. A tool that I use constantly is the Center tool to easily center sinks under windows, ranges within a wall, etc. I also find the Countertops & Trims tab extremely helpful because once all your cabinets are placed, you can instantly add countertops, toe kick, light balance, crown moulding and more.
Q: What has been your experience working with 2020?
Everyone that I have worked with at 2020 has been great! There have been a few times where my 2020 file had been acting up and support was able to fix the problem immediately, over the phone.
Q: What was the inspiration behind the design you submitted for the 2020 contest?
I was inspired by the Northwest elements in the existing space and the client’s contemporary style.
Q: Describe your creative process. What questions do you ask your clients? Where do you get your inspirations from?
During my initial meeting with a client, I try to listen a lot. I ask them questions like “What do you want out of your new space?” and “what do you dislike most about your current space?”
For kitchens, “do you like to cook?” I always try to nail down what style of appliances they want to help me lay out a final cabinet plan. From there, I measure the entire space and wrap up the consultation.
I typically sleep on the design for a day or two and then I get started in laying it out in 2020 Design. I try to focus on function first and then finishes so as not to overwhelm the customer. Once we finalize the layout of the space, I update the 2020 Design perspectives as we proceed with selections. I find it keeps clients excited about their project.
Like most, I get my inspiration from Instagram, Houzz and Pinterest. I also find inspiration in magazines and books.
Q: Do you design spaces other than kitchens and bathrooms? If so, which ones?
I specialize in kitchen and bath design but design other spaces as well. I assist clients in picking finishes and space planning their entire homes if they are remodelling or building; living and dining rooms, bedrooms, laundry rooms, closets, etc.
Q: Do you use any 2020 Cloud decorative items? If so, which ones?
Yes! This is specific, but my most commonly used cloud item is probably the Bar Stool – Black. Sometimes I change the color, but it goes well with all different styles, especially with the farmhouse trend that is going around right now. I also use appliances, sinks, lighting, furniture, and small decorative items to personalize a space in my drawings.
Q: What are some of your favorite catalogs to use in your design projects?
Since I sell cabinetry, the cabinet catalogs are one of my favorites. They make it easy for me to design and price a kitchen. I also like the plumbing and appliance catalog.
Q: What guidance would you provide to any designer who is considering 3D CAD tools for interior design?
I would recommend any designer interested in using 3D CAD tools for their designs take classes on the program that they are interested in along with watching video tutorials. Even after knowing the program, continuing education on that program is important (everything is always changing). Self-teaching can be beneficial, but you can spend hours working on a drawing file instead of just knowing all the shortcuts and ins-and-outs of a specific program, which can really save a lot of time and frustration.
Q: Tell us something unusual that has happened in your career.
I have just recently been selected as one of NKBA’s 30 Under 30 Honorees and will be attending KBIS 2019 where I will look for innovative products to present.
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