2020 Customer Spotlight
Amy has known that she wanted to be a designer her entire life. As a child, she was always rearranging her room and drawing up floor plans for dream houses. Amy has a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Central Michigan University and an MBA from Marylhurst University.
Amy struggled for a while to find the right fit within the industry, but looking back, she appreciates all the experience she has gathered. “I’ve done retail furniture sales, visual merchandising, and now commercial design,” explains Dobbrastine. “I love the way my current job challenges me. Space planning and designing systems furniture is like putting together a puzzle, and my brain is always buzzing with new ideas!”
Question & Answer Session
Q: When did you start using 2020 Visual Impression and what were some of your reasons for choosing that software?
I started using 2020 Visual Impression when I started working at Common Sense. I was briefly introduced and then learned most of the program on my own, by exploring and continuously pushing to learn more about the program’s capabilities.
Q: What are some of the most helpful features you use in 2020 Visual Impression and why?
To me, the most helpful feature is the ability to add extras and accessories to the design, because those elements are what make the images come to life and allow someone to envision themselves there.
Q: What has been your experience working with 2020?
The online training opportunities are very valuable, and I’ve learned so many helpful tips & tricks through them!
Q: What was the inspiration behind the design you submitted for the 2020 Office contest?
The root of my inspiration was a client that was very interested in using natural wood elements in combination with more modern and masculine pieces to create a comfortable and professional office that reflected the vibe in his home. I expanded off of what we did in his office for this design.
About the Designer
Amy Dobbrastine
Common Sense Office Furniture
Favorite design style:
Coastal & industrial
Favorite paint color:
Emerald green
Favorite industry site/blog:
Instagram for inspiration
Quote that inspires you:
“The details are not the details, they make the design.” – Charles Eames
Q: Describe your creative process. What questions do you ask your clients? Where do you get your inspirations from?
I always like to start by just asking them what THEY like. What speaks to THEM? What inspires THEM? These details are a great start. Even if they insist that they have no idea what they want, most of the time, if I start putting options in front of them, a path will emerge, and I can build a design from there. As a designer, we have so many options and directions to choose from, but to me, the most important indicator of success is that the client feels comfortable in the space.
Q: What is your favorite style of office to design?
Anything with bold color and a sense of personality that is outside of the norm!
Q: What are some of your favorite manufacturer catalogs to use in your design projects?
My go-to catalogs are Global, JSI, Groupe Lacasse & Enwork. For something with a bit more attitude, I’m looking at Allermuir & Arcadia. There are many more that I use on a daily basis as well.
Q: What guidance would you provide to any designer who is considering 3D CAD tools for office design?
They are a MUST! 3D tools just give so much more than a 2D floor plan to a client who has a hard time visualizing. They aid in spatial awareness, showing products with customized finishes and providing a sense of the overall vibe of a space.
Q: What do you predict for office design trends in the future?
Who knows!? But I can’t wait to find out!
Q: Tell us something unusual that has happened in your career.
I worked for quite a few years at Walt Disney World, in food & beverage and retail. I treasure those memories and am thankful for the customer service experience it gave me. I also like to think it helped to infuse my personality and design style with a healthy dose of whimsy & magic!
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