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91 design your own adventure Early in my career, I realized I wasn't always content with just the design basics. I have always wanted that extra little oomph to make something unique—and product design has given me the opportunity to truly take a space further and create a one-of-a-kind environment. Typically, product design is born out of necessity. When working on custom homes, every piece must have the proper scale and proportion and that isn't always possible with standard items. Also, by customizing pieces, the overall design is more flexible, the quality is superior, and the client can enjoy something that was made just for them. Whether solving a design challenge or creating a focal point, the custom process emphasizes function, proportion, aesthetics, and materials. Client involvement is also key right from the start, as the collaborative approach maximizes creativity, execution, and excitement. Inspiration for custom pieces can come from just about anywhere. For me, it's often an accumulation of things I have seen in my travels, or in nature along with glints of ideas picked up along the way from magazines, books, and more. I have ideas running through my head constantly, and I love using my imagination to transform ordinary furnishing profiles into something special. My most recognized and successful custom units have been unique fireplaces and entertainment walls. Designing this area in a home can change the look of a room dramatically and create a sense of ambience that is charmingly elegant or warmly welcoming. Instead of focusing just on the fireplace, I like to concentrate on the entire wall and integrate design elements that I can base the rest of the room's décor around. I also enjoy creating tables, headboards, headboard walls, front doors, and area rugs, among many other items.

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