NARI Panelist – Pamela Kofsky of Elegant Interior Designs
In January 2013, I was one of 3 business owners on a discussion panel for NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) on Building a Design-Build Team for Small Companies. The topic was centered around how can you market and operate effectively as a Design-Build company if you don’t have an in-house designer or architect. The panelist shared ideas and experiences about the benefits and potential pitfalls involved. Panelists were Brian Martin, Builder and Owner of The Master’s Design Build Group; Eric Van Reed, Architect, and Owner of Creative Design Associates and Pamela Kofsky, Interior Designer and Owner of Elegant Interior Designs.
Many people assume that interior design is an afterthought in the process of building and designing a home when in fact it should be one of the first things you consider. To help you better understand “Why involve an interior designer early in the building process?” I have compiled this list which includes a few points from the panel discussion:
- Window Placement: Do you ever think that a window is too close to a corner, out of place, or awkward in a space? What about when you were looking for a window treatment? Did that make it better or worse? Was there enough space for a window treatment? This problem could be easily avoided if the designer was involved before the construction of the home. Even moving the window as much as 1’ could make a big difference and could allow enough room for window treatments.
- Furniture Layout: can be determined prior to construction to make sure the room addition is large enough to accommodate the desired use of the room.
- Accents and Product Selection: Assistance with flooring, lighting, tiles, backsplash, plumbing fixtures, wall, ceiling, and trim colors can be determined early in the process and help the contractor and homeowner with a smooth and stress-free construction process.
- Electrical and Plumbing locations! Forget wishing the outlet was closer or using an extension cord –our floor plan can lay that out ahead of time.
- Improved Communication: Seeing the big picture early by the homeowner allows the designers to work with a design-build team to provide a single path of communication to the client and assist them with a comprehensive plan for the project. In the end, everyone wins!
Will you now include an interior designer on your design team during the initial planning phase? Don’t forget having an integrated team allows for the work to be completed faster, more efficiently, and with fewer problems.
Philadelphia Style Magazine Feature
Did you see us in the Summer 2011 Issue of Philadelphia Style Magazine? Our award-winning backyard escape was featured in the Table of Contents and on page 112.
Featured Article in Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
Elegant Interior Designs was featured in the May Issue of Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal, www.MAREjournal.com. The article featured her corporate interior design work for Exton Medical Arts Associates renovations in Chester County, PA.
“Deck-o-Rate Outdoors” – House & Home March 2011
“Deck-o-rate Outdoors” (March 2011)
Elegant Interior Designs’ award-winning deck makes headlines again in House & Home Magazine. When it comes to an outdoor redesign turn to Philadelphia’s award-winning designer, Pamela Kofsky. Pamela has the ability to see the potential of space indoors and outdoors to create a well-balanced functional space. Decks are the perfect place to spend the summer and fall months, don’t miss 2011’s outdoor season. Contact Elegant Interior Designs for help with your outdoor space.
COTY Award Winner – PRESS RELEASE 2011
Coty Press Release 2011
Elegant Interior Designs, Named Local Winner in the 2011 Contractor of the Year Awards sponsored by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry!
January 29, 2011 – Manor House, Horsham, PA — Elegant Interior Designs of Ambler, PA, wins the 2011 Meritorious Contractor of the Year Award in the Residential Exterior Specialty category. Awards are part of an annual competition held by the National Association of the Remolding Industry (NARI) that showcase members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects.
The Contractor of the Year (COTY) AWARDS IS WIDELY CONSIDERED THE PREMIER COMPETITION OF ITS KIND THROUGHOUT THE REMODELING INDUSTRY. To be considered, a company must be a NARI member and adhere to the NARI strict code of ethics. NARI members represent an exclusive group from the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as premier remodelers and builders within the industry.
An impartial panel of judges, who are considered experts within the industry and associated fields, selected winners based on each entrant’s “Before and After” photography and project description. Judging was based on problem-solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty, and entry presentation.
Pamela Kofsky, President, states that she is “honored and excited to be recognized by such an elite organization.” Elegant Interior Designs’ winning entry began with a run-down, poorly utilized, dysfunctional deck that was overhauled to create a stunning outdoor living space, complete with a conversational seating area, fire pit, dining and cooking area, and pergola.
“Color” in Solutions at Home – Philadelphia June 2007
“What color can instantly open up a room?” (page 11)
Pamela Kofsky of Elegant Interior Designs was asked for her professional opinion in Solutions at Home Philadelphia June 2007 edition. “What color can instantly open up a room?” Are you thinking of a color change in your space? See Pamela’s article below or contact her directly for a one-on-one consultation to not only select the right color and shade but to also create the right feel for your space.
“Powder Play” – Philadelphia Home & Garden Spring 2007
Lesson 3 – “Treat your Walls as Art”
Say goodbye to your traditional powder room or hall bathroom. Elegant Interior Designs was featured in Philadelphia Home & Garden Magazine for Lesson #3 – “Treat your Walls as Art.” Founder Pamela Kofsky discussed her powder room transformation by commissioning a mural on the walls.