Donna Hoffman is an award-winning and sought after interior designer, as well as former QVC host, working from Interiors By Donna Hoffman, in Pennsylvania. Donna can merge smart design ideas with individual design styles, to create rooms that you will love to live in. She has design savvy, sensitivity and problem solving skills, which she utilises to create personalised spaces. She has also been featured in Real Simple, Country Accents, CNBC and ABC. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Donna Hoffman.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Using our client’s Design Fingerprint, we create authentically beautiful interiors that fit them like a glove. We employ visual rhythms that results in tailored yet relaxed sophistication. Ahhhhh…
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
For residential work, we begin with our Design Fingerprint exercise to unearth a client’s cravings and aversions. Next we consider budget, client goals and existing architecture to determine how to best dive in.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Both of our window workrooms of preference, along with our custom cabinetry group consistently demonstrate outstanding artistry, yet it is delivered with excellent specificity, professionalism, and timeliness. We love artisans. However flaky artists drive us crazy and worse, they drive our clients crazy. Thus, we work hard to find excellently talented individuals who bring great gifts to the table, but also excellent business processes and efficiencies.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
We like to look at our clients’ treasured objects; I find the environment itself can marvelously whisper its needs and wants; and I find fabric a land in which to get lost - a fount of inspiration.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I read recently that interior design is a glorious discipline but a terrible business. I have to agree. The complex business side of design is what makes or breaks designers’ careers, regardless of talent level. So I’d advise that aspiring designers get training in budgeting, project management, business management and basic business skills. When clients are spending their hard earned money, you need to make sure you deliver excellent design, yes, but also an equally excellent experience for them which includes solid design processes, clear procedures and strong project management. But this is truly the golden nugget any aspiring designer needs to know.
