Jennifer Terry is the owner and founder of Calm & Collected, offering organizational and design services based in Pennsylvania. Jennifer has been organising in one way or another all of her life but it wasn’t until she was advised to do it professionally that she made it more than just a hobby. She then expanded her skill set to include interior design services, by completing the Residential Design program from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Jennifer Terry.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is transitional, it almost has to be! My husband’s job as a pastor requires us to move every few years. Our home is made of accumulated things that we love.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I always draw the room first. Then I place in it the biggest most desired item my client is looking for, and then I work in any other furniture and client desires.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I try to live by the phrase “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right!” Fellow designer, Kate FitzGerald-Wilks at Timeless Design has internalized this phrase in her own life to: “Where there’s a Wilks, there’s a way!” She is all about solutions, never about problems. It’s a great way to approach design- and life!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Believe it or not: Google. If I am stuck, I just type in exactly what I’m looking for with all the descriptive words: “long, low cabinet to hold crafts” or “rattan chandelier”. And then I see what pops up!
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
My passion for putting everything in a place that made sense led me to become a professional organizer. My desire to be a better organizer led me to study interior design. My advice would be to follow your passion and if the opportunities don’t exist- create them! [Max. 50 words]
