Interview with Astrid Newton Rush, ASID of Astrid Newton Rush Interiors
We would like to introduce you to one of our favorite designers! Astrid Newton Rush has worked with us on several projects and agreed to an interview. We asked her questions to help define the designer's roll and what to look for when deciding to use a professional.
FCD: What makes you different from a designer you can find at a Home Depot or Lowes?
Astrid: I can't attest to the education, experience or qualifications required to work as a designer at those stores. However, I can tell you something about myself. I am a Florida registered interior designer with over 30 years of experience in my field. I am not simply an interior decorator. I am an interior designer with professional credentials. I am NCIDQ certified. This means I have attained the highest level of profession certification in my field through my education, work experience and a lengthy examination process. Also, my skill set is not limited to one area, such as a kitchen or window treatment design. I am well versed in all areas of interior design. In addition, in order to keep my license/registration active, I must take continuing education classes every two years that cover building codes and HSW certification which pertains to issues related to health, safety and welfare.
FCD: What is your goal when working with a client?
Astrid: My goal is always to create a comfortable home environment for my clients, a place which they can feel relaxed and at ease. It is important to me that I understand my clients' lifestyle needs and aesthetic preferences, and that I am able to translate this into their home environment. For me, as a designer, it is important to give my clients the experience of sanctuary in their homes.
FCD: How does your design process work?
Astrid: My design process begins with getting to know my clients and observing the space in which they live. I ask questions, I listen and I take notes. I trust in my instincts. I am very open and honest with my clients. I tell them if I think they are on the wrong track or making poor decisions. As for the process itself, I believe in inspiration and doing the right thing. This applies to both people and place. I like to involve my clients in the choices I make for them. I aim to create a home environment that they will appreciate and enjoy when my work is finished.
FCD: Our last job together was the modern kitchen and I saw how closely you worked with our kitchen design and the owners wishes. It was truly a collaboration and the end result showed all the hard work that went into the design.
FCD: What is the process when hiring a designer?
Astrid: As for the process itself, we begin with a site visit and intake interview. We establish our goals and outline the scope of services for the job. I prepare a written letter of agreement that clarifies the scope of services, the timeline and the method of remuneration. Once that is signed and the required deposit is paid, we begin working together to complete the design process. Some clients like to shop for furnishings with me, while others prefer to have me make a presentation in their homes.
FCD: What can you expect when hiring an interior designer?
Astrid: An interior designer is a qualified professional. Each designer structures their fees individually. I work on either a flat design fee based on the scope of the job or, if the scope of the job is more limited, on an hourly fee, In addition, I charge a markup on goods that I specify or sell to my clients. In many cases this works out advantageously for the client. Since I am able to purchase goods at wholesale prices, I am able to pass some of these discounts onto my clients.
FCD: What are the advantages for a client when using a designer instead of doing it themselves?
Astrid: The biggest advantages are both financial and aesthetic. An interior designer can save you time and prevent you from making costly mistakes. They will enforce timelines, inspect subcontractors’ work, and guide you every step of the way. Also, a good designer will make sure your finished project functions well, looks great and answers your lifestyle needs.
Today, many consumers are well informed, and their understanding of good design is far greater than it was in years past before the advent of social media and HGTV. Still, it takes great skill to create a well-executed design scheme. It’s not just about choosing furnishings or finishes that one finds pleasing to the eye, it’s more about integrating all of the design elements into a larger harmonious composition. A good designer has the ability to help you see the big picture.
FCD: What is the scope of work you offer?
Astrid: I currently specialize in residential design. I assist in interior decoration, remodeling and full-scale interior design projects. I help my clients with furniture layouts, specification of furniture, furnishings, lighting and accessories, window treatment design, selection of art, kitchen and bath design as well as exterior aesthetic considerations, such as specifying pool tile, pavers and outdoor furniture and lighting. I also specialize in Feng Shui design.
FCD: How long have you been in the business and what accreditations do you have?
Astrid: I have been in the business of interior design since the 1980's. I started working in the field of interior design in Europe, then moved to the US and worked in New York and Connecticut until the mid 1990's, when we moved to the Fort Lauderdale area. I am a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and I am NCIDQ certified. I also hold a diploma form Grand Master Raymond Lo's School of Feng Shui and Destiny in Hong Kong.
FCD: Thank you for sharing your experience and technical expertise with us! It has been a pleasure to interview you!
All images are provided by Astrid Newton Rush Interiors and are representations of her work.
You can see more of Astrid's work on her website. She has worked with the following companies on the designs featured in the photos.
Fournier Custom Designs Inc. Lake Worth; Ciara Cabinet Designs Inc. Boca Raton; Kitchen Strand Inc. Hobe Sound; Brubaker Kitchen Cabinets
