Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandee Sharp
Hi Mandee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the world of design began as a child, playing The Sims, which sparked my passion for drafting and 3D rendering. In 2008, I took my first professional steps by working at big-box construction stores. Starting as a lawn and garden specialist, I steadily worked my way up, immersing myself in the craft of kitchen and bath design, fueled by my love for creating functional and beautiful spaces.
My educational background is a cornerstone of my professional development. After a year of dedicated studying and navigating testing center closures, I earned my Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) certification in 2020. Furthering my expertise, I received my Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP) designation in 2024.
In 2022, I felt it was time to elevate my career to the next level, taking on more extensive projects and creating a business that reflected my values and vision. With this goal in mind, I made the bold decision to leave my retail job and joined a local cabinet shop as a Cabinet Engineer. This role allowed me to deepen my technical expertise and understanding of the intricacies involved in high-quality cabinetry work. It was a significant step that provided invaluable experience, enhancing my ability to deliver exceptional design solutions.
Simultaneously, I embarked on the exciting journey of launching Laurelwood Interiors, a business named in honor of my grandmother, Laurel. She played a pivotal role in my upbringing, and her qualities of kindness, thoughtfulness, honesty, and genuineness are the foundation upon which I built my company. Laurelwood Interiors aims to reflect these values, offering clients designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also thoughtfully crafted to meet their needs.
Over the next two years, I balanced my role at the cabinet shop with growing my business, taking on various projects that helped build a strong portfolio and reputation. By 2024, it became clear that the demand for my design services was growing, and I felt a deep conviction to dedicate myself entirely to Laurelwood Interiors. I made the significant decision to leave the cabinet shop and pursue my business full-time, fully committing to providing personalized and innovative design solutions.
This transition marked a new chapter for Laurelwood Interiors, allowing me to focus entirely on expanding my offerings, particularly in the realm of accessible and universal design. My grandmother’s influence continues to guide me as I strive to create spaces that are inclusive, functional, and beautiful, reflecting the genuine care and consideration she has exemplified throughout her life.
As my business has grown, I have become increasingly aware of the significant gap in accessible and universal design within the industry. This crucial area of design is often overlooked or avoided by many professionals in both the construction and design sectors. However, I have come to realize that accessibility is not just an optional feature but a fundamental necessity that can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with various needs.
My commitment to accessibility and universal design has been deeply influenced by personal experiences with family and friends who have faced a range of challenges. These include blindness, neuropathy, mental health issues, CHARGE syndrome (Deaf-Blind), wheelchair needs, childhood cancer, and autism. Witnessing the struggles and triumphs of my loved ones has given me a profound understanding of the importance of creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and inclusive.
For instance, my experience with a close family member who is losing her vision and can become blind at any moment has taught me the importance of tactile and auditory cues in design. Similarly, seeing a friend navigate life with neuropathy has highlighted the need for ergonomic solutions and easy-to-use fixtures. The diverse challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues or those living with CHARGE syndrome have underscored the importance of creating calming, sensory-friendly environments. These personal connections have instilled in me a deep empathy and a drive to ensure that my designs cater to a wide range of needs.
In my professional journey, I have observed that many newly built homes fail to address these essential needs, often resulting in spaces that are not fully accessible to all. This gap in the market has motivated me to focus on accessible and universal design as a core aspect of Laurelwood Interiors. My aim is to create spaces that are inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, can live comfortably and independently.
To further my mission, I have educated myself extensively on the principles of universal design, which goes beyond traditional accessibility measures. Universal design aims to create environments that are inherently accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. This approach eliminates the need for labels and promotes inclusivity in every aspect of design.
Moreover, this year I partnered with a builder who has personal experience in constructing spaces for those with accessibility needs. This collaboration has been a game-changer, allowing me to confidently offer comprehensive services that integrate both design and construction elements. Together, we strive to create homes and spaces that are not only functional and accessible but also stylish and welcoming.
In summary, my dedication to accessible and universal design is driven by a combination of personal experiences and a professional commitment to inclusivity. At Laurelwood Interiors, we believe that everyone deserves a space that meets their unique needs, and we are passionate about making this vision a reality for our clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The transition from being a lawn and garden associate to a Kitchen and Bath Designer was surprisingly swift. My potential in the design realm was recognized almost immediately, which propelled my career forward. However, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. One of the most challenging decisions I faced was leaving my well-paying, stable job with benefits to start my own business. As the primary provider for most of my career, this leap into entrepreneurship was daunting.
When I first launched Laurelwood Interiors, I was fortunate to have several projects lined up, keeping me consistently busy. However, the design industry is highly influenced by the economy, and I quickly learned that business could be quite cyclical. There have been times of great prosperity, but there have also been significant lulls. These slow periods were particularly tough, as they required careful financial planning and resource management to ensure the sustainability of my business.
Another challenge has been establishing a brand and building a client base from the ground up. In the beginning, gaining trust and credibility in the market required a tremendous amount of effort. Networking, marketing, and word-of-mouth referrals played crucial roles in this process. Each project became an opportunity to demonstrate my skills and commitment to excellence, gradually building a reputation that clients could rely on.
Balancing multiple roles as a business owner, designer, and often, the person handling administrative tasks, was another hurdle. There were many long days and late nights, especially in the early stages, where I juggled everything from design consultations to bookkeeping. This experience taught me the importance of time management and the value of delegating tasks to trusted team members as the business grew.
Furthermore, keeping up with the ever-evolving trends and technologies in interior design demanded continuous learning and adaptation. Investing in professional development and staying updated with the latest industry standards has been essential to provide my clients with innovative and high-quality designs.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has been a learning experience, strengthening my resolve and passion for design. These experiences have shaped Laurelwood Interiors into a resilient and adaptive business, ready to face the future with confidence and creativity.
As you know, we’re big fans of Laurelwood Interiors . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Laurelwood Interiors is a full-service interior design firm dedicated to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and inclusive. Our mission is to transform homes into personal sanctuaries that reflect our clients’ unique tastes and lifestyles while ensuring accessibility and comfort for everyone.
We specialize in a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our offerings include full-service design, where we handle every aspect of the project from concept to completion. This comprehensive service covers everything from space planning, material selection, and custom cabinetry design to project management and final installation. Our goal is to provide a seamless and stress-free experience, delivering exceptional results that exceed expectations.
One of our unique offerings is the “Designer for a Day” and Consultation services. This service is perfect for clients who may not need a full-scale design project but still want professional guidance. During a Designer for a Day session, I spend several hours with the client, providing expert advice on various aspects of their home. This can include selecting paint colors, furniture arrangement, choosing accessories, or even creating a mini design plan. It’s a flexible, personalized service that gives clients the confidence to make informed design decisions.
What truly sets Laurelwood Interiors apart is our commitment to accessible and universal design. Inspired by personal experiences with family and friends facing various challenges, we understand the importance of creating spaces that cater to all abilities. Our designs prioritize functionality without compromising on style, ensuring that every space is usable and enjoyable for everyone. Whether it’s incorporating wider doorways, selecting ergonomic fixtures, or designing sensory-friendly environments, we take pride in making thoughtful, inclusive design choices.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating spaces that genuinely improve the lives of my clients. At the heart of Laurelwood Interiors is a commitment to designing environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply functional and inclusive. This focus on accessible and universal design stems from my personal experiences with loved ones facing various challenges, and it drives everything we do.
Design has a profound impact on our daily lives. It can influence our mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential to me that every project we undertake at Laurelwood Interiors not only looks beautiful but also enhances the way our clients live in their spaces. This means considering every detail, from the flow of a room to the textures and colors used, ensuring that each element serves a purpose and adds value.
Another core value is the importance of empathy and understanding in the design process. I strive to listen carefully to my clients’ needs, desires, and concerns, allowing me to create personalized solutions that truly resonate with them. Each project is a collaborative journey, where the client’s vision and lifestyle guide the design, resulting in spaces that feel uniquely theirs.
Inclusivity is also a cornerstone of our work. I am passionate about making design accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or personal circumstances. This commitment to universal design ensures that our spaces can be enjoyed by all, creating environments where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. It’s about breaking down barriers and designing with empathy and foresight, considering the diverse needs of all individuals.
Ultimately, what matters most to me is making a positive difference in the lives of my clients. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on their faces when they step into their newly designed space is the most rewarding part of my job. It reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of design and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in every project.
At Laurelwood Interiors, we believe that a well-designed space can change lives. Our goal is to create homes that not only look stunning but also support and enhance the lives of those who live in them. This dedication to improving quality of life through thoughtful, inclusive design is what truly matters most to me.
Pricing:
- Designer for a Day Starting at $600
- Full Service- Custom quoted based on the scope of work
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurelwoodinteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelwood_interiors/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Laurelwood_Interiors
