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I can understand that this name choice for an Interior Design Business sparks some interest, which was one of the reasons why I ultimately decided on 911 Interior Design.
However, the inspiration for the name comes from my personal life. Having worked in the medical field in various capacities since the age of 18, including becoming a physician in Germany and working as a Paramedic in the U.S., I would say I am used to challenging and stressful situations. Emerging myself in Real Estate and Interior Design, I started to notice quite a few similarities.
I worked with properties in Germany and then started over in the U.S. with several homes over the years and a significantly growing family, to include my amazing children and many 4-legged family members. Later on, I ultimately ended up purchasing Real Estate for the purpose of generating additional income and as a form of investment.
I quickly came to realize that no matter how perfectly things were planned, the reality is that not a single project ever goes 100% as expected. There are a multitude of challenges and setbacks that are out of one’s control with no one to blame (of course there are also “avoidable problems”). Though it may sometimes feel like a “life or death situation,” and can be very stressful, upsetting, and even result in financial losses, the beauty of the thing is: it is NOT life or death! There will be a solution. And no, it does not have to be a mediocre compromise. Being creative, resilient, level-headed and able to think outside of the box are just a few qualities needed in such a situation, and those are the exact same qualities one has to have when working in the medical field.
While working as a Paramedic in the U.S., the similarities between medicine and Interior Design continued to catch my attention. I was exposed to people from many different cultural and financial backgrounds and in all stages of life. Being respectful, compassionate, approachable, able to communicate, and accomplished at gauging a situation and mood quickly are extremely important skills one has to have in both fields. Listening to what a person is saying, while being on the lookout for what is being said “in-between the lines” is another quality needed in both lines of work. As is the ability to get down to the root problem and offer a solution that works for all.
I have experienced a lot of overlap between these two disciplines, and I will use what I have learned to help you have the best outcome on your project.
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I did not stop working as a Paramedic completely, but I did stop being employed in a full-time position, allowing me to work on my design projects on my own schedule. Being in EMS for many years and working a strictly fixed schedule with 24 hour shifts stopped aligning with what I wanted to achieve. I decided it was time to restructure my work - life balance in a way that would allow me to venture out as an Interior Designer with my own business. Now, I still work as a Paramedic but only part-time with mostly 12 hour shifts only so I can continue to act on my passion for medicine while being able to purse my love for Interior Design as well.
It is very rewarding to assist a homeowner in making their vision become a reality. Seeing a space be transformed into something fresh and reformed, while still reflecting the owner’s personality and style, is what makes me happy. I can truly say that I get to do “the best of both worlds”!
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A home that was working just fine at a certain point, may need more than just “cosmetic updates.” Your different design needs and space requirements will change over time with your constantly evolving lifestyle. And let's not forget, that our taste usually does not stay the same over the years!
Sometimes, it may seem impossible for a homeowner to figure out where to start, and the process may be too overwhelming. If this is the case, rest assured you are not alone. Let a professional guide you through the maze and show you how enjoyable this process can actually be. It will be completely up to you how much you want to be involved - or how little. The goal is simple: to unleash the potential of your space and redesign it together.
Whether you are in the early stages of building your new home, your home’s construction is mostly completed (“a shell”), or, most commonly, you are living in your home and are looking for some changes, it is never too early or too late to consult a professional.
Let’s set up a time for a free, initial consultation to discuss your vision!
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911 Interior Design by Nicole prides itself on offering exceptional, customized interior design services and related services such as staging prior to selling your home and preparing a home to become a successful vacation home or rental property.
911 Interior Design operates in two vastly different locations – Chapel Hill and the surrounding Pittsboro, RTP, and Durham areas as well as the Eastern Carolina coast –which comes with a deep understanding of the unique character and needs of these areas and serves as a well of inspiration.
From the initial consultation to the final reveal, my process is thorough and client focused.
I consider us working together a true team effort and emphasize transparency and honesty. Making unrealistic promises will come out eventually and hurts everyone involved. I always disclose all available information upfront and will never deviate from an agreed upon plan or go over budget without written homeowner approval.
I strive to transform every space according to my client’s vision. Special care is given to fuse the visual with functionality, while creating a space that reflects the personality and lifestyle of the homeowner.
And lastly, I am extremely flexible and happy to accommodate any special circumstances and welcome homeowners that want to be involved in the process. After all, we are talking about your home!