Q&A with our Principal Interior Designer
Meet Jessica, our principal designer and founder of HSH Collective Home and Design! That’s right, you have come to the perfect place if you are looking for all the details on interior design. We are spilling all of the tea on how to become an interior designer, how to start an interior design firm, and more of the most asked questions we receive! Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Q: How long have you been in the interior design industry?
A: I have been in the world of design for 30 years now! It all began when I earned my degree in Interior Design. Following that, I honed my skills over the years working with local companies until I took the leap and founded HSH Designs. What started as a personal venture has since evolved into HSH Collective, offering a spectrum of services ranging from full-service design to architectural brilliance.
Q: How did you start how to start an interior design business?
A: It’s crazy to say that I am hitting 20 years with my interior design business in 2024. It feels like yesterday when I was working at my first design firm. After working 5 years in the industry, I realized my passion was not only for design but also for owning a business where I could give clients all over the country the best experience in using an interior designer.
I’ve always had a love for helping people create their dream space whether it was a full home remodel, redesigning a church or office, adding wallpaper to a bedroom, or renovating a kitchen. I founded HSH Designs with the idea that no project was too small. From there I was able to develop a whole branch of “collectives”, rebranding to HSH Collective Home and Design in 2023.
I’m so proud to say that my business now offers an amazing team of designers, a signature candle line, and a variety of home design services including full-service design, rental design, and architectural design.
Q: What is full-service interior design?
A: An easy definition for full-service design is that we help you create your dream space from the ground up. Whether it's your first home, your tenth home, or even a commercial site, our team walks with you through the full design process every step of the way.
From initial concept, architecture designs, and interior selections to furniture delivery, install day, and final walkthroughs, we work closely with every job site vendor, and, most importantly, you! As our clients, our main goal is to bring your vision to life.
We not only design the home with your style, but we are also here to make sure it serves as a functioning space.
Q: What is your design style?
A: My interior design style ranges per client. I really like to focus on what aesthetic they want their space to develop. Throughout my career, I have crafted homes from coastal retreats to Mediterranean revival, to eclectic designers and mid-century gems.
BUT if we’re talking about my personal home style, you can find it a mix between old and uniquely me. By this, I mean that my own home brings in natural light, antique furniture, and cherished family heirlooms. I love a good patterned fabric or funky accessories that bring in the space while adding portraits and accessories that mean something to my family.
We believe that a home should reflect the personality and preferences of the clients. I would never turn down a style choice, that’s what makes this career so fun! I love discovering new styles and selections that make my clients ecstatic because it is their space at the end of the day.
Whether you want bold wallpaper, luxury furniture pieces, or family portraits, our team excels in adding individuality to each project.
Q: What does HSH in HSH Collective Home and Design stand for?
A: When I started HSH Collective, I wanted it to be more than just a design firm; I wanted it to be a family, not only with my team but also with my clients. Thus creating the initials HSH.
H: The first H stands for Holmes, my maiden name, which symbolizes the beginning of my career and building this company.
S: The S stands for Sterling, my son, a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
H: And the last H stands for Holiday, my married name, a testament to who I am today and the family I have made.
Q: how much does an interior designer cost?
A: This might be our most asked question and in all honesty, it depends! The cost of hiring an interior designer varies between companies, location, the scope of the project, the client's preferences, and, of course, the budget.
At HSH Collective, our pricing structure is transparent and flexible, with a flat design rate tailored to the project, additionally, we charge an hourly fee for our team's services and a 10% procurement rate for furniture and accessories.
Don’t let this scare you! I truly believe that no project is too big or too small for my firm. So, whether you're looking for a full-home redesign or simply seeking to refresh your space, we're here to help within your budget.
I hope this gave you a little more insight into the world of interior design! If you have any more questions, please contact us. We’d love to hear all about your project and how we can help.