Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Peck
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Austin and went to college at Texas A&M where I played lacrosse all four years. After graduating I went to Chiropractic school and graduated with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. I opened my own practice in 2017. During covid, my husband and I purchased our first home and I had my first chance to flex my design skills. After much encouragement from friends and family, I went back to school to get the education I felt I was missing to be a full time interior designer.
I have now owned Rachel Peck Interiors working on all sorts of projects from new builds/spec homes to major full-home remodels for 3 years. My favorite part of the job is problem solving while creating something unique that hasn’t existed before. Each new project is a new blank canvas in which I have the opportunity to help give the client a space that they are proud of that helps evoke a sense of calm and wellbeing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been all smooth. Interior design is an extremely intricate field. The nuances compound when working with different contractors/builders on each project on top of working with clients who all operate differently in how they make decisions, value their money in the projects and expectations.
I have come to understand that communication and being forthcoming with any issues/problems, with both partners in the industry along with my clients, has to come first: every problem has a solution.
Putting the client first, managing expectations and constant communication are pivotal to having a successful and ENJOYABLE project for everyone involved.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I design spaces that are unique to the client and allow for the surroundings to affect the wellbeing of those that are experiencing them. As they say that you look good you feel good, I believe the same is true that when you are in a beautifully decorated and balanced space you will be able to operate as efficiently as possible. A beautifully designed space allows for stress reduction and a restorative effect.
I value my clients experience about as much as the final product. Construction/remodeling is a very stressful experience. It is time-consuming, expensive and can be very frustrating to clients. I want to set myself apart by not only creating one-of-a-kind beautiful personalized designs, but also give them the best experience through these stressful moments as possible. I am the clients advocate, and their biggest cheerleader throughout the construction/build process.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
In the beginning, there are no bad projects BUT that does have an expiration date. There is a point in the beginning that every project is useful for something. Learning about client interactions, a new trade, honing your skills or building a portfolio. What I wish I had learned earlier, is that this mindset does need to end. If you are always taking on projects that are not the “perfect fit”, then you are at some point too busy to accept the client that is a perfect fit for you. It is hard to know when you are at that point, but I wish someone had told me to be a little more brave to start saying NO when certain client’s projects and expectations no longer the best fit for my business.
Pricing:
- Flat fee project fees (based on hours expected to complete project)
- Design Hours paid in full prior to start of project
- Furnishings billed as cost-plus 20%
- Project management billed hourly
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelpeckinteriors.com
- Instagram: @rachelpeckinteriors
Image Credits
Sarah Natsumi and Caleb Ruckel
