My design journey
I always say I never intended on becoming a designer. It was just meant to be.
Some years ago I started working in a Joinery company originally not as a designer, but immediately realized the dire need the company had for a good designer.
Out of curiosity I started playing around on very outdated kitchen design software and I was instantly hooked. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I was spending every waking moment learning all the ins and outs of kitchen and cupboard designing. Without any formal training, I had a lot to learn about design principles, modern day cabinetry, kitchen hardware and all other materials. Should a client ask me what product is used for spray painted cabinets, or the difference between granite and quartz, I would have to eloquently answer them and possess a great product knowledge.
The moment I showed the owner of the joinery company what I was doing with the software, he made sure to upgrade the software and appointed me as the designer.
This is where I received my training. The in-house experience of seeing how my designs went from mere 3D visuals, to being manufactured in factory and then practically implemented on site, equipped me with an in-depth understanding of kitchen design.
I started receiving a lot of recognition for my unique, practical and Pinterest-looking designs and 3D renders. I went the extra mile by adding decor elements and furniture pieces to my renders, and clients wanted my help selecting colour palletes, sourcing furniture pieces and making their room look exactly the way it looked in my renders. I was offering a full-on Interior Design service without even intending on doing so.
This design journey has taken me from designing kitchens for some of the most prime beach front homes in Langebaan, to designing unique spaces in the prestige Clara Anna Fontein Estate.
Fast forward a few years and it's hard to find an open spot in my design calendar. This is why Jennifer Laing Interior Design was born.
