As the daughter of a carpenter, I began my house-building career before the age of 5. I could barely lift a hammer while keeping a close eye on the nail. By the time I was 6, I knew interior design was the career path for me. Fast forward to my high school yearbook narrative where I indicated my ambition was to be an Interior Designer. My father did not agree. He wanted me to be a schoolteacher or a nurse—neither of which appealed to me. 

However, to honor my father, I avoided interior design and went to work in various office jobs over the course of 29 years. Every few years I'd grow bored and go work in a different office: a moving company dispatch, factory accounting office, foundry engineering, self-employed making bridal veils and alterations, and a wire product factory that made dipsticks and valve spring retainers. When my children were born, I ran a neighborhood daycare in my home for a few years while servicing a 500+ client paper route, 7 days a week. Later I worked a myriad of temp agency jobs depending on my family's needs. I learned a lot along the way; practicing interior design for friends and family had became a treasured hobby.

It wasn't until years later that I told Dad I wanted to go back to school to be an Interior Designer. He admitted I did a pretty good job hammering on that wall in the photo, as it is still standing. We laughed and he finally gave me his blessing, though I was going to do it regardless. Having remodeled my own home three times, I knew kitchen & bath design was my passion; I began to work my way up in the field. While attending school, I worked at a window treatment store. I figured there are windows in both kitchens and baths, so I should gain that knowledge. I later worked at a large plumbing company that did remodeling; and then became a Certified Lighting Specialist at a lighting showroom. These jobs paired well with my construction knowledge.  

At the ripe old age of 46, I landed an entry-level job as a Sample Librarian & Receptionist for a high-end interior design studio. It wasn't long before I began assisting the remodeling expeditor, covering for him when he needed to be in two places at once or on vacation. Most of their cabinet jobs were custom built, but I enjoyed specifying and ordering from a manufactured cabinet line when a small project didn't warrant custom cabinets. Managing the jobs from start to finish, I made sure that products from ceilings to flooring and everything in between was documented, ordered, and installed as planned. I loved it, and I still love doing it today.

I've recently retired from my full-time employment and now wish to revert back to my beloved hobby. With 25+ years of experience in construction and interior design, I've started Lakebrook Select and I hope you'll ask me to help make your new home project functional and beautiful—a reflection of you.