Graduate Feature: Dawn Marie Clunas

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m an interior designer with over 20 years in the industry, and the owner of JD Designs. My dad owns his own business where he builds homes, so you could say that I was born into the world of interior design. I love what I do, and I love creating designs for residential and commercial spaces.

Whenever I can hand-make decor for my client’s homes, hotels, Airbnb’s, and resorts, I’ll jump at the chance to do so! All of our projects are done 100% to the clients’ satisfaction. I can work with any budget and handle it with care, because I know that my clients put their heart in every dollar. I always produce quality results to all of my clients. It’s very important to me to give my best in everything I do!

When did you launch JD Designs? How long has your company been around, and what’s it been like to work as a professional interior designer?

I started JD Designs in 2000, and it’s been very successful since then! As part of my company, I’ve had the opportunity to work all around the world. We’re professionals with HGTV, Winners HomeSense, Behr, and more. I love been an interior designer. As my mother says, I was born to be a designer. Thanks to QC Design School, I had the opportunity to keep working and further my education at the same time. 

JD Designs offers 3D planning for your customers – can you tell us a little bit about this service? Do you feel this gives you an edge over the competition?

3D floor planning services are a must. Sometimes all the client wants is a visual for a do-it-themselves project. I think all designers should offer this as a service.

What is the most common issue you face when working with a client?

Most clients are scared of a budget change, which is understandable. Our clients work very hard for their money, so we do our best to keep to the client’s financial request(s). We don’t face a lot of issues with our clients because we take the time to not just listen to them, but really hear them. 

Do you have a favorite type of space to design and/or decorate (bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.)? Why?

I personally do not – I just love designing everything! But if I had to pick my favorite design to decorate, it would have to be resorts. Being able to give the vacationers luxury and relaxation, with a high class feel, is super rewarding for me. 

Do you have any advice for interior decorators who are just entering the professional interior design world for the first time? Maybe some tips on how to become an interior designer?

Take your time and find the right fit for you! Also, play with a lot of mood boards so you can get the hang of how it works, and how it keeps your creativity flowing.

Why did you decide to pursue online interior decorating certification?

I had already been working in the industry for years, but I wanted to also keep learning. QC Design School gave me the flexibility to do both, and equipped me with a bunch of resources I didn’t have before. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from QC’s Interior Decorating course?

That I could live out my dream with an online course, and expand my knowledge of the field while being able to continue professional working in it at the same time.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from QC’s Interior Decorating course?

That I could live out my dream with an online course, and expand my knowledge of the field while being able to continue professional working in it at the same time. 

Describe your favorite project so far

It feels impossible to narrow it down to one favorite! But one example would be when I got to design a condo for a celebrity client in California Hills. They’d purchased this condo to be an Airbnb. It was a full remodel of the condo, done in both modern and traditional style. This project’s budget was $50,000. To this day, that client still speaks of it.

What’s on the horizon for your interior design/decorating career for the rest of the year and beyond?

We’re hoping to get more oversea projects, continue networking, and to help design and decorator more resorts. We were recently recognized as one of the Top 3 Interior Designers of London, Ontario, as well as Toronto, which is very exciting! As always, we’re always open to new clients, because without them we would not be successful!

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