“Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.” -Paul Rand
WHAT IS DESIGN CONSULTING?
Assembling all of the meaningful creative pieces of a new construction development or gut rehab into something cohesive and beautiful by yourself can be a daunting task.
We like to think of design consulting as ‘bridging the gap’ between investors and homeowners, and the inspiring (and sometimes complex) world of design.
A space where valuable design advice and organizational savvy are needed on a project, but a professional interior designer – while the perfect fit for some – just isn’t in the budget.
We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to designers.
Working with a design consultant may help you save time and money, alleviate the burden of solo decision making, minimize mistakes and self-doubt, and ensure delivery of a product that wholly aligns with your vision.
Whether you are rehabbing a space, wish to build a new home for your family, or renovate a spec house to (re)sell, we’d love to be part of your journey.
Local to Chicago, we offer design services virtually for custom and spec homes as well as short and mid term furnished rentals, anywhere within the United States.
– how we may be of service –
Our thorough collaborative approach allows us to fully understand your ideas from the start.
We wholeheartedly believe this is a team effort, so expect a tremendous amount of communication throughout the (sometimes grueling) process.
Happy to take as much (or as little) of the burden of creative selection off your plate.
Maybe you’re just looking for someone more experienced with design, to hold your hand, and remind you that you’re not alone.
Whatever you need, we’ve got you.
What’s our secret sauce?
Well, not so secret, really. It is however quite unique.
Because we have served as both general contractor on other people’s projects as well as our own developments, we understand the extraordinary amount of time, effort, and painstaking detail it takes to work an entire project from inception to completion.
We are also keenly aware of our fiduciary responsibility as budgetary guardians, and the concerns that often come along with having to fork over every penny ourselves. Tracking your spend – and minimizing change orders – is as important to us as it is to you.
– we’ll be as involved (hands on) or hands-off as you wish –
Helping you select the best fixtures and finishes for a room or two or three.
Or the entire home.
Allow us to coordinate directly with your General Contractor and Architect, serving as the main point of contact and ‘go-between’ for key vendors, entities, and processes involved before, during, and after construction.
We’re happy to simply help you come up with ideas, flush out those ideas, and craft custom mood & design boards integral to your project.
What Buyers Want
As an Illinois licensed real estate broker, we can help navigate the entire purchase and sale process, beginning with sourcing properties (land, tear downs, etc.) appropriate for your project, running comparables, and writing up offers. As a seller’s representative, we have hosted open houses and private home showings for multiple hundreds of prospective homebuyers, resulting in a plethora of insight into the features Chicago home buyers seek in their new home.
Based on invaluable feedback from real buyers (which ordinary design consultants and even professional interior designers may not be privy to), we are able to custom tailor designs suited to the preferences of your target end-buyer demographic when building on spec.
Our thoughtful perspective and discerning experience in the design and real estate industries — combined with an authentically home-grown love of design, passion for systems and organization, and a deep desire to serve other people — allows us to truly treat your project like it’s our own.
– selections from favorite projects –
– where we provide value –
- Designs: Brainstorm Ideas, Create Mood & Design Boards for Interior and Exterior
- Floor Plans: Co-Create, Modify: Work Directly with your Architect
- Zoning: Source & Work with Zoning Attorney on Variance, Special Use Permit & Change Requests
- GC: Obtain Bids from and Coordinate with the General Contractor
- Paperwork & Documentation: Advise on Necessary Documents to Obtain from GC, Subcontractors, and Insurance Policies
- Budgets: Assist with Creating & Tracking
- 3D Renderings: Source & Provide as Needed
- Fixtures & Finishes: Source & Select
- Materials: Order & Manage Deliveries of Fixtures & Finishes
- Installation: Oversee Contractor Installation of Finishes & Fixtures
- Furnishing / Staging: Assistance with Selection & Ordering
- Furnished Rental Design: Assistance with Selection, Ordering, & Setting Up your Short or Mid-Term Rental
- Purchase & Sales: IL Licensed Broker, Run Comparables, Source Properties (‘Buyer’s Agent’), Sell Your Spec Home (‘Sellers Agent’)
Get to Know Jennie
Since 2020, Jennie Berger has designed and overseen the operations of more than 18 home renovation and construction projects throughout Chicagoland.
Starting with full gut rehabs (including a basement dig down and second story addition) of hundred plus year old houses, she ultimately fell in love with new construction. Jennie has since remained focused on the creation and execution of brand new single family homes and small multi-unit buildings, primarily on the North side of the city. The majority of these projects were her own developments (with her former partner), and also included several rehabs for clients where she co-served as general contractor.
Smitten with all things creative since childhood – Jennie’s experience as a designer (while non-traditional) continues to evolve organically by learning-as-she-goes. Good old fashioned trial and error. Observing the work and intricacies of professional designers both local and afar. Making a lot (a LOT) of mistakes along the way. And always seeking to improve and hone her craft.
Jennie thrives in an environment where helping and serving others is at the core. Offering design consulting bridges a remarkable gap that exists in both the investor and homeowner renovation & construction industries. Her goal is not to steer away those who desire (and have the budget for) a professional interior designer. But rather to provide a valuable and viable alternative to the growing need for creative selection and design guidance at a more affordable price.
MISSION TO OUR CLIENTS:
- To uphold the foundational golden rules of business
- To under promise and over deliver
- To provide a level of service and hospitality that may feel unreasonable (in a good way 😉 ) and overly generous
- To absolutely delight you not only with the finished product, but the whole experience of working together on such a significant part of your life
