We sat down with Interior Designer, Aidan Kirby, to learn more about her 3 year career here at QA+M. We explored her design inspirations, design process, and much more. It’s been fun gaining a deeper insight into her creative world, thanks Aidan!

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in interior design?

I keep up with interior design trends by following design accounts on social media and exploring Pinterest for inspiration. I also stay connected with industry reps and attend vendor trade shows to stay informed about the latest products and styles.

Explain how you would approach designing a space that needs to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

When designing spaces, functionality is key, even though aesthetics are important. For renovations, I observe how the space is currently used and identify areas for improvement, such as seating preferences, pathways, lighting, and overall comfort. For new construction projects, I use the client’s needs and case studies to inform my design. I start by addressing furniture requirements, then select finishes that match the desired outcome. The goal is to create a space that is both functional and visually appealing.

What strategies do you use to ensure that a client’s vision is accurately reflected in the final product?

To ensure a client’s vision is accurately reflected, I begin with a finish presentation, showing multiple options to gauge their design preferences. Conversations with clients help refine the choices. We utilize vendor showrooms, and full-sized finish samples to evaluate selections. Additionally, we create digital renderings using Revit and Lumion to provide a comprehensive view of the space before finalizing decisions.