By: Rita S. Wilkins,
President
Design Services, Ltd.

For those of you who have ever watched in wonder at the “transformations” that have occurred before your eyes on some of the design network programs, we recently had the opportunity to perform such a transformation for a high-end corporate apartment at the Watergate in Washington, D.C.

Our Client – A high-profile commercial developer in Washington D.C.

Our Design Challenge – To transform the existing, dated corporate apartment into an upscale “home away from home” while reusing existing antiques, original artwork and supplementing it with new furniture and upholstery as needed.

Our Timeline – ASAP…of course!

Our Design Team – Rita Wilkins, Neera Berry and Pauline Brittingham of Design Services.

The Process

Early July ~
We met our client at the apartment to understand his “wants”, “needs”, and “wish list” for the corporate condo. We measured, photographed and inventoried all of the furniture, oriental rugs, antiques and artwork that were to be reused in the project.

We immediately created a blueprint, space plans, furniture floor plans, lighting plan as well as three finish boards with selections that we would then present to our client for his approval. These boards included fabrics, paint colors, faux finishes, granite, stain selections, etc. as well as additional furniture that would be needed to supplement the existing furniture. It also included a lighting plan and selections that were specific to the area that they would be used for.

We then met with our client at the Watergate to present our design concepts. His response to our designs was extremely positive. Together, we further developed the design and selections, finalized all drawings, provided a budget proposal for his approval and we were ready to order!

Early August ~
On our clients behalf, we met with all trades (G.C., electrician, plumber, fabricators, etc.) involved in the project at the jobsite to review the scope of the work, timeline and individual schedules so that the work would be completed in an efficient and timely manner. And that the work would be completed to the high design standards and expectations of our client and our firm.

Mid-August ~
Work is in progress and all trades on schedule.

Late August ~
Installation of all furniture, fabrications,  etc. complete.

Results:
Project complete on time and on budget with clients expectations exceeded! See Photos!

Testimonials:
“Rita Wilkins has exceptional design capability in regard to both appearance, functionality, and attention to detail. All of our projects with Design Services were completed on time and within budget. Design Services, Ltd. is highly recommended for their high quality design and for their ability to take on the responsibility for project management from concept to completion, so that the finished product comes out exactly as designed.”
~ Dental Associates of Delaware

“We have worked with Design Services, Ltd for many years and find their design team to be knowledgeable, creative, and service oriented. Each project has exceeded our expectations. We choose Design Services, Ltd. because we know what we are going to get: Great Design and Great Service.”
~ Delle Donne & Associates

Rita Wilkins, President
Rita is the President of Design Services, Ltd., as well as principal designer and project manager. With over 35 years of experience in design and management, her approach to design is both aesthetic and business-like. She is known to be a highly effective “hands-on” designer with extensive knowledge and expertise in dental, medical and commercial interiors.
She is a graduate of University of Rhode Island, attended Rhode Island School of Design and University of North Carolina. Having received numerous design awards, she has been published in a variety of national publications and is currently writing a book on using design as a business strategy.

Jeff Tirabassi, Business Manager
Design Services, Ltd. is proud to welcome Jeff to our team as our new Business and Sales Manager. Jeff brings over 12 years of sales and management experience to our firm. He has previously worked for Brew HaHa! as District Manager and with Tile Market of Delaware as the company’s first Sales Manager. Not only is Jeff’s experience a great addition to our team, so is his positive energy, design sense and knowledge of both residential and commercial interior requirements. We look forward to expanding our marketing efforts and increasing our business opportunities with Jeff and our talented team of designers.

Design Services, Ltd.
1403 Silverside Professional Park, Wilmington, DE 19810
302-475-5663   •   www.dsltdonline.com

Interior design questions? Please email Rita at rwilkins@dsltdonline.com