In March 2021, Nelson Architects added Julianne McGregor, Interior Designer, to our team.

She graduated in 2019 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design. She has spent the last few years working in the field of residential design as an Interior Designer in Minot, North Dakota. Her experience allowed her to space plan, architecturally design, and even assist in the final components of construction on a series of homes that fit the unique needs of each family.

We sat down with Julianne asked her to share her insights on the creative process, the unexpected importance of influences, and some sound advice about the field of Interior Design.

NA: What is one thing that can be both a challenge and benefit of working in interiors?
JM: I think that because of our scope of work leaning more towards the finished product, we are tasked with bringing hundreds of ideas to the table- creating back up plans for back up plans. It is challenging to see your favorite idea wiped out, but the benefit is forcing your mind to create better- more effective ideas.

NA: Where do you first start when beginning a new interior design project?
JM: Inspiration boards. Some clients have an idea of what they want but are not able to communicate the ideas with all the design vernacular I would use. Creating an Inspiration Board allows me to create the visuals that a client will understand and will ensure that we are on the same page. Knowing what your client is looking for in a space and being able to present those ideas as they translate to the project is what builds great client-designer relationships.

NA: Who in the industry do you particularly admire? Why?
JM: I think the people I admire the most are the educators. They spent years watching years watching us grow as designers- putting up with the crazy ideas we had a first-year students and giving us the ‘constructive’ criticism that we needed to develop or skills. They spend year after year looking at thousands of iterations of the same project and still take pleasure in advising budding new designers. I have no idea how they do it- but I am very grateful for their guidance.

NA: Where do you often find inspiration if you feel stuck?
JM: If I am feeling stuck on something, I will usually ask my husband for his opinion, while his background in no way relates to the field of design, his typically funny responses or ridiculous ideas will help spark a new thought process. Most of the design work we do is for the everyday person so who better to ask than someone who would be looking at a project through the ideas of a client rather than through the eyes of a designer.

NA: What projects are you working on or have recently completed?
JM: I have recently been working on some repair design for the Great Falls Public Library. While a restoration does not allow as much creative freedom as an addition or renovation- I am delighted to be working on a project that has a huge impact on the community. It has granted me the ability to personally connect with Great Falls as my new home.

NA: What is your dream project?
JM: I think my dream project would be Commercial or Local Corporate. Much of our lives are spent in an office so having the ability to design a workplace that really focuses on the needs and wellbeing of the employees, would incorporate unique intentions from client to client.

NA: What is some advice you can share with others about interior design?
JM: I would say my advice for clients is to be patient and understanding. At any given time, we have multiple projects on our plate- each with their own timelines and eager clients. We are very methodical with our scheduling and workloads, but from the outside looking in, it is hard to see all the work that we do.

I would say my advice for other designers would be- don’t give up on that great idea- budgets may get cut or deadlines may change- but hold on tight to the unique characteristics that make each project fun. It may need to be slightly changed to better fit the project but where there is a will there is a way!