Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Evans.
Christopher, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in interior design in 2003. At the time, I was working in oil and gas as an accountant. I was doing the interior design part-time, on my days off and on the weekends. In 2009 while working as an oil and gas accountant, I had a stroke at my desk. I took a medical leave of absence and in that time I decided to start the process of doing interior design full time. In 2010, I registered my business and then in 2013, I applied for a LLC designation for the business.
I continued to work as an accountant and simultaneously grow my interior design business with an increasingly number of projects as well as an ever-growing scope of work. In 2015 I tenured my resignation at the oil and gas company I was working and jumped into the interior design field full time.
The first two years of full-time interior design were not kind in regard to consistent projects. I had always had wonderful repeat clients, however, new clients and projects were difficult to procure. I invested thousands of dollars into organizations and marketing programs that garnered very little return on investment. I struggled with the possibility that I would have to go back into the corporate accounting arena. Every time I would prepare myself to return to working for someone else, I would get a design project lead, consultation request and or a repeat client would reach out for additional work. These instances kept me encouraged and sustained during uncertain times in my interior design journey.
I was able to use the lull times in the business to revamp design processes, rework contracts and re-imagine what my interior design firm would look like and how I would present my company to the public. It turns out that that downtime in clients and projects was a huge benefit me on a personal level and to my business on a bottom-line level.
With an invigorated zeal for interior design and a sharper and clear vision for my business, I was able to be laser-focused on my design point of view and my ideal clients. Ironically, I increased my rates and increased the stringency of potential project reviews. My focus was redirected from attempting to take on every project presented to me to only taking on projects where the client and I have a great and collective vision for their space. I understand that the resulting design is second to the design experience.
The subsequent business opportunities that presented themselves after the change in focus became numerous. My friends, tribe, village as I like to refer to them have always been and continue to be the greatest source of inspiration, encouragement, business leads and actual projects. I have been able to create beautiful spaces in some of the most prestigious areas of Houston, such as a Rice Military 5 story Mediterranean style residence, a Bunker Hill residence, a West University home and now, most recently a 1mil+ custom new construction home.
Relationship building and social media presence has aided my business growth and business potential. I am excited about the expansion of our services to other major cities in the state of Texas and even other parts of the U.S. The exposure through national organizations that I have joined has also been of great benefit to the growth of our business. Being very intentional about joining various organizations and why we are joining is crucial to the firm’s representation and growth goals. My goal is to become a firm that has projects globally with multiple locations. The vision for the firm and my personal goals include empowering and helping launch the interior design careers of other individuals who are passionate about interior design.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to a successful interior design business has not been smooth…LOL!!! It has been quite rough and the uncertainty has been enormous.
The fear factor of business drying up and potential clients disappearing has been a major source of stress.
The major struggles along the way have been business process challenges with client’s shopping on-line and challenging costs for furniture and decor. Learning how to engage and find our potential clients and how we present ourselves to them. Finding ways to set ourselves apart from other designers without competing with other designers has been a challenge. Finding contractors, subcontractors and trades that share the same level of commitment to design excellence has been an on-going obstacle. As a designer, my vision and subsequent design for a space can be thwarted if the person doing the work does not share or can not comprehend my level of detail and excellence in the execution of the project.
A different type of struggle is the management of client expectations. The HGTV phenomenon has created unrealistic expectations from potential clients in regard to the actual process of great design. All of our conversations with potential clients have to include a detailed discussion about their understanding of design and their expectations for their ensuing design project.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with ChristopherCharles Interiors / IndigoRED – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our company is a full service, boutique-style design firm based in Houston, Texas.
We specialize in providing design services for clients with an abundance of taste but very little time. We are a busy client’s best friend. We do all of the challenging small detailed leg work that makes a huge difference between good and great design. We are known for our use of pattern, color and texture in design. While still representing the client’s taste, we challenge and push our clients to explore and execute their wildest and most desirable design objectives, needs and wants. We assist in the procurement of art and carefully curated decor. We provide a service that allows clients to homage to their success without having to say a word. We create spaces that speak to the client’s success.
As a company, I am most proud of our commitment to excellence. I am overjoyed when clients can experience and see the dedication to my craft, reflected in their completed space. Receiving random texts and e-mails from clients referencing their love and admiration for their spaces months and even years after a completed project is the greatest reward of this career.
We are set apart from others in the design industry by our ability to provide an experience in design that matches the beauty of the subsequent space. We are not only interested in creating a beautiful space, we are dedicated to the design experience and how it can be an analogy for life. I am a firm believer that a well-appointed space can encourage, uplift and even be a catalyst for emotional healing and well-being.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our plans for the future include expanding to television and celebrity design makeovers. In addition, we would like to begin a yearly charitable re-design for a family in need and or needing a new start in life after a life challenge.
A brick and mortar store is a big change we would like to make. Being able to provide exclusive and high-end furniture, decor and design assistance is a goal for our company.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ChristopherCharlesInteriors.com
- Phone: 832.205.7900
- Email: info@ChristopherCharlesInteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christophercharlesinteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherCharlesInteriors
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CCI_IndigoRed
- Other: www.ChristopherCharlesInteriors.net
Image Credit:
Laurie Perez – Bathroom; Steve Chenn – Mstr Bdrm – teal walls; Steve Chenn – Lvng Rm – orange accents
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