Why I Chose to Be Both the Builder and the Designer

Being both a woman general contractor and interior designer in South Florida wasn’t a career pivot—it was a return to my roots.

My grandmother and grandfather owned a large design-build company in Boca Raton in the 1970s. My father worked alongside them as a contractor specializing in carpentry. Some kids grew up in playrooms; I grew up on job sites. Watching projects come together from concept to completion shaped how I see design and construction today.

I earned my college degree in Interior Design and spent nearly ten years working in the field. While I love designing, a constant frustration followed me from project to project: the disconnect between design and construction.

I was often told my designs weren’t buildable, that the final product wouldn’t look the way I envisioned, or that the cost simply wasn’t worth the outcome. Delays were blamed on “complicated designs,” and scheduling felt reactive instead of strategic. There was little transparency, and even less accountability. I never understood why planning one step ahead seemed so rare—perhaps that was just my female instinct kicking in.

After a decade of hearing “no” and navigating unnecessary roadblocks, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I enrolled in classes, studied for over a year, and prepared for the (4) Florida General Contractor exams—each six hours long. After many long nights, and yes, one or two failed attempts, I became a Licensed General Contractor in the State of Florida.

That decision changed everything.

Projects began moving ahead of schedule. Communication became clear and intentional. And for the first time, the only person telling me “no” when it came to building my designs was myself—and that no is very rare.

What I love most is the challenge: designing something bold and then creating the construction roadmap to bring it to life. The construction side isn’t always easy or glamorous—believe me, I’ve fully put my money where my mouth is—but it has made me a better designer and a stronger leader.

The journey wasn’t easy, but my clients have made it entirely worthwhile.

The number one feedback I receive is how streamlined, organized, and simplified I make their experience. They appreciate having a true one-stop design-build company—fewer hands in the pot, clearer decision-making, and a process that feels personal instead of overwhelming.

I truly believe the design eye comes naturally. And for those who have it, I encourage you to take the next leap and allow your creativity to be built by you.

If you’re curious about the path I took, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share the details so you can experience the same client praise—and personal fulfillment—that makes what I do so rewarding.