Real Designer: Andrea Jagicza
The Real Designer Series talks to real-life designers about what it is like to run a design business. As you’ll see these ladies have all different backgrounds and experiences, but one thing they all have in common is that they have taken my course, The Golden Blueprint.
About Andrea Jagicza
I started my interior design studies in 2008. In the last 12 years, I have completed several projects from design consultations to complete renovation works in many countries.
Three years ago I got my HND (Higher National Diploma) in Interior Design and Interior Architecture (London, UK). But I also studied and practised garment manufacturing and design decades ago, as well as economics. These studies and skills altogether form my business approach. Anyway, in Luxembourg, you must have the necessary education to run an interior design business.
What traits or talents have made you successful?
I am very practical and have strong technical skills. I added interior architecture to design, as here, in Luxembourg, it is hard to sell only design services. Apart from design trends, I also follow the last technology inventions, improvements and I have solutions for every problem and answer to all questions.
What has been your biggest sacrifice in running your business?
I am in a life-changing process at the moment. I am about quitting a well-payed banking job and working exclusively on interior design projects. I am planning carefully this movement already for years but after The Golden Blueprint course, I feel ready to take this big step.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned from running your business?
Good question! Don't work for friends and relatives. If you choose to make an exception to that rule then my advice is to plan carefully and be ready to take the battle or lose them forever.
What does success mean to you?
Success means a satisfied, big smile on my client's face and the little steps that bring me there. I like to work with bright, happy people. They like to pay for my work, therefore success means also prosperity.
When you stumble how do you pick yourself up?
I take responsibility for my failures. I apologise and try to correct it as quick as possible. I often tell to myself: if I stay in bed and don't touch anything I certainly won't make any mistake. As long as I work, I will make mistakes as anybody else. C'est la vie!
I often tell to myself: if I stay in bed and don't touch anything I certainly won't make any mistake. As long as I work, I will make mistakes as anybody else. C'est la vie!
Do you have a favorite quote, motto, mantra, affirmation?
No.1. Problems have as much importance as we give them.
No.2. My freedom is untouchable.
No.3. If not now, when?
What drew you to interior design?
I created my first shoebox dollhouse when I was 5. I cut the bottom of my mum's peignoir for bed cover and used my finger sized mini-doll to measure the door and the mirror's height. Then I put the doll aside, I didn't need it anymore until the next project. My mum was a talented hobby designer and we convinced each other every 6 months to rearrange all the furniture at home and applied wallpaper in every impossible space.
How do you wish the design industry was different?
Although design is very subjective, I wish to see much more "real" design and no kitsch on the market. Can we ever count on the educational force of the design industry? It would be great to experience much more respect for quality too and select enduring design elements in most of our projects. Choose the best and you cry only once.
Looking back, is there anything that you wish you could've done differently running your business?
Oh yes! I wish I start my own business already 10 years ago and not to wait to have another degree. Start with a structured, clear business system. Have my business name, own my basic website even it is incomplete. To know my guiding light and the list of red flags. Overall everything I have learned from Capella. How much time, energy and money wasted during these long years!
What are you most proud of?
Thanks to my enthusiasm and courage I managed to meet recently to one of the most famous and successful interior designer and architect in luxury hotel design business in a long, private meeting. He encouraged me and reconfirmed my talent and my endless possibilities in this business in Luxembourg. After that meeting, I said: nothing is impossible. Now it's time to work!
How has your business changed since taking The Golden Blueprint?
While I was taking TGB I worked on an emotionally challenging, drowning project for a friend. By the end of the course, I got the courage to protect myself, my time, my values and turned down this project. Needless to say that I lost a friend, lots of time and money and saved my sanity. Since this episode, I seriously appraise every single project before I accept it.
Any sage advice or words of wisdom to fellow designers?
I am an interior designer and I am hired to do interior design. Because this is where I am the best. Have this your guiding light and hire your web designer, your interior photographer, and your accountant! Let them do their best and save your precious time for your creative self. How do you expect anyone to pay your services if you are not willing to pay professionals for the same? What goes around comes around.
How do you charge/what is your pricing model?
I have three different pricing systems. For turnkey projects, I use a flat rate and project minimum. This requires a lot of refined pre-calculation and project management experience but this is the clearest way to charge. Additional costs apply. I work also with an hourly fee, whenever I provide concept design or consultation. Finally, I created three mini packages for one room design with the exact description of deliveries.
What is a typical project like in your business?
Here in Luxembourg, I mainly worked in complete renovation projects as an interior architect, being involved in the purchasing process already and follow the works, be the quality controller and the project manager. In a fortunate case, when the client has still some money we start to furnish and decorate the dwelling. Sometimes this has to wait a bit. The good part of the renovation project, that brand new kitchen, bathrooms and floors are part of the works. That gives lots of creative freedom.
What is on the horizon for your business? What are your goals for the next year? What are you working on?
Recently I have been asked to codesign a rehabilitation clinic with more than 300 rooms. My first thought was that this is not my level, I can't accept that. Then I remembered the conversation with the luxury hotel designer and said, yes, why not? Nothing is impossible, just question of time and priorities.
All photos courtesy of Andrea Jagicza. You can contact Andrea at andrea@jad.lu and www.jad.lu.
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