Deb Paton Decor Placements, Auckland

Thats an exciting prospect and identifies that I am open to anything.

I  love my job and enjoy the relationship that is built between client and myself.

I have found over all the years, that I have been working as a designer my clients become my friends and because of this I do get a lot of repeat business.

My qualifications are in the practical domain - I have learnt the hard way, hands on.    When I started in this industryhave  (in the work force) you didn't need such specific qualifications, you got on with it.

Im 52 and as you know my name is Deb Paton,  my experience is my qualification and I will share this with you.

My passion for design was from a very early age, but I ended up as a theatre nurse for 15yrs.

Then back in 1991 I headed out again into the design industry to find out there was a niche for me and an exciting time to come!

I started in a design store called 'The Store'  where I did very well I was then headhunted to a company called Pan Cottage which is now called Household Linens. I was Designer Services Manager and provided bespoke bedding for architects, designers and boutique hotels, I travelled the country doing this and this is where I really got "my foot in the door"  after a couple of years I moved to Designers Collection and learnt the art of fine furniture and once again custom design for the client.

Following this I had a year working for an interior designer before I headed to Seneca a fabric importing company where I had 5 fabulous years really understanding fabrics and working with designers and architects, they would ask me to put together schemes for them on a regular basis.  I did get to learn what was right and what was wrong.

My next move was out on my own where I opened my own business Home Staging my name being Decor Placements Ltd - I was in a very good position when this was set up, being second off the ranks, i could find my niche in that industry and make a real success of it.  I achieved all my goals and then bowed out after 6years.

My interior design company naturally progressed as I was already doing residential work, and now to my good fortune I had all my time to focus on this work.

So for the past 3 years I have been fulltime employed doing other peoples homes up either working with them or given the key to do what I think is best.

My style of work is very much classical  and classical contempory - my favourite international designer is Vicente Wolf from New York this is the sort of timeless look I strive for with a sense of tranquility. I endeavour to achieve a harmony so my clients feel the rooms are an extension of themselves.

I listen to what they want.

My advantages are that I have the style, have the contacts and the resorces, and this includes a team of very skilled honest tradesmen that I have been working with for  ten years, this involves a builder, a cabinet maker, electrician and plumber & tiler.

I am reliable, commited and loyal to my clients brief  maybe these are my points of difference as well.