Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Paruszkiewicz.
Tina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a young girl, I can remember having a sense of space and walking into my friend’s homes and taking a gasp- either from amazement or disbelief. I was also the girl that played with Barbies, although I was more interested in her pink and yellow mansion and would spend hours re-arranging the furniture. I realized I wanted to be an interior designer & I eagerly pursued that avenue. I graduated from Harrington College of Design and worked at a few small design firms that introduced me to the business side of the industry.
Many hats are worn as an interior designer and I spent 10 years cultivating my skills in the high-end residential design arena and was fortunate to work on beautiful spaces for some great families. I always felt energized with my innate ability to create, and I realized my intense organizational skills were a necessary trait for a well-executed design project. In 2013, I was experiencing a stagnant period and at this time social media presented a game changer for me.
Facebook had been around for years, but as a busy designer with a growing family, I had little time to dive into the daily chats with friends and family. Everyone knew I was an interior designer, but once I started posting pictures of design work on social media, the universe unveiled a fresh need for my services. I was sought out from family and friends with their new construction and remodeling needs. I was thrilled to re-establish my credibility and re-vamp my career.
I changed my business name to D and G Design (named after my 2 daughters Dylan and Gia) and I have since worked on various projects including whole home remodels and corporate design.
Has it been a smooth road?
I laugh at the thought of a smooth road… is anything in life smooth? I have always been driven and determined to pursue something that resonates in my soul. I was met with blocks early on when I announced I was pursuing college for interior design. While my family was encouraging, I was met with worries of not having a stable job or income. I also knew that I had to pay for my college tuition, so I worked 2 jobs to enable this. My hardworking parents instilled me to be hungry, but be humble.
Then there was the recession of 2010 when work slowed down and many large firms downsized incredibly. I worked at many small firms with a variety of big personalities and didn’t always sync with everyone. I had to accept that not every client is ideal and will love or understand your ideas and processes. And this hasn’t even touched the construction or design operations side, which is not a smooth process, but more like a path filled with gravel and potholes. There are daily phone calls, texts or emails with newly discovered obstacles.
I am often the liaison between the client and the contractor or the manufacturer and deal with issues like the perfect fabric has been backordered or dye lot is off, which further delays your furniture delivery for 2 months, the kitchen remodel dream is dampened by the additional costs of structural issues, the contractor who promised to finish up your project in a week for your party has sustained an injury, the imported custom cabinetry is stuck in the waters, as the freight company went bankrupt, the southern hurricanes or western fires have presented in a delay in production and shipping of goods, etc.
At this point, I feel I have heard it all and am no longer surprised at dramatic issues. I am an eternal optimist and I believe in responding with a level of calm and grace, as every issue eventually gets resolved.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with D and G Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
D and G Design specialize in interior design with a design-build approach. This comprehensive approach from concept to completion allows for a symbiotic flow throughout the construction process. Working with the client and builder from the beginning, I select all construction finishes like flooring, tile, countertop, lighting, cabinetry, and the respective design layout.
Although I see the complete vision from the beginning, clients struggle with creating a comprehensive flow. I continue to work with the client once the construction is complete, so their furnishings, window treatments, artwork, and accessories all complement the overall aesthetic. These are the final pieces to turn your house into your home that visually tells your story.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Our city is amazing… we are fortunate to be located in a central hub for all design needs. From the Merchandise Mart showrooms to artisan boutiques, I can pretty much source everything for the interior locally. This proves beneficial for the client as well if they wish to see something in person.
As big as our city is, it is truly a small world. I have come in contact with many trades over the years, so it is important to stay friendly and not burn any bridges. I also rely heavily on referrals from my clients, so it is equally exciting when I meet someone new whom has heard about me or one of my projects.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 708.351.8074
- Email: tinaparus@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.and.g.design
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DG-Interior-Design-by-Tina-731472036941866
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/dandgdesign/__public
Image Credit:
Lori Strock Photography, Natalie Katherine Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
