Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Shearer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated in 2008 from The University of Georgia with an interior design degree. It was one of the worst times to graduate as the country was in a recession. I had taken a kitchen and bath course in my studies and hated it….but ended up going on a trip to Chicago before graduation for KBIS – The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and met my future employer at an Atlanta Party. Kitchen and Bath seemed really rigid and honestly hard, but a job was a job so I accepted a position with the Kitchen & Bath company and began working the June after graduating in May. Now, almost 17 years later I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s detailed and technical, yes, but also very rewarding. Starting your first job in a recession is not for the weak and definitely developed a level of grit I’m very thankful for today. I spent 3 years at that first company and then moved on to a cabinet design company where I worked for 8 years. I gained SO much cabinetry knowledge and experience here and it really paved the way for me to open my own Kitchen and Bath Design House – The Designery in 2019.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, there have been a lot of ups and downs on this journey. Anytime you are working with people whether that be homeowners or alongside contractors, tradesman or other designers there are going to be struggles. Whether it’s navigating budgets, scheduling, communication or a hundred other things I believe we really learn and become experts through trial and error. I’m a big believer in living and learning and not dwelling. Learn the lesson and do better next time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Designery?
The Designery is an Atlanta-based kitchen and bath design house that translates your highest vision into reality through expert technical knowledge and unrivaled customer care. The Designery digs deep creatively, helping clients navigate the process in a straightforward way that focuses on informed decisions, considered options, and accessible style with a soul. We specialize in kitchens and baths because they are the public faces and private spaces of a home – once they are designed to fit your needs and reflect your personal aesthetic, the rest of your home falls naturally into place around them.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think Atlanta is full steam ahead in terms of renovations and new construction projects. We have been steady since day 1 of opening The Designery, even though we did so months before the 2020 pandemic. I think we will see the city continue to grow over the next 5-10 years and we are excited to be along for the ride, helping people create beautiful, functional spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.the-designery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thedesignery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedesigneryatl#
Image Credits
Photo 1, 2, 3 4 & 5 – Rustic White Photography
Photo 6 – The Designery PhotoLab
