By Jo Mixon
Marie Kowalski opened All About Design in 1999 when she and her husband Bob came to Angel Fire. She brought with her an ethic of hard work and the talent she had already been using for ten years in Florida. Prior to our visit, I had the concept in my head that an Home and Interior Designer worked with a client simply picking out colors and faux finishes for walls, fabrics and furniture, and other interior arrangements. I was sorely mistaken! Of course, Marie does all of these things, but she is professionally qualified for – and actually does – so much more.
Marie’s design services include drawing house plans ready to be submitted to building departments. Or, a client can provide Marie with a sketch of the house to be built and she will set it to scale, adding all the architectural elements and all specifications of the interior design. Clients may also request a 3-D drawing, which provides a virtual tour of the design. I was very impressed!
Her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (1988) means that Marie is educated in space planning for new buildings or remodels, custom cabinetry design, site specific design and conceptual design. As her website states, “She combines critical and creative thinking with her knowledge of building codes, communication, and technology to help save her clients money and solve problems.” She works closely with her clients to personalize their choices, whether she is designing the entire home or doing only one thing such as window treatments or plumbing fixtures.
Marie toured me through two of the homes she has designed (lucky me!), including a 3,500 square foot remodel addition completed 18 months ago, and a new home currently under construction on Back Basin Road by her husband’s company Sticks and Stones Custom Builders. Together, they are also currently working on a ranch in Maxwell. As I oohed and ahhed on my tour through the first home, Marie pointed out that she really strives to use local products and businesses in her work. I liked that. And I saw first-hand her attention to detail. As we talked, she told me that she is a Licensed Interior Designer in the state of New Mexico and is certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). She is a member of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID), where she served as the New Mexico chapter treasurer for two years and membership chairman for one year. Plus, she takes continuing education classes regularly to enhance her skills.
Marie told me that she loves her job. I could have told you that, because her work speaks for itself! She has designed the interiors of restaurants, offices, and country clubs, along with many gorgeous homes through out the Moreno Valley. One of the houses Marie designed and Bob built will be the #5 featured home in this years Sangre de Cristo Homebuilders Association’s Parade of Homes September 1 and 2. Be sure to take the time to tour it.
When in the market for home and interior design, look no further than Marie Kowalski of All About Design. See before and after photos of some of her remodels on her website www.aadesignaf.com, visit her office at 3465 Mountain View Boulevard, Suite 19, or give her a call at 575-377-1555.
Alison Keegan says
Hello! We bought a 2 bedroom condo in Mountain Spirit. When I told my husband the kitchen was a dealbreaker, he promised a renovation.
Im not sure if you’ve ever been in one if the condos, but the kitchens are very small and to make matters MUCH worse, they have a structural post. I think there’s enough space in the living/dinning space to expand the kitchen, but the post has me stumped.
We would like to have someone come out and see the space and draw up plans. We will need a blg permit and Im assuming approval by the hoa, I can do that. We would like to have the space completed by april. Not sure if that’s possible?