Pete Walker and I began working together when I purchased a condominium in Chicago last year. I have known Pete for about 15 years, and knew that our design aesthetic and overall sense of style would mesh well together. To say that Pete worked on the design and layout of the condo is an understatement; he completely lightened my load by coordinating every meeting with vendors and allowing the decision-making process from countertop colors to doorstops to be a breeze. The condo was finished, but was a new, blank canvas, and every room had its own concerns and eccentricities. Pete's role as a designer considered every stage of the process including color and furniture choices. It would have taken me months to question, deliberate over and research vendors and materials on my own. Together, this process was straightforward, and took only short conversations to review the pros and cons of a given situation, or in some cases come up with less expensive alternatives.
For example, when picking out the backsplash for the kitchen, Pete helped me select a beautiful and minimal subway tile that was much cheaper to purchase from another vendor. Another example of Pete's ingenuity came while we shopped for a rug in a large and an unusual size that would go in the main living space. Pete's idea to go to a carpet vendor, as opposed to a rug store, saved me money, and produced the exact size that I was searching for.
As we were based in separate locations during the initial stages of planning, we often used Skype to share computer screens and review design plans on his AutoCAD software. Pete and I could discuss my needs for the office or the kitchen, and in real time he would visualize and digitally sketch the ideas in that room. Through this process, I could quickly confirm or veto a design and layout and I was sure that what I saw was what I would get. This digital process also allowed us to bring exact measurements to vendors and to reconfirm our plans immediately.
Pete helped me select furniture, and he also designed many pieces in the house including the bed frames, nightstands, office and closet components, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, dining room table, and living room furniture and bookshelves. The result is a cohesive and sleek living space that is timeless, unfussy, and modern. Pete's designed pieces work well with the chairs and sofa that we selected together from Herman Miller and Knoll.
Pete is detail-oriented, professional, and efficient. He is also easy to converse with and an all-around likeable guy. I would recommend Pete's skills and design services, if you want to save yourself from the stress and anxiety of redesigning or renovating a space on your own. I consider him an expert and a friend. read more