It must be the most frequently asked question of any interior designer or architect. Aside from being in the enviable position of choosing from the most beautiful fabrics, exotic tiles, stones, and exquisite wood, it is a question we at the Markel Design Group take seriously and personally.

In spite the years of experience, research and education, it is an enormous task to create another person's home. It is our responsibility as designers of interior spaces to be an interpreter of dreams, a seer of hidden meanings... to listen well, absorb the underlying intention of words that describe a vision... and to implement the transformation of the imagined into the real. It is also our responsibility to run projects in an organized manner, stay current on the latest products and technology, produce detailed drawings and schedules, and to communicate well with the project team. The design is successful if it supports a client's lifestyle, creates a meaningful sense of place, and most of all, embodies a sense of 'home' for its' people throughout the years.

We may not share the same personal taste as each client, but like an actor we immerse ourselves completely into the role, assuming the client's taste, envisioning their concept... with a twist. We can superimpose, in subtle and nearly-transparent ways, the design principals we've learned, to make spaces work on an aesthetic and intellectual level. We can do it within budget, and on schedule. Best of all, there's a good chance that when we are through we'll have developed a friendship, because we've shared an incredible experience, this creation of a home. That is our art and our craft, our challenge and inspiration... our philosophy.