She is young, talented and ambitious! Within a few years, Diana Gomes from DGD Interiors has managed to establish her own business in downtown New York, Manhattan, and put her personal stamp in the highly competitive market of interior design. The interview with her was as we expected: highly revealing!
1.What's the story behind Diana Gomes?
My journey started in the Ironbound section of Newark NJ where I was born and raised by a loving Portuguese speaking family of hard working immigrants. I’ve seen and experienced secondhand the poverty that my parents and grandparents came from. My drive and fire comes from knowing my family history and recognizing the limitless opportunities for a successful life. My passion and persistence in starting an interior design business comes from the desire to work for myself, being able to live a more meaningful, purposeful journey.
2. What challenges did you face starting an interior design firm? Did you have a defining moment in your career?
It’s now been six years of living in Manhattan with my own personal struggles and triumphs that comes with starting a business from the ground up. Initially finding clients that would take a chance and entrust me in completing a successful design was a continuous effort. I’m still growing day to day, building my foundation one step at a time with passion, integrity, hard work and dedication. Every successfully completed project is a defining moment in my career. I am grateful and proud of myself for every opportunity small or large. It hasn’t been the smoothest, easiest path, but it’s my path. It’s what you make of it and I’m the type to enjoy the ride regardless.
3. What are your influences?
My influencers are my family, mother nature, other designers and friends who I see chase their dreams and accomplish inspirational goals and experiences.
4. Can you share with us the creative process you follow?
My creative process starts with being a good listener, it’s client driven. Everyone has a vision, feeling, or personalized aesthetic they need and want accomplished for their space. My job is to convey each clients’ vison bringing it to reality. I listen carefully, take notes, ask specific questions geared to help guide me in determining their style and likes. I try to get a good grasp of what they’re looking for and envision a space and source pieces that I think they will love.
5. Is there a balance between functionality and design?
Yes, there’s a balance to everything in life. What’s the use of having an expensive high end, desk if you can’t open the drawers? Why buy a coffee table if you can’t put a book or a drink on top? For me design is supposed to look amazing and serve a purpose.
6. Can you say a few words on how our services at High Q Renders have contributed to your work?
I have worked on a project with High Q Renders and know from my experience that they are super responsive, friendly and deadline driven. I was very happy with the outcome of the 3D rendering they completed for me.
7. Can we have a peek at what comes next for DGD Interiors?
Currently I’m working on a few projects at the moment. I’m doing my first outdoor space in Brooklyn, which we just got the permitting for, I’m wrapping up a townhouse project in NJ, and a couple other projects in Manhattan that I’m excited about and will be unveiling shorty.
8. What would be your best advice to young interior designers trying to emerge in the industry?
My advice to other designers would be to study and spend time figuring out what your own personal style is. Secondly, and most importantly practicing and getting comfortable presenting and projecting your design ideas to a client seamlessly without hesitation or pauses. Doing this will help you become more confident and can make it easier when it comes time to present.
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