When Blair Parkes and Susan Lamb met eight years ago at a mutual friend’s wedding, they had no idea that a few years later they would become business partners. The two interior designers were working on their own, but always thought a design partnership would be great if they found the right fit.
“We ran into each other sourcing for clients one day, and we were talking about how working on your own can be challenging in a lot of ways and how we both always wanted a design partner,” says Susan. “We talked about it and decided to work on a project together--to give it a test to see how we work together and if it was really a good fit. Before we knew it, we were deciding on what to call ourselves.
“We knew that partnering would be a good way to expand, to be more efficient and a great way to grow our business. We both bring very different assets and perspectives to the table.”
So, in 2014, Parkes and Lamb Interiors was created. A full-service interior design team, they handle everything from decorating to the detailed drawings of floor plans and elevations, along with ensuring design details come together to create a beautiful and functional space.
“We love full-service design projects,” says Susan. “For interiors, it’s so gratifying seeing a space come together from a concept on paper to a fully designed space.”
Another service they often provide in Nashville is assisting during a new construction or a renovation process. They work with the builders and architects and are with the client throughout the entire process. “We do the full gamut from detailed drawings, to finish selections, lighting plans and down to molding details.”
“To me there’s no greater satisfaction than having the client and their families feel comfortable and happy in their homes,” says Blair. “Our clients come to us and they’re unhappy with the layout and/or the furnishings and overall they’re just not feeling settled. I’m honored to be a part of the process of putting everything together and creating a space that’s livable, functional and really beautiful all at the same time.”
“A lot of clients know what they want,” says Susan, “but don’t know how to get there. It’s so exciting, especially toward the end, when they say, ‘I knew it was going to be good, but it’s way better than I could have ever imagined.’”
Both women stress that they appreciate quality in the details. “I feel like we have the best group of artisans who can create anything and produce any finish that withstands the test of time in terms of style and durability,” says Susan. “Our clients really appreciate that.”
Susan and Blair say they also strive to ensure that the time commitment and financial investment result in a home that clients will be happy with for many years to come. And, while the two understand that redecorating and renovating a home can be stressful, they add that they always try to make the process fun and enjoyable.
“For interiors, it’s so gratifying seeing a space come together from a concept on paper to a fully designed space.”
