Briefly describe your business.
'When I chose the profession of interior design 31 years ago, I realized I was entering a field that impacted everyone in a powerful way. My staff and I realize the importance of a well-designed interior, as we are able to impact the success of a business, healing of a patient, and comfort of an employee. KDI will always strive to create healthy, supportive and conducive environments, incorporating the pursuit of sustainability.

What size is your company?
11 employees, including 7 licensed interior designers acting as project managers.  In our industry (interior design firm and furniture dealerships) the ability to manage our clients’ projects through the talents of passionate and experienced interior designers is quite unique and sets us apart from our competition.

What is your ideal client?
Someone that appreciates and truly understands the value of excellent design and associated elements (finishes and furniture).

What products and/or services does your business offer?
Commercial and Healthcare furnishings and accessories, flooring, wallcovering, millwork, window treatments, interior design and installation.  We are not “aligned” with the very well known and high priced furniture systems on the market.  Therefore, we also do not have dictated quotas and inflated pricing structures.  This enables us to do the cliché “right” thing for our clients, and that is what KDI is all about.

How did you originally discover the idea for your business?
In 1978, I was a freshman at Michigan State University majoring in journalism. Walking down the dorm floor after feeling a bit dejected with a low score in Journalism 101, I encountered a group of gals sitting on the floor, burning fabric.  Their interior design project “sparked” my interest, and the rest is history.  My career started with Helmut Jahn (worked on the State of IL Building, and “old” Northwestern Train Station), branched into the design/build field, and landed in the commercial/healthcare interiors arena 20 years ago.  The “idea” for my business is quite simple... providing clients with exceptional interior solutions through finishes and furnishings.

What have been the keys to success in your eyes?
Hard work, passion and always doing the “right” thing.

What kind of relationships do you establish with your customers?
Long term, honest relationships.

How do you maintain the relationships?
The passionate pursuit of honest professionalism, emphasizing our goal of always exceeding our clients' expectations.

Have you noticed any trends in your industry?
Our business is all about trends. As you know, trends tend to come and go. We pride ourselves on being able to implement trends in a percentage allowing the finished space to have a timeless yet trendy style.

What is your greatest achievement?
Building a business with an established team seasoned enough to weather any storm, and being able to balance my business and my family life, finally.

Describe your business in 5 words or less.
Honesty, commitment, integrity and professionalism.