Interview with Your DIY Designer
The designer responsible for hundreds of remodels over the years sits down for a conversation about himself and his approach to DIY and remodeling in general. The DIY Guy is George Anthony and here is the interview with your DIY designer.
Disclosure. This post may contain links to products or companies that pay a commission to DIYRemodelGuy.com, at no cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Compensation or commissions help fund our work in bringing DIY remodeling ideas and tips to you.
What got you started in design?
Good question. Hmmm. Actually, I have always liked construction. What really became interesting to me was how to put all the pieces together. Overall, it is the satisfaction of taking a blank slate and making the necessary selections & decisions to bring an idea to life. But, to be honest, this realization arrived over the course of many years.
How long have you been in the business?
It has been a while. 30+ years involved in almost all aspects of construction and real estate.
What is your favorite aspect of design?
I feel like I can say it is cabinetry from a product standpoint because it seems like every project I am involved in cabinets are involved or some type of shelving. Cabinetry fits well into organizational side of design which is also appealing to me. There is no room for error with cabinets, they either fit or they don’t.
Do you have a hobby outside of house remodeling?
Sure, I like reading, going for long walks with my dog, landscaping, and being by the water. So it sounds like being outside and active does it for me.
We hear you have a close companion, would you like to share?
Oh my little buddy, Mia. Yes, my spoiled rescue friend. She is a terrier-schnauzer mix, about 25lbs, and a bundle of energy. Just loves people. Mia goes with me just about everywhere.
I have heard you talk about a couple of restaurants, do you have a particular type of restaurant or food you enjoy?
Well, I guess I do. My family is Lebanese so I lean toward mediterranean food. But overall I enjoy a good meal that stands out for its quality and flavor. It is kind of hard to describe. Ever had a really good sandwich that just hits the spot with the right mix of flavors, ingredients and the bread is just right – it is just like that. A good sandwich does it for me just as much as a good steak. For the most part I like to relax and enjoy a meal in a nice space, something with a bit of creativity and uniqueness.
You mentioned sandwich as an example, do you like sandwiches?
Kind of funny that you noticed that. I guess I do. There is something about a really good sandwich, it just hits the spot. In fact one of my favorites is a corned beef sandwich from a real Jewish deli – spectacular. Another couple of favorites would be a French Dip and Cubana. And of course, nothing beats a really good cheese burger with bacon. Apparently, I do like sandwiches. Wanna grab lunch?
What is your favorite snack food?
My personal favorite is Bar-B-Q potato chips. And the other is White Cheddar Popcorn.
What is your go-to cookie?
That has kind of changed over time, it used to be chocolate chips with walnuts without a close second. But over time that has changed to oatmeal raisin. But there is this local shop down the street called Cute Cakes (Escondido, CA) that has these cookies that are great – they are called a Cowboy cookie.
Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?
No. I would not have said that specifically. It just developed over time. But I can remember when I was a kid, always going to construction sites of new homes being built. I loved to climb in the holes after the foundations were poured, and walk around the house as the framing was going up. In school I would doodle house floor plans, nothing elaborate just drawings of each floor. I was drawn to construction and I guess indirectly design.
Is design really about selecting colors?
Yes and no. It really is about coordinating styles, colors, textures and fixtures. In my design work I lean more toward remodeling more than decorating. However, color selection is a big part of cabinetry, countertops, tiles, flooring and paint colors. But I don’t get involved in furniture, drapes, blinds, etc. I also think design has a lot to do with coordination and organization.
Earlier you mentioned cabinets, how did you know you liked doing cabinetry?
I think back to a period when I was in charge of the real estate and development at a large resort. It seemed like the most effort was spent getting the kitchen and bathrooms cabinets just right in each community we built. But one home really stood out because it was a new single family home we built on a Jack Nicklaus golf course. I realized when it was featured on the Parade of Homes that the cabinetry was spectacular. But, what garnered the Builders Award was the extra work I put into the cabinetry design in the living room, den and laundry room.
Why design and DIY, they don’t seem to go together?
I agree. But I think it is the missing link because all successful projects benefit from good planning, organization, and good design. Similarly, the one item that I see missing from most DIY projects is planning. Consequently I believe that if more people took a step back, thought through the full project, selected materials in advance, worked out a budget, and created an installation plan they would save more money dramatically reduce their headaches.
Have you worked with customers before or have you always done DIY?
I have worked in the industry in different capacities including working for companies, owning my own design company, doing my own rehabs and consulting on DIY projects. The scope of the remodels ranges from small projects to really large projects. Also, yes, I have professionally created projects for customers.
Your approach is different than most DIY, you seem to focus more on the why & what rather than the how to. Am I correct?
I guess you can say that because over the course of my career many people have said that too. Moreover, my approach is very organized and methodical. I understand both interior design and construction so I not only select fixtures and design elements I understand how they all go together. That is part of the reason that on my projects why I create a Installation Scope of Work after my Finish & Fixture List is complete. With these 2 items I can create an accurate budget. Too funny. The more I describe it, the more unique it sounds for the industry, especially DIY. But it works, so I stick with it. It eliminates what I hear all too often from my DIY clients: “oh, I hadn’t considered that”.
Where do you come up with your design ideas?
Sometimes I even surprise myself. The answer really is everywhere because design elements are all around us. They are in every building, uniquely tucked into every business, throughout your community, in magazines…. really everywhere. When I look at a space I imagine it empty, then I recreate a ‘1st draft’ in my mind of the new space that works better than the old. In the same way, it is like a puzzle with a 1,000 pieces that all fit together just right. Additionally, sometimes you just have to relax and let the space speak to you, it knows what it needs. Wow, that was corny. But, design concepts aren’t a formula. It is very organic. Each project is different, just like every person is different.
What is the most popular style today?
In general, I would say most people lean toward a transitional style. The modern farmhouse look is popular because of the the House Flipping and Remodel television shows.
What is your favorite design style?
I lean more toward a modern design with clean lines and mixtures of materials. Wood elements are in most of my projects. Modern can be warm and minimalistic at the same time. It also, allows for a nice interplay of colors and textures.
Q. What are some of your favorite design or house flipping shows on television?
Oh, wow. Some are pretty good but each for a different reason. I like Chip & Joanna Gaines in Texas on their show Fixer Upper. Together they create a nice home for the families. Further, the trips to the local antique store to find something unique to repurpose always catches my attention. Of course, the custom tables and other furniture pieces done locally are fantastic. Joanna has done great with her brand, Magnolia. More so I am very excited for them.
Then there are the girls (my wife laughs when I call them that) from Good Bones. Karen and Mina of Two Chicks and a Hammer are so laid back. Their interest in Indianapolis is inspiring. Plus that is a clever name for a company. Their ‘take it back to the studs approach to get it done right’ is a thoughtful approach when you are working in your own community. Karen…that women has some real creativity in how she can see ‘artifacts’ on a walk-through or demo day that she wants to put back into the finished house.
But, I can’t go without mentioning Tarek and Christina El Moussa (I know things have changed with them). Heck you would probably know who I was talking about if I just said Tarek and Christina. They do a lot of their remodels in the county along the coast just north of me in Orange County. As a result their style is very California, open and airy. Besides, the best take away from that show is how they always seem to find a way to enlarge the master bathroom shower; who doesn’t like a big shower.
The other show that I enjoyed is done in Chicago, Windy City Rehab with designer Alison Victoria who tackles some big projects. It is very nice how they mix the modern with the older character and charm. Additionally, I love how she repurposes the fireplace front, front doors, cornices, and even interior doors. Lastly, the custom hoods in her kitchens are an upscale touch.
The other show (wow, I’m busted. I do watch too much tv) that really hits the spot for me is with Mike Holmes because his shows Holmes on Homes and Make It Right are really good. Probably more technical than what most people want to watch. But you won’t believe what I see done by inexperienced and sloppy contractors and naive homeowners. Consequently, sometimes it just feels like your head is going to explode. Overall, his no nonsense, do-it-right the first time really resonates with me. No easily accomplished, so I appreciate his perseverence.
Ok, I’ll stop. It’s funny, when you like what you do it doesn’t seem like work. Watching these shows is education, inspirational, and entertaining. Also, I get a lot of good ideas from all of these people. Hey I have a couple of these recorded on the DVR, wanna check it out? [ok, maybe later].
It seems like your approach would appeal to women more than men, am I correct?
Hmmm. I guess so. Not really. If I come at it from strictly a design approach thinking about colors, materials, fixtures, then maybe so. I mean my approach isn’t how are we going to frame this, install that, and what tools do I need. I must admit that most guys do start with demo and planning comes much later. But I think my approach appeals more to the person who likes to be organized, is willing to plan, and who wants a really nice looking project when done.
If you want to demo at 9am, to look for stuff to install at 10am, try to install at 11am and head back for more materials at 3pm, all with the full intent of wrapping up your larger than expected project in two days then you won’t agree with my approach. Guy, gal or other doesn’t matter, if you want to create a nice looking remodel (big or really small) you’ll like my approach.
What is an important strategy when taking on a DIY project?
Be realistic, set reasonable goals and don’t over extend yourself. Most importantly, know your limits. Additionally, it is best to start small. Finally, set a budget based on actual numbers.
What is the biggest mistake that DIYers make in your opinion?
I feel that it is two things. First, they start the project without a plan. and secondly, their skill-set does not match the task at hand. Consequently, it usually ends up as a very expensive lesson. The unfortunate result is that many projects sit unfinished for a long time. Besides, if you think asking for help is hard up-front, it gets even harder after you have created a big remodel mess. It’s sad.
Does doing a remodel yourself really save that much money?
Sometimes it saves money and other times it allows you to incorporate more into a project. But let’s be real part of the money you save is by you doing the labor yourself for free. Remember, DIY doesn’t mean to literally do everything yourself. The best example I can think of for that is when a person acts as the General Contractor when building a new home. A substantial amount of money can be saved by managing the project and making all the big decisions, but letting the experienced people do the heavy lifting.
Do you do all the work yourself or hire people to do it?
No. For small projects I’ll do more of it. But I find that I can get the best results by getting experienced people doing what they do best. For example, you can save a lot of money on a bathroom remodel if you purchase all the materials yourself, do the daily clean-up on the site, and manage the project. Additionally, if you like to paint go ahead. But why try to tackle plumbing and tile work if you have never done it before. There a plenty of details that you can do if you want to do some of the work.
I was just thinking, you asked me earlier who my approach appeals to more. Not everyone wants to strap on a tool belt or break out the table saw. If you do, great. But if you don’t, you can still be a DIYer. Think of it this way, you’ll be the one waving the magic wand transforming the ugly duckling into the beautiful swan. Thus, by overseeing the project and coordinating the design elements you can save a lot of money.
Q. It seems like you really like what you do, have you thought about writing a book?
Writing yes, a book no. I do a blog, DIYRemodelGuy.com that talks about DIY design. Over the years I have had articles published in local magazines. Several of my projects have been featured on magazine covers. A Book? Who knows what is in the future?
I hope you enjoyed a peek behind the scenes and getting to know the DIY Guy. If there are additional questions that you have please add them to the comments section. Unfortunately, I can’t promise that it will get published but I do try to answer them all. The DIY Remodel Guy team hopes you enjoyed the Interview With The DIY Designer. Remember, Stay Calm and Remodel On.
Disclosure. This post may contain links to products or companies that pay a commission to DIYRemodelGuy.com, at no cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Compensation or commissions help fund our work in bringing DIY remodeling ideas and tips to you.
More Great DIY Reads
If you would like answers to more specific questions about remodeling a kitchen then check out my post Your Kitchen Remodel Questions. Another good read is 8 Kitchen Cabinet Convenience Items. My blog is full of helpful home remodeling information acquired from over three decades of design and construction in the residential remodeling and new construction industry so I’m confident you’ll find some beneficial information in each post. Follow my blog – DIY Remodel Guy so you’ll never miss the latest post.