Designer Spotlight – Meet Dory

Exceeding expectations is what we do. But don’t just take my word for it….

Hi! I’m Dory and I help clients design and plan renovations that improve their lives, as well as their homes. I enjoy so many aspects of my work, but my favorite is when the owner, David Foster, and I do a final walk-thru of a finished project and present clients with their warranty binder. We often hear phrases like “We’re thrilled!” “Our Lead Carpenter was amazing!” and of course “You exceeded our expectations!”

We exceed expectations not because of any one individual, but because of the strength of our team. With a large-scale remodeling project, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or addition, it’s not enough to just have a phenomenal designer, an amazing carpenter, and use the highest quality materials. From initial design concept, to building a scope of work, to pulling permits, to ordering the dozens or even hundreds of materials required, to sourcing quality trades people and coordinating their work, to scheduling inspections, to finishing on time and on budget, to delivering a project that provides years of pleasure and lasting value, it’s a long road with many opportunities for miscommunication and balls being dropped. Our strong team, start to finish process, and single source of accountability virtually eliminate these pitfalls.

For over a decade, I had the great joy of being a stay at home mom to two wonderful boys.  During that time, I also went back to school part-time to study architecture. I dreamed of the day I’d be able to design beautiful spaces that would improve my clients lives. Once my boys were older, I started working in residential remodeling. But instead of the dream, I experienced the nightmare of stress and frustration notorious to the remodeling industry.  Over the course of three years, I worked for two remodeling companies that went out of business, one of which took large deposits from would be clients before disappearing. They even left one couple “homeless” as they welcomed their first child because their renovation took so long. The experience literally made me physically ill. I considered finding a new line of work. Instead, I found Foster Remodeling Solutions and started working here in 2015.

Now, when I meet with homeowners and describe our process, I know they’ll be thrilled with the experience and result. But they don’t have to just take my word for it. I bring with me a 10-page list of references dating back 15 years with dozens of repeat clients.  They can call on a few or as many names as they want. I’ve never seen such an extensive reference list. I also show them Guild Quality, a third-party customer service firm that surveys clients on every project we do. Check out the results for yourself. Read what our customers say about working with us.

Then check out some of my projects for Foster clients on Houzz and give me a call to discuss your dream remodel.