By David MacDonald W hat was your time like in New York learning the art of Staging from the creator of the Home Staging concept, Barb Schwartz? How did that come to pass? PT: Initially, I was unsure how viable a career in interior design would be, so I decided to prepare my application for the MBA program. One night, after work, I had my books open and the TV on in background and there was a program by Barb Schwartz about Home Staging. I was so intrigued with the concept and came to the realization that I really should try to do what I was passionate about. Home Staging was not well-known at the time here in Quebec and I knew an opportunity was before me. I signed up for the next course and my journey began. The Accredited Staging Professional Course that I took with Barb Schwartz was an intensive three-day program which consisted of two days of classroom work and one day in the field Staging a home. The course was essential in giving a framework with which to set up and run a Home Staging business. We went through everything from pricing, to mar- keting, and the different types of services you can offer. It was so exciting to discover all that was possible – but the third day was certainly the most amazing. She brought the class to a home that was about to be listed and we were divided into teams and assigned various parts of the home. We deconstructed, peeled away, and Staged the home. And it was so amazing to see creativity at work – we were only able to use what was already at the house to Stage. The end result was a complete transformation. Most of all, I remember the reaction of the owners coming home to see the home they’d lived in for several years take on a whole new life. They saw some of their belongings that had been stored away at the back of closets take centre Stage. This all left such an impression on me. To this day, it’s still one of my favourite parts of my business. Styles and trends implicitly come and go, but is there anything about your approach to each project that has remained unchanged since your time in New York in 2004? PT: My approach to each project is very much the same as what I learned in New York in that it is very pragmatic. Whether I’m “Staging to Sell” or “Staging to Live” I follow the same guidelines. While “Staging to Sell” and “Staging to Live” have very different objectives, I’m always looking with an eye of the potential buyer or homeowner and what you will see when you first enter any given room. People shop for a lifestyle when looking for a home; and a home- owner is looking to make their home more enjoyable – whether that is in form or function. So I always follow a step- by-step approach – exactly as I was taught in New York and provide solutions that are both sensible and realistic. How would you describe your style, Patricia?
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DECEMBER 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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