With a particular focus on commercial projects, Micky explains that there is less customization involved when working with a typical commercial client versus a residential one who obviously tends to be much more discerning, detail-oriented, and at times particularly challenging when they put in change orders while their project is already underway.

Asked how she and her team are able to stay on top with the latest regulations and standards in any given state when working on projects, Micky says that communication is key, both between her team members as well as with the contractors that the firm partners with. The same is true when it comes to choosing top-quality materials from a health standpoint.

From keeping up with code to handling logistics to meeting client expectations, commercial design carries with it a myriad of unique challenges. Micky addresses some of these and describes the process that has brought her and her team of five amazing success in the industry.

Topics Discussed: 

• [02:08] The differences between Micky’s commercial and residential clients
• [08:55] Why Micky decided to go into the commercial and hospitality world
• [12:14] How Micky stays on top with ever-evolving regulations and standards for commercial projects
• [16:29] How involved Micky is with FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment)
• [18:31] Making sure that the design fits the client’s budget and creating the design book
• [24:01] How Micky delegates responsibilities to her five team members
• [38:40] What inspired Micky to go into interior design and how she built her career
• [41:50] What Micky wishes she knew at the beginning of her career
• [43:15] Why Micky decided to launch her own textile line
• [45:36] How Micky does social media and why she focuses on LinkedIn and blogging
• [49:39] How Micky stays on top of design trends and best practices in the industry
• [50:37] What Micky likes to do for fun
• [52:05] Exciting upcoming projects and other events for Micky

Connect with Micky Klein:

• Website - https://mickyklein.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/micky_klein_interiors/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Mickykleininteriors/
• LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/micky-klein-84681a76
• YouTube - https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCfLrGMXzc-habHNqV0tpMKA

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://aftconstruction.com
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes from Episode:

• I’m very, very into criticism. I find it refreshing, because the more black and white my client can be and tell me exactly what their vision is and tell me what they do like and what they don’t like, I’m able to give them the product that they envision from the get-go.
• I really appreciate how I came to where I am today knowing that a lot of it was me and the help of others giving me advice. But, at the end of the day, I know that I woke up and decided to keep going instead of giving up when the frustration or lack of knowledge kicked in.