Testimonials

Margaret
August 2010

Just getting to the point where I recognized that I needed
professional help in decorating my sun room was a major accomplishment
for me. I even bought and read a book on How To Work With An Interior
Designer!  I learned that the main reason you hire a professional is
that they are aware of so much more about the products that are
available and ways to combine them than I ever could.

Susan was a godsend for me.  She spent a lot of time just talking to
me about my tastes, my styles, what I thought I wanted, and of what I
was afraid or unsure about the process.  She was very empathetic and
completely professional.  I was given all the opportunities that I
needed and wanted to review designs, fabrics, furniture, and paint.
When I explained that I was concerned about budget, she seamlessly
incorporated my existing pieces into the new design, and made it her
first priority to show me how I was getting the best value for the
prices I paid.  The people that she employs are also top-notch.  I
HEARTILY recommend the gentleman she employs to design, make, and
install draperies.

In short, while you as the Buyer do have to do work to ensure that you
get what you want, Susan and her team work tirelessly to make the
experience as positive, and even enjoyable, as possible.  I am already
eyeing a second room and have every intention of working with her
again!

Doris Wong
April 2010

Give her the ball….and she will take it and run….Or if you don’t have
a Game Plan, she will awe and delight you with results you would have
not thought of.

My year of working with Susan to decorate my new Condo apartment at
Lionsgate was the most eye-opening and enlightening experience…and the
finished product is the most beautiful home I have ever dreamed of…

Susan’s knowledge, expertise, and resources of vendors to work with,
gave me choices I could not have shopped for on my own. The floral
arrangements done by Susan, herself, are spectacular and picked up on
all the colors and tones of the antique Asian vases I had. The wealth
and breadth of fabrics available for my window treatments and bedding
was vast and her computer-generated visuals of design possibilities
were visually accurate and helpful for my eye.

The Service included the overseeing of the entire processes of
ordering, receiving, delivering and management of the various vendor
work to be done at the site so the stress of time management on my
part was nil…

Susan is not only a delight to work with but also fun and we have
become fast friends as a result….I count it among my blessings that
she and her skills came into my Life when they did…

Judy Buckley
Real Estate Manager, Reston Midtown
November 2007

I just wanted to drop you a short note to tell you how pleased your customers are with your work. Paul Sullivan just raves about how helpful you have been and how he could not have possibly pulled off the move without you given his busy schedule. You just took over and not only gave him wonderful furniture selections, you also made it come together seamlessly. He is thrilled.

Michael and Barbra Sahady are another one of your fans. Granted Michael can be a tough customer since he bought all of the oversized Kreiss furniture without you. But you managed to rectify the problem and work with the store for exchanges. Michael was so afraid to make a mistake that he wanted to paint the entire condo in white. But your photos of what it would look like after painting rather strong colors won him over. They love the new paint.

Les Rose, Haze Hanna and Marty Seigel have all remarked on your creativity, skills to enable them to visualize the final product and attention to detail. They land well as I love working with you – it is just a pleasure.

Thanks, Susan for being a great part of Reston Midtown.

Paul W. Sullivan
November 2006

The term “customer service” is often illusive in the services industry. However, if one desires a clear definition, call Susan Utley at the Design Studio.

After the initial meeting with Susan my thoughts were, “she gets it." She spent several meetings getting to know me, my motivation, demands on my time, my family situation, my likes/dislikes, as well as my current lifestyle

The Design Studio’s efforts were nothing short of heroic – Susan is a true customer-centric professional. Throughout the selection process, Susan made me feel comfortable with the design and layout. If the suggestions did not appeal to me, a simple “no” was enough for Susan to present alternatives. Susan assumed responsibilities that went well beyond that of the ordinary designer. In reality, she became a project manager for a client that quickly appreciated her open, honest communications, as well as her organizational skills

Susan went well beyond my expectations. I expected to find an interior decorator – and got a friend, a consultant, a project manager, and an extremely professional business woman.

Susan has changed my world in a means that money can not buy – she has made a new home for me. I would highly recommend this professional to any – and all – future clients.