Behind the Camera

With the competition over, I often find myself reminiscing about the whole experience. During the competition there was something going on every minute of the day. There was no time to simply sit back and watch the contest unfold. There was always something to plan, one more email to return, one more party detail to attend to and always, always, one more web update to get done! When I think back over the past several months, it isn’t the grand parties or the high drama moments I seem to think about the most. I recall the more personal moments with the designers. My fondest memories are the times where individual nuances, personalities and quarks were revealed. For example, everyone saw how vocal and brutally honest Jill could be. What I also saw was the Jill that cared deeply for her friends, did actually care about what people thought about her, and works very hard to support charitable organizations. Then there is Susanne. Susanne started the competition as the Grand Diva. Although she was quickly usurped by Jill, I never thought she was a bonafide Diva. A diva would not care what people said or thought about her. The Susanne I saw was devastated  at being portrayed as a Diva. She is a single mom of two, running two businesses and determined to look good doing it. Yes, she was habitually late and somewhat scattered, but really, she was just juggling more than most knew about.

More reminiscing to come…..

ASID comes to Compass

In an earlier entry, I mentioned the Coastal Chapter of ASID was coming to Compass to tour the model homes and talk with the designers. I thought I would share a few pictures from the event and pass along some of the comments.

Everyone was pleasantly surprised with the level of detail, creativity and varied design styles. It was very interesting that one reason ASID members supported this competition was for public education. It seems, not only the competitors, but the ASID members as a whole, feel the general public doesn’t understand the benefits or rewards working with a Interior Designer can bring. More than one negative comment was made about HGTV’s detrimental impact on the interior design industry. Apparently, HGTV has in no way benefited the design industry, instead, they have contributed to the false impressions and misconceptions the public has regarding the interior design. I really don’t understand what all the confusion is about. Are you saying that it is not realistic to think an interior designer should NOT be expected to renovate a kitchen in 48 hours or a home owner is NOT suppose to leave the entire design choices up to the designer, in addition to leaving home the 12 minutes it will take to go through the miraculous transformation?

Saturday Rocked!

Literally and figuratively! We started off the evening jammin’ to the Jason Marks Band. Dang, those guys can play some music! Before announcing the grand finale winner, we revealed who this season’s drama queen was (no surprise there!), moved on to best blog (great job Susan), after pausing for dramatic effect, Susan Tollefsen was announced the $25,000 grand prize winner. Many, many hugs, tears and cheers followed. A big thanks to everyone who came out to help us celebrate. Stay tuned for pictures and videos. Check out the crowd we had…

All designers present and accounted for?

As the big day (Grand Finale) draws closer we are looking forward to having all the designers back together again. We have been feverishly setting and re-setting the designers schedules, there will be no sitting around reminiscing about the good times! Each designer will be busy with interviews, photo shoots, confessionals, meet and greets, etc. There is no doubt that these designers now know how to work a room. It has been wonderful to see the shy, reserved designers come out of their shell, give as good as they got and proven they are a force to be reckoned with. Although there can be only one winner, I think each designer has benefited in some way from this experience. I am proud of them all.

Saturday Updates

As we move closer to the Grand Finale, things are falling into place nicely. Catering, check. Libations, check. Port-a-potties, check. Band, check! We are totally excited about the band. Check out their myspace page to get a sample…   http://www.myspace.com/jasonmarksnc

It’s only Wednesday!

I am so ready for the parties to begin. Friday approx 80 members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) will be coming to Compass Pointe to meet the designers and tour the model homes. We are anxious to hear (and film) their comments on each of the spaces. I can’t wait to hear if they agree with the contestant’s assessments. Stay tuned to future webisodes to see what they had to say.

Polls are Closed!

Well, all good things must come to an end. Winner will be announced at the Grand Finale party is this Saturday! Do we know who the winner is yet? No…and it’s killing me. All paper ballots and electronic votes have been turned over to CPA Randy McIntyre.

It’s Official – Finale is going to be a Blast!

Picture this… the soft, flickering light of hundreds of luminaries cast a glow onto a perfectly manicured sidewalk, the trees overhead are bright with party lights, the sun is setting behind a beautiful, festively adorned large, white tent, the sound of laughter and music fills the air. For those coming to the Grand Finale on October 3rd, this will be a truly memorable night. We have a wonderful menu planned, plenty of cold beverages and a kickin’ band to keep the party rockin’!

Who will be next?

Today we sent out an email blast to new home communities both far and wide. We are letting the world know that the search for the 2010 Host Community has commenced. Fingers crossed we find a host community that is as wonderful to work with as the team at Compass Pointe. Spread the word!

Let there be fireworks!

I can not believe that in one week we close the polls. At 5pm next Friday, our appointed CPA will truck himself down to Compass Pointe, unlock the box, remove the ballots and return to his sanctuary to begin the tallying process. Maybe we should have an armed guard with him. Said armed guard could protect the CPA from people like me, people that are going crazy with the not knowing!! I am obsessed with thoughts of receiving the official results. I don’t know what I am expecting…drum roll, horns, or perhaps a courier will come with a certified letter! How anti-climactic will it be to get a simple phone call? No, I am going to insist there must be some hoopla involved. We have waited this long, there best be some dang fireworks!