Meet Erica Reiner of Eco Method Interiors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Reiner.

Hi Erica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My educational background is in the environmental sciences. I worked in the environmental industry and even taught environmental science at colleges across Los Angeles. In 2011, I did a self-paced interior decorating certificate for fun during some downtime. I didn’t give it another thought as a career option until about 2014. My eyes opened to the possibility of starting a business when I saw my now-husband, and a few friends endeavor to build theirs. The idea of being a business owner and my own boss was absolutely the right fit for me and while it’s been tough, I’m very proud of what I’ve built, my brand values and the fact I was able to blend my environmental background and expertise with my love of creativity, design, and business. I now help individuals, families, businesses and investors transform their spaces with special attention to health, wellness and environmental values at the core.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Does anyone ever say yes to this question of having an easy time starting a business? I do wonder. Sometimes I hear of things falling into people’s laps but that was certainly not my experience. Building a business is a slog. I’ve made every failure possible, but I’m fairly resilient and have learned and kept going.

I’ve had to learn systems, processes and advanced organization for this industry. I’ve had to improve my skills as a leader and boss, I’ve had to do major work on my mindset. I’ve had to grow a business person alongside my creative growth. The business of interior design is far less sexy and way more complicated than it sounds. There was a lot of bumps and struggles on the road, but I’m feeling great about where the business is at and will go!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Eco Method Interiors is an interior design firm based here in Los Angeles since 2014. Our specialty is intelligently incorporating design-forward, eco-friendly & non-toxic products into our projects. We love designing commercial, residential, and investment property projects. Besides working with our beloved Angelenos, we work remotely with folks all over the country. Aesthetically, we can design a space to an array of styles to our client’s goals and tastes. We are not afraid to go beyond current fads or local trends and deep into the world’s high-style interior design.

Our main differentiator is a holistic approach to interior design. We think a lot about how our physical space impacts our mental well-being as well as a businesses’ messaging to clients and guests, and, how our home and furnishings affect our physical health + the planet’s health. The “Eco Method” process is the perfect way to blend an inspired space with mental, physical, and environmental well-being. Our tagline is “Transform Your Space, Health, and the Planet.” I talk more about these subjects on our podcast Green By Design. The goal is to help be a voice leading the industry into a cleaner, greener space.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Having lived in Anaheim, Santa Barbara, Brisbane and Coffs Harbour, AU, and NYC I can say there are some distinguishing features about Los Angeles besides the truly fabulous weather. For me, I love that the city has views of, and relatively easy access to, nature of all kinds including the mountains, beaches, chaparral and more. While greater Los Angeles is known for some of its more cliche’d macro cultures, there are micro-cultures and interesting sub-groups upon a closer look that provide entertainment, community, and tasty food for so many. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention Los Angeles as a leading voice and hub for social and environmental rights and for innovation. My biggest gripe with Los Angeles is the slow pace of action in dealing with the problems that many cities have, but feels significant here in a metropolitan area of 10M. My biggest hope for our city is to see better solutions to the exponentially growing housing crisis, devastating fires and drought, and gun violence. I’ll also say that I get grumpy about tourist hordes and gross tap water. 😐

Pricing:

• Our value-packed consultation is 2 hours for $250

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ecomethodinteriors.com
• Instagram: @eco.method.interiors
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-884677587
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/eco-method-interiors-pfvwus-pf~1670310766

Image Credits
Charlotte Lea photography Besquire Art photography