Today we’d like to introduce you to Rande Leaman.
Rande, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In my first life, I was an actress. I was involved in the arts and theater for many years before I decided to change course and enter the world of Interior Design. I remember trying to memorize my lines and would somehow find myself reading design magazines instead. Friends and family would tell me I should make a career of design “in my next life,” which prompted me to enroll at the UCLA Design Program. Through those courses I learned about the Interior Architectural Design program at Santa Monica College, where I completed my design education. Immediately after graduation, I started my company and never looked back. Initially, I took on smaller projects, like a living room or bedroom, however that quickly evolved to full scale home remodels, including kitchens and bathrooms. Today, my practice is busier than ever and I’m honored to have won a Best of Houzz award three years running.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The act of designing comes naturally to me, but when I was starting out I had to teach myself the nuts and bolts of running a business. As a creative person, I didn’t realize how meticulous you have to be and how much follow through is required to keep things running smoothly. I had to do my own bookkeeping, record keeping, and taxes until I could afford to hire someone to do that for me. It was one thing for me to learn these concepts in class, but it’s an entirely different story when trying to apply them in a real-world setting.
Rande Leaman Interior Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I run a residential Interior Design firm based in Studio City, with projects spanning throughout the Los Angeles Area. My specialties are diverse, as I handle jobs ranging from introductory design consultations to full-scale home remodels. I am known for my ability to design in a wide array of styles and know how to make my clients’ dreams a reality, as I apply a variety of aesthetics to each project. Additionally, I am proud of my easy-going, adaptable approach to working with clients and the fact that I make the design process as pleasurable as possible. I strive to remain calm, communicate effectively, and do everything in my power to give each client the end result they hope for. Many homeowners are hesitant to hire an Interior Designer because they feel their opinions will be overruled by a designer’s vision, but I find a collaborative approach to be more satisfying for both parties.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am proud of each time I received a Best of Houzz award. I am honored to have my work recognized by the design community.
On a personal note, it is extremely satisfying to return to a home I completed years before that remains exactly as I left it. When a client tells me how I changed their life by creating a space that they love coming home to I feel immensely gratified.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.randeleamaninteriors.com
- Phone: (818) 515-2862
- Email: rande@randeleamaninteriors.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randeleamaninteriordesign/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rande-leaman-interior-design-studio-city
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/randelea/rande-leaman-interior-design
Image Credit:
Erika Bierman
Suzanna Scott
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
