Terri West McQueary, interior designer, ASID, IIDA Interior Planning Consultants Inc.

What specific benefits and challenges does commercial design entail?
A benefit to our clients is that we are able to coordinate all aspects of the design process. Some of the challenges are working under deadlines, handling multiple projects at one time and overseeing the quality of those projects.

Do you concentrate on designing for clients in particular industries?
We have pretty much done about everything. It’s not that we concentrate on (particular industries), just what the market bears. We have had a lot of experience in medical/health care and general office – nursing homes, doctors’ offices, hospitals. We’ve been involved in lots of banking facilities, retail (and) educational. We don’t really say ‘we only do this.’ We also work on government projects.

What attracted you to the design field?
I always had an interest in design. My original major at the University of Missouri was journalism but later changed to interior design.
What are some of the trends right now in commercial interior design?
As far as finishes, wall coverings, carpet (and) fabrics, everything is definitely earth tones. Clients are more accepting of more color, versus perhaps in the 1980s and early 1990s (when) everything was pretty much white walls. I think you see that also residentially. People are more accepting of brighter and bolder colors.

What inspires you – in design and/or in business?
The inspiration for design is to solve a client’s problem within their space, while making it aesthetically pleasing. The business aspect is having control of running the business.

Your company started in 1986. How would you describe that journey – from then to now?
When my partner, Kris Evans, and I started our business we were pretty much bare bones. We didn’t even have a copier! With hard work it has been fairly easy. We’ve been very fortunate to have many repeat clients and have a great staff. It also has been satisfying to see many of our staff grow both professionally and personally.

Who is Terri West outside the office – what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy traveling and fly fishing with my husband, Fred, as well as reading and puttering around in my flower garden.