Designer’s ‘path less traveled’ drives successful collaborations
Many years ago, while interning for the renowned Ralph Palmer, Rhonda Knoche learned an important lesson from her then-mentor. He told her, “You see things a bit differently…use it.”
The winner of 16 design awards and 2015 NKBA U Professional of the Year has had the opportunity to learn from several impressive mentors since then, including Martha Kerr, Johnny Grey, Neil Kelly and Mick de Giulio – but she’s never forgotten that first lesson.
Her specialty is to “approach things differently” – whether that means using an old movie poster mural over her built-in refrigerator or choosing colors that “change and transform – like a bit of magic.” When a prospect asks what everyone’s doing “right now,” she suggests that they might not be a good match. “Because you won’t see what I’m doing all over the place…you can’t see photos of things that haven’t been done before.”
After 23 years working for Neil Kelly, she went out on her own five years ago, focusing on creative collaborations with her clients that start with what she jokingly calls “a Columbo line of questioning” to better understand their needs and lifestyle.
Ergonomics and creative use of small spaces are current areas of interest, but it’s her willingness to take that path less traveled that continues to drive her success.
