We were lucky to catch up with Amy Guthrie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

For many years, design and the home I desired seemed out of reach because of grad school budgets, raising a young family, and living in LA. I always loved design. I wanted a home that reflected my style and could be a place where people feel comfortable and relaxed. To make such a home a reality, I had to be creative. Through thrifting and treasure hunting in antique stores, garage and estate sales, and on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, I was able to acquire nice things for my home, within my budget, and get my decorating fix, all at the same time. What started as a necessity became a loved hobby, and when my budget was no longer as restricted, I found continued satisfaction in hunting for that great and unique find at a great price.

My desire for Trilogy Design is for design to be accessible for any budget. Many people assume that hiring a designer is only for the wealthy, but I want people to be able to access design help in order to see their style reflected in their homes or offices, whether on a $500 or $50,000 budget.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For years, my family and friends consistently told me I should go into business as an interior designer, but my fear and self-doubt around not having a degree, worrying that I did not truly have the talent or ability, or concern that people would not like my designs, kept me from pursuing my dreams and passions. In 2021 I was laid off from my long-time corporate job (thank you COVID), a job that I stayed in for all the practical reasons, but it was draining my soul. Being laid off was exactly the push I needed in order to pursue what I had wanted to do since I was a young girl rearranging my room for the 100th time or flipping through design magazines and binge-watching HGTV.

In 2021 my husband and I started two businesses: Trilogy Psychotherapy & Trilogy Design LA, because one wasn’t enough, right?! (Cue the sarcasm.)

Over the last three years, I have enjoyed growing my skills and working with clients to help create a home or office space that brings rest, comfort, peace, and creativity. As a designer, I am committed to helping my clients develop, implement, and bring to life a vision or idea they have for their space. I work with them to clarify what they are drawn to, whether in the form of a piece of art, a picture in a book or magazine, a photo on Instagram, or a Pinterest board. Some clients know what they like while others are at a loss to describe what they are drawn to. We work with color, patterns, and furniture styles. There is an element of trust when working with a designer, especially when the client can’t see the final vision. I want my clients to feel heard, seen, and supported throughout the process and to feel that their space is a reflection of them, not me. After all, they are the ones living and working in the space. However, when selecting a designer, you are likely drawn to how their work reflects what you are drawn to, such as through their craft and artistry. One of the things I love most about living in LA is that we have so many options and styles and can be ourselves. The same is true about hiring an Interior Designer; there are lots of options!

When working with a client, such as to source furnishings or decor or undergo a remodel, I hope to help remove much of the stress from what can otherwise be a very stressful process and hopefully have some fun along the way. Whether it is a one-room refresh or a remodel of your entire home, I walk with my clients through the entire process, which may include coordinating with contractors or other vendors to help see the vision through. I enjoy sourcing quality products for discounted prices.

Another aspect of my business involves selling some of my vintage finds, which I do through local markets. I have been sourcing from around the country, and I love seeing someone buy an item that speaks to them and adds to their home.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Imposter syndrome is a term we often hear nowadays. I often find myself struggling with it. As a recovering people pleaser, I often need to remind myself that not everyone will like my style and that this is OKAY! I am good at what I do, and I respect and listen to my clients and their needs. When issues arise, as they often do, especially in a remodel, I own what is mine and help resolve the it. For example, when a countertop installer drilled through and attached a new countertop to a pull-out cutting board. Very disappointing to the homeowner! Or when a wall mural for a nursery was produced in the wrong order and we did not discover the mistake until it was almost completely installed. Six weeks later a new one was installed while the mother was in labor, but it was up before the baby came home. It was disappointing to have to wait for the new mural to be produced, and my time was a loss as I had to pay the installer twice, but I have worked with the client on multiple projects since then, and in the end what is more important to me is that I provide the best customer service and my clients are happy with the end product.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Treating people with kindness and respect is very important to me and my brand. My business works primarily on referrals, and I want to be known for my work ethic, thoughtfulness, and commitment to my clients. When I receive a referral I make a point to thank the person who referred me; I usually give them a plant and handwritten note as a small token of my appreciation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trilogydesignla.com
• Instagram: @trilogydesignla

Image Credits

@capturedbycal
@jesskoehlerphoto