We were lucky to catch up with Emma Flynn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I worked for years in a corporate design firm, the largest in the world, the big name clients – all of it. It was shiny as a student coming out of design school to be involved in something that seemed so impactful. The allure lasted for a few years but I began to realize working on such large projects, I was missing that personal connection with the people using the spaces. I got to experience that connection with some one-off clients, so I knew it existed. Those experiences made me dream of doing it differently – here comes commoner. I knew I wanted to bridge the gap between the ultra-exclusive + us normal people, it just became a matter of how.

The pandemic hit and what went from 2 weeks at home to 2 years, gave me the space and time to make commoner my new reality. I started to gauge interest in private design clients by taking on some residential work while still working my 9-5. It seemed like people were craving that help to make their vision a reality, both for residential and small commercial clients. Most people know what they like, and how they want to feel in their space. It’s just the execution they need some help with. I want to make that process attainable. I work with my clients within their very real budgets to create spaces to reflect their lifestyles + brands.

During the side hustle phase, I was connecting with people and clients in a different way than I was used to. I was able to build client relationships that became friendships and it just felt right. That’s when I made the leap to do this thing full time and I haven’t looked back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I started my career in design wanting to be an architect, do big commercial buildings. Got my degree and landed a job at a big firm. My goals shifted after a few years in the industry. Exploring my own business helped me realize I want to do things at a smaller scale like helping small business owners design their space and help people invest in their communities + homes through design.

I offer commercial + residential architectural interior design services – creating spaces to serve client’s needs for their homes and/or their businesses. I touch everything from shaping the floorplan down to the tiniest details. My offerings range from virtual design, quick 1:1 design consultations, test-fits for commercial build-outs, full design services from planning, consulting through the construction phase, and sourcing finishes, lighting, furnishings + accessories to finish out a job.

I find clients are often able to voice the feeling they desire from their space but might not quite know how to make that happen, that’s where commoner comes in. Solving that puzzle and connecting the dots is what commoner does best.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I have invested little to no energy in what would typically be considered marketing for commoner. What’s really important to me, and why I started this business, is connecting with real people. I want working with me to feel like you’re working with a trusted friend. At the end of the day my business is to serve my clients, and doing that well is the best way to grow.

In terms of growing that client base from zero – connecting with all kinds of people, in the design industry + industry adjacent has been a huge source of client connections for me. I started by just talking to people, telling them about myself, my business, and the kinds of clients I want to work with, and getting to know them and what their goals are. Ask that random person to coffee, you never know how many friends they’ll tell about what you’re doing.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

It’s always been making design attainable, personal, and working with really awesome people.

It’s not about me, my personal style, or how I want a space to come together. It’s all about what works for my clients, both residential and commercial. Whether it’s making your home feel like yours or creating a space that reflects your brand and the goals associated with it – It’s always my mission to make that happen within your means.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.commonerdesign.co/
• Instagram: @commonerdesignco

Image Credits
Photographs: Haley James Photo Drawings: commoner design co.