We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth and Karren Antonyan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth and Karren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
We officially launched our design and development venture in 2021, drawn in by an opportunity that was too good to pass up—a charming bungalow that had seen better days in Sunland, CA. Originally intended as a long-term investment, the moment we began renovations, it became evident that we had uncovered something far more significant—Doonik Design x Development was born!
While both Karren and I have worked in real estate for over a decade and have tackled various design projects on the side, neither field has been our primary focus. I (Elo) spent almost two decades in education and five years professionally as an interior designer. Karren, on the other hand, has been an entrepreneur, delving into the realms of sales and restaurant ownership for nearly three decades. And while we both enjoyed the successes in our respective fields, our true passion for design consistently drew us back to home design and renovations.
Our journey traces back to our first home remodel in 1996, where we realized our shared enthusiasm for unique and innovative design. This marked the beginning of our life as a married couple and ignited our passion for crafting spaces that feel like home. Building off of that sentiment, we named our design and development company ‘Doonik’, an Armenian term meaning ‘little home’ or a loving reference to one’s home.
While embarking on this path earlier would have been ideal, I firmly believe that the timing of starting Doonik Design x Development was perfectly aligned for us. Launching our business at that moment allowed us to bring together our accumulated experiences and leverage our individual strengths. This journey has provided us with opportunities for learning and growth, each step contributing to the success and authenticity of Doonik Design x Development.
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.
At Doonik Design x Development, our services cover a diverse range, including full-service design, new construction, investment property design, renovation management and resale, just to name a few. Additionally, we have unique offerings for savvy clients who prefer to have a more hands-on approach, such as, virtual design services, design consultations, and a unique ‘designer for a day’ experience. What distinguishes us is our comprehensive approach, seamlessly integrating design, construction collaboration, and real estate services to cater to each individual’s various needs.
Our pride lies in being not just designers but avid listeners, with communication serving as the cornerstone of our process. Each project presents an opportunity to translate our clients’ stories and ideas into personalized designs that go beyond aesthetics to create memorable experiences.
What we want potential clients to know is that Doonik is not just a design studio; it’s a collaborative partner in understanding one’s lifestyle and incorporating it into the home’s soul and turning design visions into reality. We relish opportunities to work with clients in understanding their unique style, and creating spaces that resonate with the feeling of a ‘Doonik’—a home filled with comfort, joy, and the extraordinary essence of when a house truly becomes a home.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Our story began officially in high school; however, our connection traces back to when we were just children and part of a mutual family friend’s wedding. Unbeknownst to us, this early introduction set the stage for a relationship that has spanned decades.
Navigating the twists and turns of such a long-standing connection certainly has its challenges, but it also offers invaluable advantages. Working with someone who knows you inside out, anticipates your needs, and shares a similar sensibility and work ethic is a dynamic advantage. Yet, it’s the balance of having unique ideas that truly makes our partnership thrive. As business partners, we seamlessly complement each other in both design ideas and the varied areas of expertise we bring from our separate professional lives.
Karren’s expertise lies in numbers, projections, strong relationships with tradesmen, and adept project management. He’s a wizard when it comes to project schedules, foreseeing potential issues, and offering solutions before they even arise. On my end, I bring the creative flair as the interior designer. From space planning to visualizing environments based on clients’ needs and lifestyles, I thrive on choosing unique materials and crafting creative solutions to design challenges. The flow of a space to support a client’s lifestyle is where the magic lies.
Adding another layer to our dynamic, both of us hold real estate licenses. This allows us to assist clients not only in acquiring properties for renovations and residence but also in finding perfect investment opportunities, be it short or long term. Our approach is holistic, combining the worlds of design, business and real estate expertise into a seamless and comprehensive service for our clients.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
When engaged in a design project—whether it’s for a client’s primary residence, an investment property, or even a commercial endeavor—the overarching objective remains consistent: to craft spaces that inspire and elicit a profound sense of joy. Mere aesthetics aren’t sufficient; beautiful spaces and trendy designs can swiftly become dated. What endures is the intangible – the soul of a space that transcends time and resonates with our clients.
Above all, we hold the conviction that everyone deserves a space—be it a home, a workspace, or any other environment—that not only captivates with its beauty but also instills joy and a deep connection to one’s identity and lifestyle. Our mission is rooted in the very name of our company—Doonik, a term of endearment for one’s home—revolves around creating spaces wrapped in beauty, functionality, and personal connection to the individuals who inhabit them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.doonik.com
- Instagram: @doonik.designxdevelopment
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/doonik_design_development/
Image Credits
The headshot can be credited to Mher Vahakn. The interior photos do not need to be credited.