Before launching Joy Edwards Design, I held multiple roles and functioned in several capacities, including high school math teacher, military spouse, home educator, soccer coach, co-op teacher, mom’s support group leader, Sunday school teacher, high school life group leader, and home renovator. At first glance, many of these experiences may not seem directly related to interior design, but together they have shaped the skills that enable me to serve my clients today.
Building on my past experiences in interior design, I’ve continued to elevate my expertise through ongoing education, pursuing an M.A. in Interior Architecture and Design at Marymount University and staying engaged through workshops, trade shows, and ongoing professional development. Even building my own website at one point and diving into SEO taught me the fundamental lessons in marketing, branding, and strategy.
I have always had a love for interior design, from painting my mom’s small apple-themed kitchen a deep red in high school to decorating my classroom to create a positive environment for my students; the way a space looks and functions has always mattered deeply to me.
Below are four skill sets my journey has given me, and it’s what makes me a better designer for my clients.
Interior design involves managing countless moving parts. Projects, budgets, client updates, vendor coordination, orders, timelines, freight, and installations. Without organization and processes, nothing runs smoothly.
Homeschooling my children for over 15 years has taught me more than just how to guide their education; it has also taught me how to stay highly organized while balancing multiple moving parts. Building schedules, managing different subjects and grade levels, and keeping detailed records required both structure and flexibility because there was always something that inevitably forced me to pivot. These are the same skills that serve me daily as an interior designer, from the organization of my processes to how I execute projects, ensuring that I leave just enough room for the unknown.
Design isn’t just about redesigning a space or selecting furniture, it’s about connecting vision, function, logistics, and collaboration. I bring a big-picture approach to project workflows, budgets, contractor coordination, and cohesive design development.
From leading military spouse support groups to organizing large church programs and co-op events, I have extensive experience planning and executing strategies to bring ideas to fruition. Those same skills now allow me to guide complex design projects with clarity and foresight.
Every project comes with its own set of challenges, whether it’s an awkward layout, budget constraints, or unexpected construction surprises. Strategic problem-solving in these moments ensures the project moves forward with ease.
I know what it means to navigate stress, uncertainty, and fatigue, from military deployments with three young children to home renovations filled with delays and surprises. Those experiences gave me resilience and the confidence to find solutions under pressure, which are the same qualities needed when problems arise on a project.
Clear communication reduces stress, prevents errors, and keeps everyone aligned. Coordinating with contractors, vendors, and clients throughout the process is essential to a well-run project, which is why I make it a priority to keep everyone informed along the way.
I also believe in sharing the reason for the design choices, so my clients can fully understand the “why” and feel confident in the vision. Clear, consistent communication is something I prioritize with every project.
As a teacher, coach, and mentor, I learned to break down complex ideas, give clear direction, and follow up with encouragement. Today I use the same clarity to explain design concepts, manage expectations, and keep clients informed.
My path to becoming an interior designer has been unique, but it has equipped me with the essential skills I need to elevate every project I take on. I originally pursued interior design after high school, but I’m so grateful I waited. The life experiences I’ve had along the way have made my approach to designing for my clients so much richer and more meaningful.
If you’re looking for a designer who blends creativity with organization, vision, and clear communication, I’d love to connect. Click here to learn more about my services.
