Linda Griffeth Interiors has been a prominent interior designer in Charlotte NC since her start in October 2009.
Linda Griffeth has an extensive background career in the women’s apparel retail and buying field, which made the decision to transition into interior design a seamless one. She started taking design classes, and worked to graduate from CPCC’s Design Program before starting her business as an interior designer in Charlotte NC nearly 15 years ago now.
“My design business is made up of me, but I don’t work alone,” Linda said. “I have wonderful support from several talented workrooms, qualified contractors, professional vendors, my smart bookkeeper, and fellow designer friends that I bounce ideas around with to keep our creative juices flowing.”
We had the chance to speak with Linda, and learn more about her process, customers, and the overall addition she brings to Charlotte’s design community.
What was the moment you knew you wanted to be an interior designer?
My previous career was based in the women’s apparel retail and buying field, so the sales floor merchandising and window display tasks were what I enjoyed most. These involved coordinating so many moving parts from staffing to adequate inventory stock levels to the big reveal, similar to an interior design project!
When I paused that fast-paced industry to raise our two boys with my husband, I started researching the path to earning a second degree part-time, and that’s how I started design classes. When the time came that my sons went off to college, my interior design business was in full swing, so my passion cushioned the pulls on my heart. Providing a service to others, developing my business, and being involved in the leadership of the Interior Design Society of Charlotte were all good places for my focus.
Tell us why clients choose Linda Griffeth Interiors.
I think the best way to answer this question is with a recent review from a dear client and friend:
“I hired Linda Griffeth to assist me with the renovation of our kitchen and an update of the downstairs of our home. Her work for me has been exceptional, and her talents and business management have exceeded my expectations in every way. Linda has many strengths as an interior designer, including the following: 1) communication — responds in prompt manner to every text and email I send her, and her responses are concise and informative; 2) she keeps the project moving even when my schedule wants to slow it down — she knows exactly who to call to get things done and makes the appointments so there is no lag in our progress; 3) she is extremely thoughtful and respectful in her relationship with me — knows when not to push because of budget or my sentimental attachment to something, but also knows when to say “this has got to go,” 4) she is confident and decisive when I need her to be but also open to my ideas and opinions; and 5) she has a knack for taking what I already have and making it look dramatically better. We are thrilled with our kitchen renovation and excited for Linda to continue to guide us as we update other rooms. I have used many decorators over the years, and now that I’ve found Linda, I will never use anyone else!” ~ Alice Bragg
Do you have a recent project that really stands out to you?
Most of my clients are referrals or people I know from living and working in Davidson for 29 years. However, this client was new to the Lake Norman area from San Francisco. She found me by way of my website back in April 2021. From that first phone call, I knew we were a good match, and it was an amazing transformation of a lake-side home! This expansive demo to renovation included her large kitchen, sitting room, dining room, home office, living room, 2 guest rooms, the upstairs theater room, and 3 full bathrooms. We had a wonderful time, not without some setbacks, but we made it with tremendous success!
What do you think the most important aspect is to being a good interior designer?
To listen wholeheartedly from that first phone call to every moment I’m with my client. I also keep a work journal and take meticulous notes. Patience and treading gracefully, along with a sense of humor, can go a long way on certain days, too.
If you weren’t doing interior design, what would your dream job be?
I’m fortunate to say I have had several dream jobs. My current job as an interior designer in Charlotte NC one of them, but I have always enjoyed mixing in my volunteering opportunities. So, perhaps volunteering on a full-time basis will be my next dream job.
What has been the biggest challenge in running your own business as an interior designer in Charlotte NC? What about the greatest reward?
The biggest challenge is invoicing and reporting paperwork. Fortunately, I have a stellar bookkeeper who helps me tremendously. The greatest reward is watching the joy and happiness on my clients’ faces when they see and enjoy their newly designed spaces. Years later, I’ve run into clients who share with me how much they are still enjoying my design work.
What is your process like for bringing on a new client?
An interested client can fill out a questionnaire on my website to start the process. I follow up with a phone call to determine what the next steps will be!
Photography by Heather Ison Photography
