Meet Janie Micek | Interior Architectural Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janie Micek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I know it sounds cliché but INTEGRITY is the single most important factor behind our success. We show up when we say we will. We are accessible to clients, contractors and vendors. By that, I mean, we pick up the phone when you call, we return calls and emails. It sounds so simple but I have been in this business for 20+ years and it never ceases to amaze me how “others” run their business where we have to chase them just to get a call back. We pride ourselves in being completely honest with a prospective client, even if it means losing out on the job. Be it an honest conversation up front about budget or timeline. Although, our experience helps clients navigate through the ups and downs of a project, we are human and on the rare occasion (wink) we do make a mistake, we own up to it and make it right…in the end that is all that matters. Clients trust us with their biggest investment and we take that responsibility very seriously.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our unique experience sets us apart from others in the industry. Started my career in Boston in the commercial design arena before the 2008 recession and then transitioned into a more Project Management role in California before diving into the Real Estate investment market there and eventually bringing what I learned to Florida. Not only has my design style been influenced by the places I have lived, my project management style was shaped by the complex projects I was fortunate enough to be a part of. I have learned that there are always issues in construction, you have to learn to roll with the punches and there is a solution for everything. In fact, some of the most amazing aspects of a project often times were the result of a challenge that needed a solution. We call them “happy mistakes”…it’s part of the story.

Renovating or building a new home is arguably the most stressful endeavor a person or couple can take on. There are a lot of moving parts. Our process plans every detail in advance, down to the grout color prior to the client spending a dime or the Contractor swinging a hammer. It is intended to allow the client to control the financial handles all along the way. Laying all the cards out on the table before starting the project gives the client an opportunity to de-scope or phase the work out the most efficient way possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I spend most of my time in Fort Lauderdale so a trip to Miami would be a new adventure for me too. First, I would take my best friend to all the “you have to see this at least once” spots like South Beach and Lincoln Road just cause it has been so long since I have been there. And then I would take them to check out some “off the beaten path’ spots in Wynwood. Grab lunch and some shopping in the Design District. A day at Viscaya Gardens and dinner at one of the Portuguese restaurants in Coral Gables.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Although many people have played a part in my personal journey as it relates to Interior Architectural Design and entrepreneurship, I have to say that without a relationship with God and the support of my husband John-Paul I would have given up a long time ago. Both believe in me more than I believe in myself and that is what has kept this crazy ship going for so long <3

Website: www.studio818.design

Instagram: @studio818.design

Linkedin: Janie Micek

Image Credits
Photographer – Cona Studios