Good Shepherd Center Interview: Mollie Ranize

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Mollie Ranize

Prior to opening her own design company, dmar interiors, in the heart of L.A., Mollie had the opportunity to hone her creative skills with some of California’s top design firms on highly publicized projects such as the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood and the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills.  Her exposure to high-end residential, commercial and hospitality interiors broadened her knowledge base and ignited her drive to create uniquely tailored spaces for each of her clients.  Mollie graduated with highest honors from the Interior Design program at the University of Florida, College of Design Construction and Planning. She is an NCIDQ certified designer and has earned Professional Accreditation from LEED.

Mollie makes sure to stay connected with the design community through her professional memberships with ASID, NKBA and USBGC.  She is also a regular contributor to many environmental, animal and human welfare organizations.

Her interior design studio ranges from large scale residential renovations, exclusive photography and production studios, restaurants and lounges to highly publicized health and fitness centers. dmar interiors is a well versed design company with impeccable attention to detail, respect for budget and belief that customer service is what makes the most positive outcome on a project.

With Mollie’s vast and amazing background in design we can’t wait to see what she creates for the Good Shepherd Center Project. In the mean time here is what she has to say about being part of GSCDP.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
MR: DNG (Designers Networking Group)

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
MR: After a few grueling years with a slam packed schedule, crunched budgets and a few demanding clients, I was in desperate need of some creative relief.  I've also volunteered (or made donations whenever my schedule hasn't allowed volunteer time) consistently since I was 12 years old.  My experiences volunteering have single handedly changed the course of my life, so the opportunity to give back in my field of expertise was obvious and welcomed.  I hope to gain as much emotionally as the deserving users that will enjoy my completed space.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
MR: The biggest challenge on this project will be getting enough donations that fit the aesthetics I'm striving for. Like any project, I only provide high quality, thoughtfully produced end products. The fact that I have to work with free to nearly free items makes no difference to me.  I'm approaching this the same way I would be if the woman moving into the room were my highest paying client.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
MR: I don't have any inspiration images for this project, but I've seen a completed space in my head since I agreed to do the job.  I usually only pull specific inspiration sheets to communicate what is in my head to clients since I (unfortunately) can't let them inside.  I know the feeling I want to produce, so every piece and every decision has to reflect that.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
MR: Reveal time! But I'm also really looking forward to the process of pulling it all together. I've been very impressed with the amount of people that have pitched in and I'm looking forward to sharing the impact they have each made.  Hopefully it will inspire them to do even more in the future.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?
MR: Think big! Even though it's compact, it can still be completely functional and inspiring.  Some items may have to do double duty, but I would apply the same goals for the emotional outcome to a small space as I would a large one.  There is also something comforting about having everything you need in one contained place... So long as it's organized.