I had read about Joan's Designer for A Day program years ago. So when I wanted to refresh my Living Room, I emailed her. Joan's fee is now $550.00. She sent over an agreement that detailed what to expect from the consult. All very professional. On our appointment day, she arrived right on time. For a little over an hour, we sat and discussed my situation ( too much stuff, tired of wall paint color, new carpet and sofa bed needed). She looked at the space and her comments were practical and insightful. A few days later, I got a floor plan layout, and example of furniture and carpet colors. I did a follow up phone call with questions and budget concerns. After our call, she emailed me more budget friendly ideas, and generously shared her contacts at various stores so I would have more personal assistance if needed.. In the 2 hours I contracted her for, I got what I needed. I feel my money was well spent. And I got to meet a really gracious and nice woman. read more

I feel so lucky that we were able to partner with Joan on the full remodel and redecoration of our Kailua home. She really takes the time to get to know her clients, and it shows in the final product! A project of this scale requires an overwhelming number of decisions in a very short period of time. Not only did Joan guide us through the process with humor and efficiency (and with an eye on the budget), she also connected us with a talented contractor and several good vendors - invaluable since we are new to the island. We would love to work with her again! read more

I called Joan based on reviews I had read online and I am so happy that I did. We had just purchased a condo in Honolulu that was partially renovated and totally empty - no window treatments, no furniture, no kitchen items - absolutely bare. She was prompt in arriving for our first consultation, she measured everything and we went shopping shortly thereafter to start the process of buying furniture. Joan also helped me make selections for the bathroom remodels we were doing, and she oversaw those renovations while we were back home in Georgia. She was great at calling, sending pictures, face-timing - whatever was necessary to ensure the work was done to my satisfaction. She is a great communicator and she follows up beautifully, and because of that I was able to get all the work done while I was away and walk into a clean condo (she hired a cleaning crew for me to come behind the contractor) with the new bathrooms I wanted. Joan has been so helpful in putting me in touch with local vendors, too. She is very budget conscious and helps out in any way she can to make sure I get what I want without breaking the bank. I have worked with other designers in the past who do not do that for their clients. She is a delight to work with - professional but incredibly warm and friendly, and she is always fair with her clients. Again, not always the case. The beauty of working with Joan is that not only do you get a gorgeous finished job that you are proud of, but you will actually enjoy the process because Joan is a gem. I highly recommend Joan and Designer For A Day! read more

When my husband & I moved from the east coast to Honolulu with only the basic furnishings, I called Joan for an in home 2 hour consultation. She was instrumental in helping with furniture placement, best use of wall space for artwork/pictures, where to buy area rugs locally, as well as sizing furniture to purchase. After 4 hours all furniture was organized & art hung on select walls!! A few months later I wanted to replace my front doors & was having difficulty finding exactly what I wanted. I called Joan again for a consultation and in less than 2 hours she had connected us to a local glass designer and door manufacturers. Joan has an extensive list of local vendors which she willingly shared. Her design plans were very detailed which enabled us to shop for the correct sizes of chairs & rugs. I was so pleased with Designer for a Day that I recommend Joan to my parents when they downsized from a house into a condo! Again Joan was amazing & my parents are thrilled. I HIGHLY suggest Joan & Designer for a Day! read more

I met with Joan on August 9 for a two-hour consultation. My intention in writing this review is to let people know to look for another consultant who is better qualified. It's not the money (although if I remember correctly she charged $400 + tax for a two-hour consult), but the advice and service received. Joan was not prepared when she came to my condo although I gave her my address. She got mixed up and went to the wrong building. We live on a small island and with technology, I don't understand how she could have got lost. I live in Pearlridge plus her office is in Aiea. After she arrived, our time was further delayed because her cart in which she carried her products were too heavy and I had to assist. Please understand I don't mind helping people. In fact, I'm pretty reasonable but her process and her advice was not worth the fee nor my time. The advertisement stated she would provide me with a customized packet which includes all the design ideas, selection details, shopping resources, budget and a color palette. Instead, I received a folder with her name and a list written in pen with fragmented sentences (this is outdated -- again in this age of technology). For example, the description listed remove texture-smooth plaster finish. I already told her I was preparing to do that. In fact, when my husband read the list of design recommendations, he was upset I paid money for items him and I already discussed. Part of that two-hour consult was paid waiting for her to write up the list in which she handed to me. This should not be part of the consult fee and should have been done at her office after the fact. Plus she didn't keep her promise about sending the drawing as promised. I had to email her and request. When I received the drawing, I was shocked to see the drawing was hand scratched on a squared graph paper. It looked so unprofessional and kindergarten. She definitely should have used a ruler. I hired another designer from C.S. WO & Sons years ago and paid $150 for one-hour advice and received a scaled drawing. Vastly different. After I emailed Joan and expressed displeasure she was willing to meet with me at Prosource Hawaii to help me pick out materials but I declined. They have their own people, and quite frankly I didn't want to waste any more of my valuable time. I'd say forget about hiring Joan. Her fees are exorbitant compared to her qualifications and the services she delivered. I'm giving her a two-stars only because the qualifying word, "I've experienced better" is exactly my feeling. read more

Exceeded my expectations!!! I recently consulted with Joan at Designer For A Day regarding a condo purchase in Honolulu. She helped me tremendously! Joan is very professional and knowledgeable, and easy to work with. We discussed choices of colors and materials and I loved them all! Regarding the fee for this type of service, I believe it is more than reasonable. I highly recommend Designer For A Day. I must add . . . I can't understand Kara M.'s experience with this same company. I advise that everyone speak with the company's previous clients and look at examples of finished work. If so, you will be impressed! read more

I contacted Joan for a rush job on setting up our new office and she came through with flying colors! She was professional, prompt and completed the office furniture in two days! Joan is a true gem and was absolutely wonderful in creating a professional atmosphere in our office. Everything she picked out was a perfect fit and we will definitely continue to work with her for future projects for business and personal. Love her!! I highly recommend Joan for any project. She has my vote! read more

We had a difficult-to-tackle room to furnish, plus several other fix-ups needed in our house, and had tried every which way to figure out the right furnishings, colors, etc. Then we knew we needed professional help and reached out to Joan. Joan instantly conceptualized the perfect fit for everything we needed.... dining, sofa, chairs, tables, fireplace mantle, even a grand piano and other musical instruments, plus a wet-bar project in the den that had stumped us on fit and finish. Her work is efficient and thorough, and she is conscious of making sure it can work on a variety of budgets and timelines. Definitely go for the shopping service too... it will save you hours as she zones in precisely on what's needed quickly. read more

Joan helped me redesign a room in my home. I was stalled in making it MY space. She came in with fabulous ideas, was non judgemental, and listened to my needs. She is wonderful to work with. I've been following her on Facebook and like what she has done on larger scales as well. A friend of mine had her come in to her home and do a true "Designer for a Day" makeover, and it was incredible. I highly recommend her. read more