I am Ala Pepple, a Space Therapist.
Most times, people ask me why I call myself The Space Therapist, let me explain why.
As an interior designer, I’ve often encountered a curious yet common scenario: I meet clients with a vague sense of what they want for their spaces but struggle to express it. They might say, “I know I want something different,” or “I’m just not sure how to make this room work,” or "I don't know what I want," or "anything you give me, I'll take, I trust your expertise." While they may have a feeling of what they want, articulating it and narrowing down their vision is a whole different challenge. This is where the art of patience, active listening, and thoughtful direction comes into play.
Over time, I’ve come to refer to myself as "The Space Therapist" because, much like a therapist, my role is not to impose my vision on the space, but to help my clients uncover their own. I’ve learned that they often already have an idea of what they need, but the path to finding it can be a winding one. It’s my job to guide them gently, allowing them to uncover their thoughts and desires. Interior design, after all, is a deeply personal experience, and understanding the client’s emotional connection to their space is key to creating something that truly resonates.
When clients come to me, they typically come with fragmented ideas: a vague desire for coziness, a need for functionality, or an image of something they saw online that sparked their imagination. But here's the catch—they don’t always know how to verbalize these desires.
This is where the power of active listening comes in. Active listening is more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding the underlying emotions and intentions behind them. By asking open-ended questions and giving clients the time and space to talk freely, I encourage them to explore their thoughts and feelings about their living or working environment, and even their families and friends.
For example, when a client says, “I want a modern look,” I don’t just take it at face value. I’ll ask, “What aspects of modern design appeal to you?” or “How do you want this space to feel?” These questions guide them to think more deeply about their preferences and intentions, helping me gather the right clues to guide my design process. It’s through these conversations that their desires start to come into sharper focus.
Designing a space is not an overnight process. It’s not about rushing to a conclusion but about building a relationship with the space—and with the client. Just like therapy, the design process involves trust, vulnerability, and the patience to let ideas evolve. Clients may start off uncertain, but as we dive deeper into discussions, we begin to uncover their core needs. (This usually distorts the quotation, but it's usually a sacrifice on my part)
This part of the journey requires patience. Often, clients need time to process their thoughts, feel comfortable enough to open up, and gradually define what they want. It’s not uncommon for clients to change their minds or realize that their first instinct doesn’t align with what they truly desire. That’s completely normal. The design process is a fluid, ever-evolving conversation.
I’ve found that when clients feel heard and their input is valued, they start to trust the process and open up more. It’s this patience and trust that forms the foundation of a successful collaboration, allowing me to craft interiors that speak to their individual personalities, tastes, and aspirations.
While my clients may be unsure of their exact desires, they often know when something feels right. That’s where my role as a space therapist takes on an additional layer of responsibility—providing direction. After guiding my clients through the process of self-discovery, I offer curated suggestions and tailored advice that align with their now-clear vision.
This is not about imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, but about presenting them with choices that match their newly articulated desires. I might suggest a color palette based on a conversation about their mood preferences or recommend furniture styles that fit the practical needs they've shared. Through the application of my expertise, I help steer the design process while maintaining the integrity of their original vision.
As with therapy, direction doesn’t mean controlling the conversation; it’s about giving my clients the tools they need to confidently express themselves. It’s about fostering an environment where they feel empowered to make decisions, knowing they have my professional guidance every step of the way.
In the end, the interior design process is a journey—a therapeutic one, at that. Clients come to me uncertain, but through patience, active listening, and thoughtful direction, their desires become clear. The transformation isn’t just about their physical space, but about their emotional connection to it. When they see the final result, they often express a sense of relief, clarity, and joy—because together, we’ve created something that feels truly aligned with who they are.
This is why I call myself The Space Therapist. I don’t just design spaces; I guide my clients through an introspective journey that helps them uncover the best version of their interior world. In the end, it’s not just about creating a beautiful space—it’s about designing a space that truly speaks to their heart.
Remember that at Jedacox Imaginations, we see spaces as canvases we create life in.
ALA PEPPLE
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