“I have worked for Barbara for almost 6 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure. Barbara is not just incredibly talented but sensitive and empowering as well. I came into her employ with some knowledge of design but have learned way more than I ever thought, not just about interior design, but about project management, successful client/designer partnerships, marketing and more. Having a multi-cultural background gives her an appreciation of various personalities, as well as a global design sense that translates into unique end results for each project. She is extremely flexible in allowing me to work part-time (and now remotely due to a move), which I appreciate immensely. I highly recommend Barbara Hirsch and Elza B. Design, Inc. for employment and interior design!”
About
-Expert at…
Contributions
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You’re a self-employed interior designer. How do you balance your creative vision with your clients’ needs?
Being a successful interior designer is so much more than being creative. You need to listen and communicate very well to get to understand your client's needs and style. You should analyse their space and its functionality, and then use professional tools to deliver your vision of how to meet their needs, yet also wow them by thinking outside the box. I always say: "it's not about me, the Designer, it's about you, the Client!"
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What color schemes can you use to create a sense of freshness in a room?
In my experience you can't go wrong with colors like green and white. You can do so much with them to add zest and freshness to a space. I don't love limiting myself to 2 colors and would probably introduce some yellow to these two. All three connote Spring, youth, energy and growth. They offer a soothing yet energetic vibe to a space, and with the right amount of white, will feel clean and balanced.
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What are the most important design elements for accessibility?
In my experience, it's essential to design to the client's specific needs or disabilities. Therefore, a detailed assessment of the client's condition/needs is extremely useful to create the most accessible space possible. So many moving parts are important in creating the best design. Space planning is key for wheelchair accessibility, but so are technological aids like lifts or voice operated controls. Textures are important as well, believe it or not. I had a client with Parkinson's who required very low pile textured rugs to avoid tripping, and we stayed away from glass tables to avoid slipping or crashing into them in case of a fall. Key questions are how do you circulate? How do you stay as independent as possible?
Activity
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Really enjoyed this piece on paint color for different light situations : https://lnkd.in/gTbeYSu4
Really enjoyed this piece on paint color for different light situations : https://lnkd.in/gTbeYSu4
Shared by Barbara Elza Hirsch , IFDA
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The spring season at Nature's Classroom just wrapped up, and before heading to Paris with World Learning, I wanted to reflect on what the kids taught…
The spring season at Nature's Classroom just wrapped up, and before heading to Paris with World Learning, I wanted to reflect on what the kids taught…
Liked by Barbara Elza Hirsch , IFDA
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Thank you NKBA! It was a wonderful show and even better collaboration of talents! We look forward to seeing everyone in Nashville October 4-5
Thank you NKBA! It was a wonderful show and even better collaboration of talents! We look forward to seeing everyone in Nashville October 4-5
Liked by Barbara Elza Hirsch , IFDA
Experience & Education
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Elza B. Design Inc.
View Barbara Elza Hirsch’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
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Volunteer Experience
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Designer on Call
Boston Design Center
- 2 years 1 month
Arts and Culture
I was selected as one of 17 interior designers on call by the Boston Design Center to welcome and assist potential walk-in clients, as well as clients in search of a designer. Attended showroom monthly trainings. Volunteered my time 1 to 2 days a month.
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Helped assist with volunteer coordination Heading Home to Dinner https://headinghometodinner.org/
Heading Home
- 3 months
Economic Empowerment
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Events Leader
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
- 3 years 11 months
Civil Rights and Social Action
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Executive Board Member
Women’s Business Network
- Present 5 years 11 months
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High School Job Fair Speaker
Acton Boxborough Regional School District
- Present 12 years 8 months
Education
I regularly volunteer as a speaker at the High School Job Fair to present the Interior Design Profession to Juniors and Seniors.
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Internship Provider
Acton Boxborough Regional School District
- Present 12 years 4 months
Education
My firm occasionally provides internships to High School Senior student interested in learning more about a career in Interior Design.
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Board Member
Temple Beth Elohim
- Present 6 years 11 months
Sisterhood Board Member
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Book Fair Volunteer and Art Class Helper
Acton Boxborough Regional School District
- 10 months
Education
Volunteer a few times a year at the Mc-Carthy Towne Elementary School Sloyd Art Class as well as the Scholastic Book Fairs.
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Interviewed by Student for a Paper
Bridgewater State University
- Present 12 years 3 months
Education
In October of 2012, met with a Business College Senior student to talk about my career so she could prepare a college paper on "How to Start an Interior Design Company".
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Free floating volunteer
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
- Present 4 years 11 months
Health
Publications
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Demystification of a Design Collaboration
http://blog.elzabdesign.com/2014/06/19/demystification-of-a-design-collaboration/
Honors & Awards
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Featured in New England Home Magazine
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A whimsical whole house renovation I did was featured in the issue of March/April 2023.
https://nehomemag.com/a-house-in-concord-is-decorated-with-wit-and-whimsy/ -
Featured in the Boston Globe Magazine
Boston Globe
An article on a redesign I did for a young family in Melrose was featured. https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2018/07/26/updating-melrose-victorian-with-bright-and-cheerful-color/OKSqysj9e1obFry41dHIDK/story.html
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Featured in Boston Magazine
Boston Magazine
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2018/03/27/elza-b-design-bathroom-transformation/
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Excellence in Design-Small Bath Category/Designer Shine Awards
Designer Bath in Beverly, MA
I won the Excellence in Design for a bathroom design at the Designer SHINE Contest organized by Designer Bath showroom of Beverly, MA. The select jury selected a tiny modern and glamorous master bathroom I designed last year for a Cambridge owner. The bathroom was photographed by Jared Kuzia and was featured in the Boston Globe "Rooms to Love" in June 2016.
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Featured in The Boston Globe "Rooms to Love"
The Boston Globe
One of my bathroom designs was featured in the Address Section of The Boston Globe June 2016. Read the article here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/real-estate/2016/06/24/bathroom-design-big-elegance-small-space/CwCyQ1ZM1GfYeDv97WDcAP/story.html
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Featured in The Boston Globe Magazine
Boston Globe
One of my kitchen designs was featured in The Boston Globe. Read the article here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/05/26/white-blue-and-modern/J9gCq48KSC24zlxuFcTlNK/story.html
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Best of Houzz 2016 Customer Satisfaction
Www.houzz.com
For the fourth consecutive year, I won the Best of Houzz 2016 for Customer Satisfaction based on past clients' satisfaction.
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Featured in Rooms Magazine
Rooms Magazine
One of my bedroom designs was featured in the 2016 Spring Issue of Rooms Magazine.
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Featured in New Old House Magazine
New Old House Magazine
One of my bathroom design projects was featured in a 3 page article in New Old House Magazine.
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Best of Houzz 2015 Customer Satisfaction
www.Houzz.com
For the third consecutive year, I won the Best of Houzz 2015 for Customer Satisfaction based on past clients' satisfaction.
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Featured in New England Home Magazine
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The bathroom for which I won Grand Prize in Overall Excellence in Design at the Designer SHINE Awards was featured in a Designer Bath full page advertisement in the Nov/Dec 2014 New England Home magazine issue.
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Grand Prize Overall Excellence in Design/Designer Shine Awards
Designer Bath in Beverly, MA
I won the Grand Prize for Overall Excellence in Design for a bathroom design at the Designer SHINE Contest organized by Designer Bath showroom of Beverly, MA. The jury selected a rustic and elegant master bathroom I designed last winter for its aesthetic and functional qualities. The bathroom was photographed by Eric Roth and was e featured in a designer Bath full page advertisement in the Nov/Dec 2014 New England Home magazine issue.
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Best of Houzz 2014 Customer Satisfaction
www.Houzz.com
For the second consecutive year, I won the Best of Houzz 2014 for Customer Satisfaction based on past clients' satisfaction.
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Maine Home + Design Magazine
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The large porch I designed for the Museums of Old York 24th Decorator Show House was featured in the October 2013 issue of Maine Home + Design
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Featured in New England Home Magazine
New England Home Magazine
Featured in New England Home Magazine in "Rooms We Love": Tucked Away Treasure
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Featured in Design New England Magazine Blog
Design New England Magazine Blog
The York Show House space I designed was featured in the Design New England Magazine Blog. http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/blog/dne/2013/07/design_unfolds.html
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Featured in The Boston Globe
Boston Globe
I was interviewed by the Boston Globe and featured in the February 3rd 2013 Boston Globe magazine in an article entitled "Low-Cost Room Refreshers".
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Best of Houzz 2013 Customer Satisfaction
Houzz.com
My company won in the "Customer Satisfaction" category. This award is based on a variety of factors including past clients' satisfaction.
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Best of Houzz 2017
Houzz
For the fifth consecutive year, I won the Best of Houzz 2017 for Customer Satisfaction based on past clients' satisfaction.
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Best of Houzz 2018 Best in Design and Customer Satisfaction
Houzz
For the sixth consecutive year, I won the Best of Houzz 2018 for Customer Satisfaction based on past clients' satisfaction as well as Best in Design.
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Page of Happiness
Angie's List
Twice awarded Page of Happiness on Angie's List. See our reviews on www.Angieslist.com
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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French
Native or bilingual proficiency
Organizations
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IFDA
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- Present -
ASID
Associate Member
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Professional Remodeling Organization New England
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Recommendations received
10 people have recommended Barbara Elza Hirsch
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