Victoria is my confirmation name – the name that I chose for myself and Hamilton is my mother’s family name. This company is such a big part of who I am, so, I wanted to be very thoughtful about the name. I loved the idea of using a sort of pen name, but, wanted it to really meaningful to me.

E-Design is also known as Virtual Design or Online Design Services. It is a simpler, more affordable alternative to full-service interior design since it is done completely online. E-design allows you to enlist the help of a professional interior designer for a fraction of the cost of our full design services. This do-it-yourself option provides you with a master plan for a professionally designed space that you can implement at your own pace, as your budget allows. It is a great way to decorate in stages, one space at a time. Learn more here.

There are so many reasons why it is a good idea to hire an interior designer (not the least of which are knowledge, resources, solutions and the fact that they can save you money), that I decided to dedicate an entire blog post to this subject. Learn more here.

I believe that one thing that makes me different is my approach to product research and selection. Back when I was an apparel buyer, I regularly shopped the market to see for myself what was out there and what was new. I decided to take the same approach with interior design. Since I am able to get back to New York City so regularly (and San Francisco a couple of times a year), I am able to meet with vendors and visit some of the best design centers and showrooms in the United States, while still working with local vendors. I don’t have to only rely on industry magazines or semi-annual trade shows because I am able to get out and see things on a pretty regular basis.

Also, I have been involved in the building process for three homes of my own, so, I know what it is like to be the client. I understand what it is like to go through what they are going through and I would like to help them make it as seamless as possible.

ASID or the American Society of Interior Designers was founded in 1975. It is a professional association that supports interior designers and strives to advance the interior design profession through educational programs, seminars, conferences, research, business tools, knowledge sharing, advocacy, networking, community building and outreach. ASID only offers memberships to qualified members of the interior design trade. Individuals qualify for membership based on a criteria of education, experience, and examination. Members must complete a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) every two years in order to maintain their membership. Click here to find ASID interior designers.

NCIDQ Certification or National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certification is defined by CIDQ as the industry’s recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer’s commitment to the profession. Professional interior designers who possess the NCIDQ Certification have distinguished themselves by demonstrating a specific set of core competencies, supported by verified work experience and a college degree.

To earn certification, qualified interior designers who have met the criteria, can apply to take the NCIDQ Examination. After CIDQ or the Council for Interior Design Qualification approves their eligibility, candidates register for each of the three sections of the exam and must pass each section within a specified time-frame.

The NCIDQ exam or National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination is a three-part exam for interior designers that cover the core competencies of interior design: building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice and project coordination. The exam is continually updated to ensure it aligns with the most current professional knowledge necessary to design spaces that are innovative, functional and safe. Learn more here.

NKBA or The National Kitchen & Bath Association was founded in 1963. It is a professional association that promotes professionalism in the kitchen and bath industry specifically. The NKBA strives to advance the kitchen and bath design profession through educational programs, webinars, seminars, industry shows, research, business tools, guidelines, knowledge sharing, advocacy, networking, community building, and outreach.

NKBA offers memberships to qualified members of the kitchen and bath industry including designers, distributors, retailers, remodelers, manufacturers, fabricators, cabinet and appliance installers and other professionals. Individual members can become NKBA-certified designers if they pass examination after meeting the educational and experience requirements. Certified designers must also meet annual continuing education requirements (CEUs).

CKBD or Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer is a certified professional, knowledgeable in product selection, space planning, materials, and finishes. They passed examination after having met the educational and experience requirements and they meet a minimum number of CEUs annually.

We at Victoria Hamilton Design are not a general contractors and do not provide contractor services. If your project requires contractors, consultants or trades people to perform work based on the our designer concepts, you will be responsible for hiring all the trades people involved, entering into a contact with each of them directly. If Victoria Hamilton Design is hired for a full-service design project, we will review the design plan and specifications with the contractors and trades people that you hire.

My family (including my rescue pups), my friends, my faith…and coffee.

Stripe tops, puffer vests, Rothy’s shoes, and (true) navy blue.

I am at 31 countries and there are about a dozen or so of those that I have visited multiple times.

Colombia, for a wedding. Then, later in the year, I am headed to South Africa followed by some downtime in either Mauritius or Seychelles.