The New Girl

I have come to realize from my many errand runs, that I am can be extremely awkward and clumsy. No, that is not anything I am ashamed of, but it does make things seem a little more difficult, like when I'm trying to find my way out of a showroom at ADAC while the entire staff watches me. I have to ask every time I enter a new showroom where I pick up the memo samples. Most are very helpful, while others look at me like it's a crazy question. Needless to say, I have already made many a trip to ADAC and Lenox. Last week, I dropped off a whole trunk load of return items at Pottery Barn. It took them close to an hour to scan everything in. They asked me, "What happened?" I had to explain to them that all of the items were for an install and the designers had purchased them to accessorize the house, but the client chose not to keep any of it. When an install comes up at Pineapple House, the designers go on a big shopping spree and purchase items that are the "frosting on the cake" for the rooms. Then, when the install comes around they use the pieces that work best and return the rest. I am very excited because we have about three big installs this summer that we will be making purchases for!

My trunk full of Pottery Barn returns.

Admiring the store displays in PB Teen. 

Buckhead Target that is completely underground!

This past week, I have been working on the floor plans for the same house in Canada. It has been very tedious because the house is HUGE, wine tasting room and Nanny's suite included. We have had to transfer all of their furniture from the Canada floor plan to their new home in Boston. Stephen, the owner/designer, and Zach,  the other designer, are heading to Canada tomorrow to give a proposal. So we have been doing our best to gather all the fabric samples and stock/pricing of the furniture.

All this pricing and stock info gathering has allowed me to hone in on my phone skills. I have spent hours calling companies to check pricing and stock, as well as checking on the order status of items. Luckily, Pineapple House has a vast database where you can access all of their account information for each company. I have also answered phones, which can be nerve-wrecking because you don't want to drop the call while trying to transfer it to someone else. Pineapple House values their customers and in our Intern Handbook, they emphasized how important it is to answer each call because you never know who may be calling, especially if it is a new client. 

As far as the social atmosphere at Pineapple House, it is very friendly. You do get to hear about gossip going on with clients. For instance, we found out one couple they have been working on, whose project is almost complete, split up. This was quite the issue since the girlfriend has been making most of the decisions. I have also gotten to know my co-intern Amanda a lot better. We have lots in common and even had lunch together at Whole Foods! I adore that place.

This next week should be super busy as we are getting closer to the installs. The busier the better!