design plus, inc.

Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt impacted by it?  Maybe that was the first time you walked into Grand Central Station in New York City.  Or visiting the US Capital and gazing up from the inside at the massive rotunda.  Perhaps it is the view revealed by the final steps to a mountain summit, or the peaceful serenity the moment you step inside a luxury day spa.

We believe great spaces make you feel something, and that is exactly how you should feel every time you walk into your space.

Design Plus was founded in 1987, and over 4 decades we have delivered hundreds of custom and award-winning design projects.  We chose the name Design Plus to demonstrate our commitment to seeing each project from conceptual design through construction, to every last detail.  In our experience controlling the quality of the implementation is the only way to guarantee your vision becomes reality.

No two clients or projects are the same, and that is what makes custom design both fun and rewarding.  It also dictates that we limit ourselves to a select number of projects each year.

Clients typically approach us when they are ready to design and build a new luxury home, or as they are considering an entire home renovation.  For repeat clients, we have also designed professional office spaces, second homes, condos, yachts and even private jets.

Some clients know exactly what they want going in, while others have some ideas and aren’t sure how to piece them together.  In all cases we find our clients have a sense of how they want the space to feel, even if they can’t explain it in words.  We help them find their voice, and transform their space.

Many design firms only produce design drawings and specifications before turning a project over to a general contractor to implement.  Our experience shows us that this approach often results in miscommunication, changes, short cuts and cost overruns – all of which can compromise the design integrity, the space, and the client’s experience.

We follow a complete beginning-to-end approach because we know how difficult executing to perfection can be.  There are three main steps in our process.  First, we meet with you to define the scope of work and determine your design aesthetic and preferences.  Next, our design process begins by translating your desires into a unique design that is both created and revised with your feedback.  Once approved, we procure all materials, curate a team of experts required for your project, and manage construction throughout the entire process.  Despite the best planning efforts the unexpected may arise, and that’s when we will be there to problem solve and preserve the integrity of your design, down to the finishing touches.

Our fee is based on a percentage of the total cost of your project.  This encompasses all design and construction management, as well as our net pricing on all materials, goods, labor or other expenses.   In our experience, this ensures your receive the maximum value, the highest quality design, and the best experience possible.

Since there are no hourly costs, and no mark-ups, you know what your cost will be before constructions begins – unless you choose to make any changes or additions of course.  As your single point of contact, we will coordinate and manage all sub-contractors, saving you the time and headache, and delivering the optimal design outcome.

Once design commences, 50% of your estimated total project cost will be required as a deposit.  An additional 50% will be required at the conclusion of design, before any goods, material or labor can be ordered.  At the completion of the project, a final cost statement will be provided to adjust for any variations from the original budget.

Our minimum project size is $200,000.  As a guideline, kitchen/great room remodels often range from $300,000 – $500,000; entire home renovation budgets generally range from $750,000 – 1,000,000.  New build construction budgets typically exceed $1,500,000.

Kaye Christiansen Englert, FASID, NCIDQ, CAPS, founded Design Plus, Inc. and has created timeless, and award-winning designs for over thirty years.  Her work spans many different specialties including Custom Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Retirement Communities, Health Care facilities and even Corporate Jets.

Kaye is an ASID Fellow which is the Society’s highest honor, bestowed on less than 1% of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) members.  Kaye is the only practicing ASID Fellow in Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.  It is a distinction reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to the interior design profession, not only through their work but also their impact on the community.  

Kaye holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and Advertising Design. Kaye has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the Interior Design Profession.  She currently serves as the ASID Intermountain Chapter Government Affairs Chair and also sits on the Utah State University Interior Design Advisory Committee. 

Kaye believes interior design is multi-dimensional; great projects not only meet functional needs but also transform spaces. Good design must balance form and function – there is no need to sacrifice one or the other.  Kaye’s measure of success is her client’s delight in their new space.  One client said it best, “Thank you for helping us turn a dream into a reality. It has been so fun and easy working with you.”

KAYE’S AWARDS & PUBLICATIONS

• • “Another Kitchen Transformation” Photo Friday, September 20, 2019, Utah Style & Design
  • “Kitchen Envy” Photo Friday, September 13, 2019, Utah Style & Design
  • Best Kitchen Design Excellence 2017, Intermountain Chapter of ASID
  • Outstanding Service Award 2017, Intermountain Chapter of ASID 
  • “Holladay Kitchen Wins Design Award” Photo Friday, December 1, 2017, Utah Style & Design
  • “First Peek” Photo Friday, February 10, 2017, Utah Style & Design 
  • “Shift Out of Neutral”, Fall 2017, Utah Style & Design
  • “Open & Shut Case”, Fall 2013, Utah Style & Design
  • “Modern Make Over”, Summer 2009, Utah Style & Design
  • Outstanding Lighting, Parade of Homes 1993, Utah Home Builders Association
  • Crystal Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service 1989, Intermountain Chapter of ASID
  • Merit Award for Wildflower Restaurant & Lounge, Snowbird, Utah, 1984, Utah Society of American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • Wildflower Restaurant, Iron Blosam Lodge, Snowbird, Utah, Beautiful Spaces
  • “Balancing the Scale”, Utah Holiday Magazine 
  • Salt Palace Expansion, Intermountain Contractor
    

KAYE’S CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

• • National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Certificate (#002366) and NCIDQ Ambassador
  • Certified Commercial Interior Designer in the State of Utah (License #9886670-0401)
  • Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)
  • ASID Intermountain Chapter President
  • ASID National Board of Directors
  • ASID Rocky Mountain Regional Vice President
  • Co-founder of IDEAL for Utah (Interior Design Education and Legislation) and served as the Coalition’s Treasurer.  She was instrumental in the passage of the Utah State Certified Commercial Interior Design Bill in 2016, which recognized interior designers under the technical definition of Design Professionals.