Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.

A few years earlier when researching kitchen remodeling ideas I came across Diane's site and was so impressed with her "before" and "after" pictures that I bookmarked her on my computer. To be honest, I thought we couldn't afford designer services and bookmarked her site for her pictures of things that were done for ideas. It wasn't until much later that I realized that she was in Oregon too! OMG! She lives close to our part of Oregon! So I thought I could at least ask how much her fees were and get a ballpark figure. I was ready to accept the fact that we couldn't afford her services, but felt that I'd at least be somewhat satisfied that I asked. But believe it or not, we ended up saving more money hiring her than if we hadn't. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but it's true. I've kept track and records of my remodeling costs to prove it! Diane is really good about listening to what you want and trying to incorporate it into her kitchen design. For me personally, it was worth it having a pop up mixer because I use my kitchen aid mixer a lot and it's heavy to get out and move . More so as I get older and personally I don't want a bunch of appliances on my counter top all the time in my small kitchen. I now have enough spice drawers so I can see things at a glance and not have to go digging in the cupboard trying to get at things buried in the back. I have lots more counter space and cabinets now, that I actually like cooking and baking more than before. (Which was sporadic to begin with, even when my kids still lived at home. I usually cooked, but we probably ate out more or had take out food way more than when I was growing up). One day Diane and I went to choose the specific counter top slabs for my kitchen. While waiting for help, I wandered around and came across this slab that instantly appealed to me like no other. (In previous trips we had gone to many places to look at all the different countertop materials, natural and man made & etc.,.). I didn't even know what material this slab was but got excited when I figured out it was quartzite which is the material I finally had previously decided upon for my counter top after much time, research and indecisiveness. Bummer! There's no more of the very new & unusual slabs in Oregon or Washington that is available. You might be able to special order more from Brazil, have it pass customs in Seattle and receive it in a month. Maybe. Here I was, there to pick the specific slabs to be fabricated on an already scheduled date, along with the installation and everything else on the scheduled timeline. (If I was Diane, I would of at the very least, rolled my eyes at myself! Instead she was quite enthusiastic about my choice and tickled that I was actually excited about something. I am by nature not every excitable). So Diane worked things out with my contractor, fabricators, installers and etc..,.so things went really smoothly even though I delayed the schedule by a month.

Diane is amazing. She has the gift, the eye, to turn a dump (like mine) into a palace. See ‘remodeled home for a single man’ on her site. Highly recommended, Bruce McDowell

Diane is professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. She helped us with all levels of our remodel, from blueprints to resources to vendors, including floors and complete bathroom reconstruction. She worked well with our contractor, while always assuring us that control of the project was in our hands, and was always available when we had questions. Even when her job was complete, she continued to be available for questions we had during the remaining construction. We will be calling her again for our next remodel project, and we highly recommend her to anyone who has a remodel, big or small.

We chose our designer Diane Plesset (DP Design) because of her positive reviews. The kitchen remodeling sections of her book The Survival Guide: Home Remodeling was very helpful to me in understanding the scope of the project, timelines and all the decisions that needed to be made. Diane is a very positive and upbeat person. There are always compromises in a remodel, but there are many solutions as well. She helped us find good solutions. She gave us a great detailed design for the kitchen. The CAD pictures were so helpful because mentally visualizing doesn’t work too well for me. She worked really hard to give us the kitchen features we wanted. She located beautiful pendant lights for our island. She also connected us with great people to do the work. The contractor Chris Loar of AAI and the cabinet maker Peter Rintoul are excellent craftsmen. The result was a beautiful and functional kitchen. We are delighted with the process and our new kitchen.

I highly recommend this designer. Every project I have partnered with Diane to work on has been a pleasure. Diane really listens to her clients wants and needs, takes this input and combines it with the space to really bring a design to life. Diane pays attention to detail and thinks through every aspect of the job, combine this with her prompt and thorough communication makes her a clients dream!

Diane, you're the best! As a cabinet shop owner I have worked with Diane on many projects over the years. When it came to my personal home remodel, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would partner with Diane. She goes above and beyond professional standards and applies the perfect combination of form-and-function while maintaining architectural consistency, all wrapped up in a positive and creative experience that instills confidence in a well thought out plan. Diane is an exceptional listener and works hard to implement her customers vision. When something doesn't make sense, she gives a detailed explanation why, and offer up creative alternatives. Professional, hard working, reasonable, intuitive, creative and fun! Thanks again Diane, after the completion of the main house remodel, I look forward to working with you on the guest house. As always, it's been a pleasure.

Diane is a true professional and I learn something new from her every time I talk with her. I love her book and have recommended her to my friends who are planning a remodel.

Diane listened well and provided creative suggestions, solutions, and alternatives during the time we worked on the design to remodel a powder room to create a full bathroom in my home. She left no detail untouched. Such thoroughness and professional know-how are an asset one does not find every day. I would gladly call Diane again for design services. She is very pleasant to work with -- prompt, responsive, well informed.

Diane was a wonderful collaborator! I felt like she really listened to our desires, but also led us into new ideas that improved our plans. We intend to hire her again for our next project.

We purchased an apartment that was being built and Diane met with us to determine our needs and preferences and then guided us in making decisions about flooring, cabinetry and placement of electrical outlets. She was easy to talk to, responded quickly to our questions and provided us with a furniture arrangement plan.

I have know and worked with Diane since 2006. We have worked together on several projects over the years. She has consistently provided detailed accurate plans for clients with whom we work. Her designs are both functional and well conceived from a design point of view. She truly has her client's best interests in mind when she designs. If you want a great design that is functional and timeless, talk with Diane.

We recently completed a kitchen remodel and interior update to our 1992 home. A key part of the project was selecting a professional designer. We found Diane by researching on Houzz. At our 1st site meeting we knew Diane was the person who would help us make our dream come true. She listened to us and in a short time produced a plan that made it easy to visualize the end result. Her professional and detailed plans were key to making sure our entire project team knew what to do. Diane's knowledge of home building techniques and materials is extensive. She provided support during product selection and was invaluable during problem solving discussions with our Contractor. Diane was a true partner in our project and helped make sure we achieved our "dream come true". We could not be happier with the finished project and would highly recommend Diane to anyone planning a remodel project.