Michelle Jessup has more than 30 years experience in floral design, thanks to a creative grandmother who encouraged her eye for color and shape. 

SLHL: Where did you get your start in floral designs?

Michelle: My grandmother actually got me into it. I told her I wanted to be an interior designer and she said, “Oh, it’s too hard to get a job in interior design. You should do florals like me.” I started going to work with her when I was just a little girl and I’ve been doing it ever since. 

SLHL: How do you add a home automation system to an older or existing home? 
Aaron: This is very dependent on the state of the house. If there is an option to run low-voltage, we always try to do so to provide the highest reliability. But wireless options for music, lighting control and more are becoming better all the time.

SLHL: What is the best solution to expand your outdoor living space?
Mike: Solutions vary based on the desired functions spaces need to accommodate, but often you’ll find objectives including a cooking area, dining area and leisure area, if space allows. While a deck or patio surface is the starting point, railing also provides definition, stairs provide accessibility and interest and overhead structures provide a third-dimension that also can act as ever important shade and protection from the elements.

Paul Fendler founded Fendler + Associates, Inc. in 1989. As a registered architect, his firm provides design services tailored specifically to his clients’ requirements. Fendler + Associates also offers a wide range of design and consulting services specific to the historic rehabilitation market. 

Maggie Stieven Jewell has grown up with the interior design gene. She has followed in her mom Mary Stieven's, footsteps by transforming homes all across the St. Louis area with her designer touch. Jewell worked alongside her mother at MKS Designs for nine years, solely running the business the last four years. In 2014, she started her own design business to allow her the flexibility to be both a mom and a designer.