Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

My New Job – Designer for a Home Builder

By 45 Comments

Yup, it’s official,

I’m in over my head.


I’m…

  • packing for our upcoming move,
  • getting our city house ready to put on the market,
  • selecting finishes and checking on progress at my new house,
  • keeping the ranch going while managing the wildlife plan,
  • creating content for my blog
  • getting the kids registered and set up at their new schools
  • contributing to Houzz,
  • writing and photography for various magazines (more on that later)
  • keeping my family fed (okay serious slacking here) and now…
  • designing for a home builder.

 

(Insert silent scream here.)

 

Seriously, I’ve got a lot on my plate.  I think there are so many opportunities coming to bloggers these days, that we have to choose the best ones and let the good ones go.  So when I was offered this role, I had to think about how it fit in my plans, whether or not I would enjoy it, and how I would find time for it.  I knew it would be time-consuming and that would mean I would not be able to accept some other things that might come my way.

 

In the end, I decided that it would be a wonderful opportunity to spend the day doing what I love, work with some pretty cool people, and it would give me even more good stuff to share with you on my blog.

The company I’m working with is Ridgewater Homes Inc. in Houston, Texas.  Ridgewater Homes Inc. is a custom home builder for The Heights, West University, College Station, and now they are expanding to other areas.  They are known for their attention to detail, and doing it right the first time.  How do I know?  They are building my house.  (These photos are from homes that Ridgewater has built. My house isn’t finished enough to show you yet.)

My home should be finished in July.  So far it’s been a fun process, and I don’t know too many people that can say that.  The workmanship is excellent, and the company has been very easy to work with. It’s going so well in fact, that I just told them to go ahead and finish out my garage apartment.

It’s all been so much fun to be honest.  I know some people are stressed when they are building a custom home.  I’ve heard lots of nightmare stories about poor workmanship or an unresponsive builder.  (Yet another reason to be VERY careful who you select to build your home.) Then there are all of the decisions required when building a custom home that can create lots of stress, but most days I am like a kid in a candy store.

The best way I can describe it is that it’s like living in Pinterest in real life.   Can I look at chandeliers, cabinetry, faucets, molding, windows, tiles, marble and house plans all day?  Yes… I think I can.

 

I’ve got so many awesome resources too, just to name a few – a talented carpenter with vision who can make just about anything, fabulous sources for upscale granite and marble, reclaimed hardwoods, antique beams, corbels and doors, and some of the best trades in town.

 

I’m helping clients to create a home that is perfect for them, spending time with people (instead of my computer), looking at fabulous finishes and house plans.  Do you see why I couldn’t say ‘No’?

 

What will change here? I’ll continue to share what’s going on with the ranch and our new city house, but I’ll also be sharing lots of material from my design work.  I’ll be hanging out here at CedarHill-Ranch.com and at my new gig, Ridgewater Homes.
All photos courtesy of Ridgewater Homes, Inc.

 

Comments

  4. Carol says

    Congrats, I know you will do very well. I live 50 miles north of Houston, in Conroe. If we ever decide to move and build a house somewhere, I’ll give you a call. Have a great rest of your week!

    Reply

  5. Rachel Paxton says

    That’s so exciting, Anita! Congratulations. 🙂 I’ve been following you for a while and enjoying the connection to a fellow Texas girl, but now I’ve got to say something since I live in the area you’re talking about. I’ve got to drive around and find some of their homes! Take care!

    Rachel at http://www.maisondepax.com

    Reply

  7. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    Anita, I’m so happy for you! You are very talented in many areas! I cannot think of anyone that would be better!I would be thrilled for you to help me choose the design for my home! Congrats on your new ventures!

    Reply

  13. Designs By Pinky says

    COMGRATULATIONS, Anita, it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person! I am so happy for you!!!! I know you will love it even if it is alot of work. It will be work you lOVE so worth it!!! XO, Pinky

    Reply

  16. Gee Singh Newbanks says

    OHMYGOSH!!! Congratulations Anita. What a coo job for you… well, cool jobs 🙂 Your plate is so full, the peas a re falling off the edge. I know you will enjoy them all.
    Exciting times.
    Hugs, Gee

    Reply

  17. Cynthia says

    Congrats Anita what an exciting opportunity and well deserved
    truth be told I was tired just reading all you have on your plate right now. I am getting ready to build our new home and I can’t wait to do all the fun things like pick out counters, cabinets, etc. Enjoy your new endeavor!

    Cynthia

    Reply

  18. Tina C says

    How exciting! I hope you have a wonderful time with the new adventure. Can’t wait to see what you share. Good Luck :o)

    Reply

  25. Revi says

    Love it! As rewarding as blogging is, REAL LIFE design, spending other people’s money, it sounds like a great gig, Anita. 🙂
    -Revi

    Reply

  26. Jenny Lynn says

    First congratulations! Second, wow gal, you are busy. I admire your ambition. Sounds though like you are having fun doing it. There is nothing better than living a dream. 🙂

    Reply

  32. JP says

    Oh, what a dream come true….Congratulations!!! Just don’t get overloaded….we need you to keep bringing us great, new things!

    Reply

  33. Anne says

    Anita congratulations!! How exciting you do have allot going on but you know what it is all good girl!I am so happy for you!What an amazing opportunity!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply

  37. Julie {Lilacs and Longhorns} says

    Oh my! You really do have your hands full! But, I couldn’t have said no to that opportunity either. What FUN!! And, I think I might want to move to Houston to use that builder. Exactly the style of homes that I LOVE — not the builder basic, that’s for sure.

    Can’t wait to see your finished new home! 🙂

    Good luck with all that’s on your plate. Hopefully, it will become more manageable soon.

    Julie

    Reply

  38. Katherines Corner says

    Big-HUGE hugs my friend. You may feel over your hear. But I see you rising above. Congrats on so many wonderful things happening. thank you for sharing with us xo

    Reply

  41. Sooner Laura says

    What a dream job! These pictures are beautiful. I’ve built and few houses – not as grand as these but still enjoyed every minute of the design and decorating. I can’t sit and look at a room or even my patio with thinking of ideas to improve them. Of course if I lived in one of these houses in the pictures – I could just sit and read a book!

    Reply

  43. Pat Cantwell says

    Anita,
    I’d say, “Follow your heart”, dear friend!!!
    I had the “perfect” employment that lasted three years. Those were some of the happiest of my working career!!! All good things must end some day, so for now. . .enJOY!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat
    P.S. Cooking dinner is entirely over~rated, setting at the table to enJOY that meal (fast food looks marvelous on your fine china)surround by those you love. . .PRICELESS!!! (wink)

    Reply

  45. Kevin Ward says

    Nice blog, I got a lot of tips on how to make my own design for my new home. Thanks for sharing this idea, I know that many people need to know about this because some of them doesn’t have a budget for hiring an architect.

    Home Builders Houston

    Reply

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