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Expertise

I will answer questions about designing and building a new home, building an addition, remodeling a home, sustainability ("green" building and remodeling), aging-in-place, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling. The goal is to help homeowners achieve ultimate satisfaction with all of their choices and decisions.

Experience in the area

Over 25 years in residential design, construction, improvement, and remodeling. Hundreds of completed projects in all ranges of investment. Author of the award-winning book "THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling," host of "Today's Home" on Lifestyle WebRadio, and public speaker.

Organizations

National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Interior Design Protection Council (IDPC)

Publications

THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling. Designer's Illustrated, Gentry, Interior Coordinator (Japan), Kitchen-Bath Business, Kitchen-Bath Design News, Oregonian, Portland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, San Mateo Times, Statesman Journal

Education/Credentials

Degrees in residential interior design, bath design, kitchen design, and lighting design. To improve knowledge about codes, products, and trends that will affect homeowners, I regularly attend tradeshows, conferences, classes, and seminars, and read 7 major trade magazines and newsletters.

Awards and Honors

Certified Master Kitchen-Bath Designer (CMKBD), Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (C.A.P.S.). AWARDS: Henry Adams, Chrysalis, Best of the Best, CoTY, Master Design, HBA Excellence. 2003 NABE Award for best how-to book.

Past/Present Clients

Please see the portfolio in my website, http://www.dp-design.com/port.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Rachelle LeBlanc02/29/12101010Thanks so much Diane for your time .....
wally01/13/12101010 
Steven12/27/111010 
Kedar12/20/111010Great! m happy with ur Answer. & .....
Carol11/04/11101010you have been very helpful...and forgiving .....

Recent Answers from Diane Plesset

2012-04-26 Hello:

Hello, Quentin.    Mold is a serious problem, and can create serious health issues. You are wise to tear down the existing house and replace it.  Building a new home will give you opportunities for a more

2012-02-26 Blue Fusion Granite:

Hello, Rachelle.    I could not find "Blue Fusion" granite in an online search, so I asked my favorite fabricator if he's had experience with it.  It turns out that he was right: "Blue Fusion" is actually

2012-01-11 handiap bathroo remodling:

Hello, Wally.    Fortunately, there is a lot of information available to help you plan an accessible bathroom, and there are Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (like me) who can develop plans so you

2012-01-07 loft conversion:

Hi, Paul.    2x4's are NOT strong enough to span that distance, even at 13" on center (330mm).  You really need input from a licensed contractor or a structural engineer, to size the joists for the span

2011-12-20 Green home:

Hello, Steven.    Congratulations for wanting to do whatever you can to help our environment by choosing an alternative lifestyle!  There is a lot of information about alternative-energy homes in Washington

 

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