Watkins Design Works

09/07/2026

“As one digs deeper into the national character of the Americans, one sees that they have sought the value of everything in this world only in the answer to this single question: how much money will it bring in?” Alexis de Tocqueville

08/31/2026

I just finished my 6th and final 4-hour Revit class that was geared specifically to interior designers. Big thank you to MicroCAD for creating this. Interior designers need to use the software much differently than architects do, so the standard class isn’t very helpful. I totally recommend it, and Sandra is a fantastic instructor. (Oh, and I built this customizable bookcase from scratch today!)

08/15/2026

I finally put a bunch of thoughts down in one place. https://substack.com//note/p-211315271?r=3qy7m&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

08/07/2026

I’ve been having breakfast out on my back patio in the mornings to get that early sunlight in my eyes (helps circadian rhythms and with sleep!), and this morning I just noticed the connection between home (photo 1) and office (photo 2). Southwest OH/WV Team

07/22/2026

North-Central West Virginia got 3”-5” of rain yesterday and the flooding there is widespread. Here are items needed and dropoff locations if you are in the area and want to help.

UPDATE: We are also accepting donations of new t-shirts, underwear, socks, sweatpants, and shorts. Please note that we cannot accept used clothes.

Our Lewis & Upshur County communities have experienced devastating flooding, leaving many families facing the difficult task of cleaning up and rebuilding. We are collecting cleaning supplies to support these efforts. The items listed are the most urgently needed at this time for cleanup efforts; as needs for other items arise, we will update the list. Please note that we cannot accept bleach; however, other collection sites may be able to.

✅Five-gallon buckets
✅Shovels
✅Heavy-duty trash bags/contractor bags)
✅Jugs of water
✅Heavy rubber gloves
✅Squeegees
✅Push brooms
✅Mops & mop buckets
✅Dehumidifiers
✅T-shirts
✅Underwear
✅Socks
✅Sweatpants
✅Shorts

Donations may be dropped off at Community Care of Bridgeport and Community Care of Flatwoods, M - F, 8am - 8pm; Sat, 8am - 4pm, and Sun, 11am - 5pm.

Thank you for supporting these communities in their time of need.

07/20/2026

It’s not 100% yet, but expanding my library shelving and layout area has made a huge difference! Some interior designers may be shrinking their sample storage and doing more online or with 3D images, but I like having ready access to unique products and good sized samples. Interior designers create tactile environments, and it helps clients visualize their new space to feel the hand of a fabric, see the reflectiveness of a metal, or the detailed texture of carpet. (Fabric reps will be happy to know I’m finally storing memo samples like a normal person. 😂)

06/29/2026

I’m happy to share our most recent project for the : Coopers Rock State Forest! We designed light fixtures, selected artwork and window shades, and as usual, had a great partnership with . All the wood furniture is with Appalachian hardwoods. is another WV small business who helped procure the NC-made sofa and lounge chair from . Floor and table lamps were made by Renaissance Lighting in Roanoke, VA. Thanks also to , .fabrics, , and Almost Heaven Interiors!

06/19/2026

Watching the Junior Men’s road race from the office!

05/18/2026

Join West Virginia State Parks on May 21st from 1:00-3:00 for an open house at the new visitor center along the Elk River Rail Trail!

State Parks officials also announce land purchase that will add 4.3. miles to the trail from Queen Shoals to Clendenin CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia

05/04/2026

It's really satisfying to work on a project that is so meaningful to a community! Thank you, Community Care of West Virginia, Inc.!