“We were at the beginning of construction for a major remodel and 900+ square foot addition to our craftsman home when my wife and I realized that suddenly we had to come up with all the interior fixtures and finishes fast - we had spent so long working with our architect on the design and permitting process that it never occurred to us that we had to do this. Yes we were total newbies to the process. After researching several designers we met with Margo and clicked with her right away- she just really seemed to get us and understand what we wanted. She ended up doing top to bottom designs for four bedrooms with walk-in closets , a dining room and pantry, our living room, a family/runpus room, and three bathrooms. She held our hands as she walked us through the whole process, from plumbing and electrical design needs to furniture and final paint colors. Margo was amazing through this all, contending with our sometimes conflicting demands and our total naivety to the process. We are thrilled with the end result and highly recommend Margo to anyone else who has any design needs. She has a great eye, a distinct sense of style, a great sense of what people are looking for and is a great person on top of all that. We continue to rely on her for house advice and consider her a friend whom we hope to stay in touch with for a long time.”

Ashley J, Oakland

“I work as a construction project manager for a Lake Tahoe based general contractor specializing in high end custom homes. I had the pleasure of working with Margo Nathanson Interiors on 2 modern homes. Nobody really cares what a builder thinks about aesthetics, so I’ll instead describe my experience working with MNI from a contractor’s perspective. I’ll begin by saying that, when an affluent client hires a designer, it typically results in a nightmare experience for the builder (full tearout of newly installed finishes, unclear/constantly changing specifications, plan alterations that are not depicted in drawings, opinions about how something should be constructed yet have never held a hammer, confusion regarding hierarchy in the decision-making process, the stories are endless). These then translate to timeline extensions, budget increases, and ultimately, client dissatisfaction with the builder. We almost need a person employed specifically for the purpose of managing the designer; it takes that much time and energy! Working with MNI was the complete opposite, a breath of fresh air. Here are some of my experiences: The first time I saw Margo was in an interaction with the client. She was professional, confident, thoughtful, and collaborative. I immediately thought, this person puts the client first - before ego, before money - Rare. Margo did not take sides between the client and builder. Things happen as the sausage is being made. Tensions can get high and it isn’t irregular for the owner and designer to form a clique of negativity towards the builder. Margo remained positive through the course of the project with builder and owner alike. I have spent years refining the process of generating scope of work documents to ensure specifications are met. I’m a bit embarrassed, and even more impressed, that the selections that MNI was responsible for specifying were accompanied by a matrix superior to any that I’d created. Even for more complex spec charts like paint and tile, I just clicked print and handed it to the guys – BOOM! A thousand fewer things on my list AND I’m removed from the liability of making an error as middleman in the translation from designer to spreadsheet. I almost cried tears of joy.. The level of organization in the provided details and specifications had an immensely positive impact on the project in terms of both efficiency and accuracy (and my own morale). We had a snafu late in the project due to a necessary electrical service upgrade which resulted in a move-in delay. MNI remained positive and successfully rescheduled their entire end-phase of the project (finishes/furniture deliveries, install dates, site visits, etc.) without complaint. MNI was receptive to alternatives in circumstances where choices would impact timeline and budget. Margo has a great personality and is a blast to work with. She was truly a part of the team. In the future, the only design firm I recommend will be MNI.”

Joe P, Sierra Sustainable Builders, South Lake Tahoe

“Very helpful, professional and knowledgeable. Easy to work with and quick to respond. She knows her stuff and has great taste! I would use her again and recommend her to my friends.”

Sharon S. San Francisco