Meet Rachel, our TRDC host. With over 20 years of experience as a professional Hospitality Designer, she has lent her expertise to renowned establishments like Four Seasons and Viceroy. Despite her impressive resume, Rachel's design philosophy is grounded in practicality, shaped by her upbringing in Chicago with a touch of "bohemian" frugality.
With a degree in Architecture and a passion for Interior Design, Rachel found herself at a crossroads in 2021 when she needed to transition her Duplex Long-term Rental into a House-hack Midterm Rental. Through thorough design research, savvy space planning, and shrewd budgeting, she transformed her modest bungalow into a sought-after STR/MTR Rental. Her dedication to both aesthetics and functionality, coupled with genuine hospitality, ensured consistent bookings for the past two years.
Now based in the Pacific Northwest, Rachel relishes the flexibility of remote work, allowing her to indulge in her hobbies like travel, gardening, and hosting barbeques with friends.
Reflecting on my own rental transformation journey, I realized the wealth of knowledge and cost-effective solutions we had developed could benefit emerging rental entrepreneurs. I was frustrated by the lack of comprehensive resources tailored to small startups, I envisioned a platform where DIY-ers could access expert guidance and insider tips to streamline their design process.
I may be used to working with clients on Luxe hotels, but I find so much joy and fulfillment in empowering entrepreneurs and DIY enthusiasts to unleash their creative potential. I understand the budget constraints that startups experience and I believe that with the right guidance, anyone willing to roll up their sleeves can achieve professional-grade results while saving valuable time and money.
Short for collaboration, a CO-lab embodies the spirit of teamwork and collective creativity. Drawing inspiration from professional Hospitality Design Firms, I am genuinely impressed by the support and eagerness to share insights within the rental entrepreneur community. By focusing exclusively on rental design, The Rental Design CO-lab aims to be the catalyst for rental transformations and collaboration, guiding DIY enthusiasts towards profitable and standout rentals.
By studying local competition and crafting a unique and compelling visual story that connects aspects about the property, community and target audience. We offer guidance on visual storytelling strategies you can apply to your project for professional-grade results that set your listing apart from the crowd.
Designers invest significant time in smart budgeting and meticulous space planning to achieve professional-level design. While it may not be the most glamorous aspect, these foundational elements are essential for success. At The Rental Design CO-lab, we're here to be your guide and support, helping you navigate these critical components of your transformation and achieve the results you need.