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Hidden Gems: Meet Kelly Vickers of Zimmer Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Vickers.

Hi Kelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My path to interior design was anything but linear. Prior to designing, I spent 17 years as a professional victim advocate working in the criminal justice system here in Minneapolis. A life in public service taught me how to communicate, listen, and diplomatically address situations which translates well into any new career.

Design had always been calling me, I just wasn’t brave enough to leave my rewarding and meaningful job. The opportunity to make a change presented itself in 2014, as my husband’s work brought our family to Switzerland. Living abroad gifted me the time to pause and think about what I wanted to do next. Eventually, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in interior design courses. This learning confirmed what my intuition had been telling me for 25 years; designing is truly my gift.

We returned to Minnesota in the summer of 2017. I formed Zimmer Design in 2018, choosing the name Zimmer, which means room in German, as a tribute to Switzerland. It’s now 2023, we are growing and celebrating five years in business!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road has been really smooth. I think when you follow your gifts, the universe provides. I wouldn’t have believed that ten years ago, but now I have lived it. I also wouldn’t have taken this risk, but for my incredibly supportive husband, children, family, and friends. All of this support has allowed me to hone my process and build my portfolio.

My brother and sister-in-law asked me to design their new kitchen. My dear friends from Switzerland had me create a design to remodel their stateside home. Multiple neighbors have put their trust in Zimmer Design with their home design and renovations. My former colleague/friend hired us for their project which led to an introduction with one of the exceptional contractors I continue to collaborate with today. These opportunities and partnerships have allowed for Zimmer Design’s success.

As you know, we’re big fans of Zimmer Design LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Zimmer Design is an interior design firm specializing in residential design. We offer full-service design for consumers, builders, and contractors. This may mean we’re providing 2D/3D renderings for our renovation customers with sourcing (products) lists to complete their designs. Or it could mean we’re helping our clients fill their newly finished homes with furnishings, lighting, accessories, and overall decor selections. Often, it’s both, which is always our preference.

I am proud to be partnering with Greensmith Builders on their carbon-free homes and apartments. That partnership is providing me with personal and professional growth. Further, I love visionary thinking and believe everyone in this industry should be striving to protect our environment.

What sets us apart, besides our gorgeous designs, is our professionalism and network of talented trades. Our core value at Zimmer Design is integrity and this means we respect and advocate for our clients and trades. My former advocacy skills translated well into this field. As an advocate, I was routinely picking up the phone to fix a need or concern because the stakes were high. Now, if a need/want arises, I am quick and eager to track down a trade, unique item, or viable substitute.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The global pandemic was life-altering to all of us. Many for truly devastating reasons. At the moment, I assumed I was going to be pausing my business and endlessly homeschooling my children. I felt lucky to have that option. But, not happy with that option. That did not end up being my truth because my business increased as people spent more time at home.

At that moment, I learned I am resourceful. We quickly created a learning pod for our youngest who was only in second grade. Our two older children could manage their online learning themselves allowing us the ability to both continue working. It was something to juggle but far easier than most front-line workers had to manage.

When I think back to 2020, I am amazed by how educators pivoted. I admire the flexibility those professionals demonstrated. I’ll forever be impressed with how swiftly and creatively teachers continued to educate our youth. Their unwavering commitment is something to admire.

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Image Credits

Spacecrafting Photography and Forty-Three Photography

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