A Non-Traditional Path to Interior Design
Ashleigh Cochran’s path to interior design wasn’t a conventional one. She first pursued careers in equestrianism and art, earning degrees in Studio Art and Art History. However, after years in these fields, she decided to return to school and study Interior Design—a decision she has never regretted. Inspired by her mother, Ashleigh discovered her true calling in interior design, and over time, her style evolved. One thing that has remained constant is her love for art-filled walls, which she integrates into each of her designs.
Rather than following trends, Ashleigh focuses on her personal preferences, ensuring that each piece she loves finds its place in her designs. She sees every project as a learning experience, drawing inspiration from each one and continuously growing as a designer. Although she doesn’t always consider herself the most “creative” in the traditional sense, Ashleigh thrives on collaboration, particularly with other designers. She enjoys bringing their visions to life and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every detail, especially lighting and textures, fits together perfectly. She believes that small adjustments, such as lighting, can completely transform a space.
Overcoming Challenges with Coohom’s Help
Like many designers, Ashleigh faces challenges in managing client expectations and dealing with technical constraints. For her, the key is balancing aesthetics with the practical aspects—getting the lighting just right and ensuring that textures work together seamlessly. Before discovering Coohom, Ashleigh hadn’t incorporated rendering into her design process. She had experimented with tools like Revit and SketchUp but found them either too complex or too expensive. When she found Coohom, everything changed. Coohom’s ease of use, affordability, and speed made it the ideal solution, allowing Ashleigh to offer 3D renderings to her clients—a service she hadn’t been able to provide before.
Coohom has had a transformative impact on Ashleigh’s workflow. The ability to visualize designs before implementation has saved both time and money, helping to manage client expectations and ensuring that the final design meets their vision. Ashleigh particularly values Coohom’s lighting customization feature, which allows her to create the perfect ambiance in her designs.
Real-Life Success: A Townhome Renovation Story
One standout project for Ashleigh was a townhome renovation where significant changes were made, including opening up walls, removing doors, and adding new windows. The client struggled to visualize these changes, but once Ashleigh presented the 3D renderings created with Coohom, they quickly understood the design. Seeing how natural light would flood the space helped the client fully embrace Ashleigh’s vision. Coohom also played a vital role in saving time and money in projects where clients were unsure about a design. The 3D renderings clarified the vision, sometimes confirming the design and, other times, prompting necessary adjustments before construction began.
Beyond its practical benefits, Coohom’s community has been an unexpected bonus for Ashleigh. She didn’t expect to find such a supportive and encouraging group of fellow users, but now she values the camaraderie and assistance she receives, whether troubleshooting issues or showcasing a new render.When asked what space she would design if given the opportunity, Ashleigh dreams of creating her own retreat in the mountains, surrounded by nature. She imagines waking up in a cottage with views of snow-capped peaks while sipping a cup of hot cocoa. Nature and art are Ashleigh’s greatest sources of inspiration, and she ensures that both elements are reflected in every design.
For aspiring designers looking to integrate digital tools into their workflow, Ashleigh’s advice is simple: Start now. Even if clients don’t initially require renderings, providing this service will set you apart. Educate clients on the value of renderings, and always keep learning. Tools like Coohom have the potential to transform how designers work, opening up new creative possibilities and enhancing client satisfaction.Looking forward, Ashleigh believes that 3D renderings will become a standard tool for designers of all project sizes. She is excited to see how technology will evolve, especially with the potential to generate floor plans and elevations from a single image. Coohom is already heading in this direction, and Ashleigh is eager to see where it goes.
Coohom has been a key factor in Ashleigh’s growth as a designer. It has streamlined her workflow, allowing her to offer high-quality services and making the design process smoother for both her and her clients. With fast, affordable, and customizable 3D renderings, Coohom has become an indispensable part of Ashleigh’s design toolkit.
