Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Furlow.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From the time I was a little girl, I admired art and creating art. Little did I know that my love of art would develop in the creation and design of the structure. It is one thing to see a painting on the wall, it is another thing to be able to walk through a structure I created. Now as an architectural designer the homes I help bring to life for my clients are my art projects. So I guess you can say my dream of being an artist when I was a girl came true. I went to Interior Architecture school at UTK from 2011 to 2016.
This was probably one of the hardest things I had ever done in my life until I decided to start Design AF. I originally thought that I wanted to do Hospitality design work. But as you know, when you think you have it figured out your life completely changes. After graduating, I started working for Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, and Lighting Gallery. I was a salesperson at the showroom in Knoxville, TN. It was a great way for me to learn another side of the design and construction world. I gained a wealth of knowledge there, as well as great relationships. Now that I have started my own firm, I still get to cultivate these relationships, just in a more involved way. I am very thankful for my start, and would not be where I am today without this experience.
Now to the good part. When I decided to leave Ferguson, I told them on Friday, March 13, 2019. That next Monday the world completely shut down for the COVID19 pandemic. So here I was, I just quit this great job where I had stability and was making great money to start my own design firm. To say that, I was silently freaking out is an understatement. However, it was a turn for the best. At that time, people were spending more time in their homes, a lot of families were moving here from other parts of the country. I luckily started gaining more and more clients other than the ones that I had built while at Ferguson.
Six months after I started Design AF full-time I was able to hire my best friend who I went to design school with at UTK. That was a surreal moment for both of us. My dream in college and I would say most of my life was to have my own business. My Dad has always instilled in me to take what you love and know, and build a business, all to provide a career for yourself.
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?
Not in the slightest. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, I often have to fight for my opinions to be heard. Luckily I am a strong-willed woman and have been able to make a place for myself. As an athlete growing up, that contributed to my ability to adapt, compete, and persevere. These things have carried me into my career today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in high-end custom homes. I am most proud of my substantial work on Watts Bar Lake where I grew up every summer. Aspiring to be an architect I used to admire these homes from the water, now I create them.
What sets us apart from others is our expertise in every facet of the construction process. It not only saves our clients money but saves our contractors time. Our main goal is to make exceptional design a part of everyday life.
What makes you happy?
New experiences bring the most happiness. One of my main goals is to explore as much of the world as possible before I leave it. The world is beautiful and what I have seen so far gives me daily inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Email: amanda@amandawebbfurlow.com
- Website: https://amandawebbfurlow.com/
- Instagram: @design_af_
