Tami Jones was working in a high-tech, computer-based job, but she was ready for a change.

Encouraged by friends who knew she had a creative streak, she got hooked on the field of interior design.

Now in her seventh year as a professional, Jones is gaining recognition for her skills in merging clients’ dreams with the realities of a livable space.

“I’m still solving problems for people,” Jones says. “But instead of a computer, it’s a beautiful kitchen or bedroom.”

Her company, Tami Jones Interior Design, took first place in the Northwest Design Awards competition for her design in the “Best Individual Room: Traditional” category.

Wine cave

Her design creation, a personalized wine cellar carved from a crawl space in a Woodinville home, has an old world feel with modern amenities and natural materials.

The judges wanted to see green techniques along with a total transformation of the space. Jones delivered, working with EB Building Group, one of her go-to contractors, for six months to hollow out the space under a home for a wine grotto, with a flair inspired by the owner’s love of wine.

“This is a mix of old world and California wine country,” Jones said. “It’s a very cozy space that does transport you…. It’s very unique to the homeowner.”

Jones’ goal is always to achieve the look and feel a homeowner wants. After all, it’s not her house.

“My goal is that somebody walks in and enjoys the space,” she said.

Jones has always had an interest in having a beautiful home, but in a cost-effective way.

“That’s a big part of solving problems for the homeowner—how do you get what you can and stay within a budget? Everybody has a budget. Everybody wants more value.”

According to Jones, the earlier you involve a professional in a home design project, the more you can save.

“A lot of people, when they try to do it themselves, they spend money and decide they can’t do it, then spend even more money to have it redone with a professional,” Jones said. “The earlier a pro can come in, just to get some do-it-yourself help or put together a plan to be implemented by a designer and a contractor, you can save a lot in the long run.”

Homeowners first need to understand their budgets. Laying out the financial ground rules before a project, and being honest with a designer about the budget, helps focus a project.

Owners should also create a wish list of their different inspirations for a space.

Jones brings a love of fabric, tile, and material things into her work, but the real reward is the interaction.

“Being able to work with homeowners to create a home, a space they love being in, is a huge honor,” she says.

• Learn more about Tami Jones at tamijonesinteriordesign.com.