The process of designing the Showhouse commences months in advance. It begins when the Jacksonville Symphony Guild meets with a select group of designers to form the Designer Selection Committee. These designers, with past Showhouse experience, represent some of the best design firms in Northeast Florida. For the 2008 Jacksonville Symphony Guild Showhouse & Gardens, Glenda W. Wann, ASID, is chair of the Designer Selection Committee.

The Designer Selection Committee holds a meeting where designers who are known throughout the community for the quality of work they produce, are invited to preview construction site, floor plans and amenities of the forthcoming Showhouse. At that point, designers submit proposals, which include their first, second, and third choice of rooms. After careful consideration, the Designer Selection Committee finalizes room assignments.

Many factors play into the designer and room selection. While scope and quality of work are taken into account, a designer’s years of participation is also considered. The goal is to have fun and create something beautiful in order to raise money for the Jacksonville Symphony Guild and its music education programs.

Designating design space is more difficult than it seems and a large amount of vision, planning and execution goes into laying the foundation for a successful overall project. These designers, who donate their time, money and resources, put their heart and soul into this annual project. It’s essential that they bring an exemplary work ethic, and open mind and a desire to produce great work collaboratively.

Everything from the floors to the ceiling, wall color and textures, window treatments, furniture and the accents of art and accessories are selected with meticulous care and a discerning eye. Designers with adjoining spaces achieve a cohesive vision that ensures the transitions from one room to the next are seamless, while each space maintains its own unique and definitive design. Before the rooms make their public debut, many decisions are made and refined to create the best product possible.

The success of the Showhouse project is the result of the collective effort of hundreds of Symphony Guild volunteers, the staff of Collier Classic Homes, product sponsors, and 20 designers who work diligently to orchestrate a spectacular showcase of their work. On behalf of the Designer Selection Committee, our goal is to utilize all of our resources and talents to provide one of the most outstanding Showhouses in the program’s 32-year history.

If you would like further information, or to be placed on the mailing list to be considered as a participating designer for the 2009 Jacksonville Symphony Guild Designer Showhouse, contact The Guild at (904) 358-1479, or email scalvert@jaxsymphony.org.