I always knew I should be a designer. I spent my childhood constantly reinventing interior spaces and drawing and reworking every interior I encountered. I studied and worked with floral designers, caterers, furniture refinishing, painting, and seamstresses, all by the time I left for college.
But somehow Interior Design did not encompass all my passions for space, and I graduated The University of Georgia in Housing. My education exposed me to housing codes, historic preservation, special needs design, financial planning for large projects, relating residential design to cultural and geographic settings, and so much more.
My unusual background, and later marriage to my husband, an Air Force officer, afforded me great opportunities to expand my horizons. In over 17 years in design, I have lived on both coasts and worked in almost every aspect of the field.
Years as a certified master faux finisher showcased my work in the Parade of Homes and in historic properties.
My knowledge grew as I served as a design consultant for the largest design firm on the West Coast. While there I utilized every major accessories and furniture line available. From Schumaker to Henredon, from Maitland Smith to Vanguard I learned which lines really do carry through on quality, excellent service, and good design. I also was exposed to amazing designers, including Margaret Jones, whom I consider to be one of the greatest designers I’ve known.
Returning to the East Coast I worked on numerous historic properties, designed new urban spaces in Atlanta, and then began designing custom spec homes in the Lowcountry. My work on more than 30 of these homes gave me on-site access to dozens of contractors and suppliers, and I was able to gather and refine my crew.
In 2006 I launched Toad Hall Interiors, now Alexandre Fleuren Interiors, with the goal of bringing to every client spaces that are exquisitely designed for them. It is my job to dream for you what you cannot envision, and then make it your reality.
