Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim O’Toole-Hinderliter.
Hi Kim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a deep love for color, texture, and aesthetics. I also come from a very artistic family; my older sister and niece are also interior designers and have their own businesses, so I guess you could say interior design is part of our DNA. Another inspiration to create beautiful spaces resulted from being the youngest of six children and spending a lot of time with family. Creating a warm and inviting home to enjoy Sunday dinners and holidays with family was something that was instilled in me as a child. My profession now allows me to help my clients create that same environment for their families and friends as well.
I started my career in the fashion industry in New York City, which was a great foundation for me to learn everything about textiles, proportion and color. However, over time, I realized that interior design was an even better fit for me long term. There’s something very rewarding about helping people create the home of their dreams, a space that’s not only beautiful but where they can truly enjoy and create wonderful memories.
After working for a design firm in Connecticut, my husband and I moved to New Jersey to raise our three children. That’s when I decided to start my own design business. In addition to working with my own clients, I also helped Rob, my husband, who’s a licensed contractor, refurbish countless homes over the past three decades.
In 2020, like a lot of families, we re-evaluated what we wanted out of life during COVID. That’s when we decided to trade the cold for the sunshine and make the move to Sarasota. I started my design career here as a lead designer at Clive Daniel Home, where I had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, meet vendors, and build relationships with local reps. I appreciated the experience, however, I found myself missing the entrepreneurial side of things, so in 2024, I launched SRQ Interior Design Group.
Over the years, I’ve created spaces in many different styles, from luxurious and traditional to eclectic and modern. No matter the style, my goal is always the same: to design spaces that feel inviting, warm, beautiful and comfortable. I really focus on making the design process positive for my clients. I never want them to feel overwhelmed. Instead, I want them to feel understood and confident that their own taste and personality shine through in the final results.
One of the advantageous of my business over other interior designers is Rob owns SRQ Building Group, this gives my clients direct access to a licensed general contractor and a talented team of sub-contractors. It’s a huge advantage because, we collaborate closely from design through construction. One of our latest projects together is completing our first new custom home in downtown Sarasota since moving to Florida which has been very rewarding..
Besides interior design, I’ve always been passionate about food and nutrition. I even earned a diploma from a nationally accredited culinary arts school in New York City. Cooking has always been another creative outlet for me and I love sharing delicious and healthy meals with people I care about.
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?
One of the biggest challenges in this industry is that there are so many factors outside of your control, things like product delays, discontinued products, backorders, and vendor schedules. You can plan everything down to the last detail, but sometimes you just have to adapt and find creative solutions when those plans shift.
Over the years, I’ve learned that communication and flexibility are key. Keeping clients informed, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining a calm, problem-solving mindset makes all the difference. Those experiences have taught me patience and reinforced the importance of collaboration, because at the end of the day, every challenge is just another opportunity to deliver a great result and strengthen trust with the client.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in high-end residential design, and many of my clients have multiple homes, which gives me the opportunity to work with a wide range of styles, locations, and architectural details. I truly enjoy selecting beautiful, high-quality materials and finishes that elevate a space while reflecting each client’s personality, lifestyle and budget.
What I’m most proud of is that I’m passionate about guiding people toward discovering and achieving their own design goals, because ultimately, they’re the ones who will be living in the home for years to come. That said, if a client prefers to take a step back from the process or doesn’t enjoy making design decisions, I’m just as happy to take the lead and provide as many recommendations as needed.
What sets me apart is the combination of a client-focused approach with a strong focus on detail, quality and follow through. I’m very hands-on throughout every project. Starting my career in Manhattan was fundamental in teaching me how to work under pressure, meet deadlines and accommodate the needs of a very selective clientele.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for new designers or those who are just starting out is to not assume anything about a client. I would encourage them to take the opportunity during the initial consult to learn as much as they can about the client and to create a client questionnaire until they become more confident. It’s a great way to get comfortable asking the right questions and really understanding how a client lives. Find out their tastes, favorite colors, colors they dislike, whether they entertain, their overall budget, priorities, and any special needs. The more you know about how they live, the better you can create a design that truly works for them and reflects their lifestyle. I would also stress putting everything in their contract so everyone is on the same page and there is no confusion for both the designer and the client. My final piece of advice would be remember to have fun! Great design happens when you are excited about what you are creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SRQinteriordesigngroup.com
