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Richmond American Homes' design center is staffed with professionals who know their jobs inside and out, according to Michele Siegel, senior design center manager, who oversees a staff of six decorators.

"It's very satisfying to help our clients find the right features and colors to include in their new homes, and to help them create a living environment that's unique to their tastes. Each of us truly enjoys what we do," Siegel said.

"We want our buyers to be happy and satisfied with their selections. This is the most important purchase of their lives, and it's our job to make sure the finished product reflects their tastes and personalities."

Once inside the design center, each client has the decorator's full attention.

"We meet with our buyers by appointment only, which allows us to ensure that a designer's full attention is focused on their needs only during that time," Siegel said. "Because of that, we are able to help our clients make all their selections at once, so there is no need to take up their valuable time with several trips back and forth. We have it all right here, so we can mix and match colors and options for every client right before their eyes."

The showroom staff assists buyers in their selections of flooring, cabinets, counter tops, fixtures, appliances and window treatments. For visitors with children, there is a play area equipped with toys, games and videos.

Home buyer Linda Dyer was delighted with her experience at the showroom.

"My parents and I were very happy with the people at the design center, because they know their products and made it very easy for us to make decisions," Dyer said.

Home buyer Beth Creel agreed.

"(We were) thrilled with all the standard color selections and features that were included with the base price of the home. When we went to the design center, they didn't try to push us into spending money or hustle us into upgrades we didn't need. Because of their attitudes and expertise, it was a very pleasant experience."

Siegel credits the decorators' knowledge for the positive feedback.

"Before one of my staff is allowed to meet with our clients, they go through extensive training. Not only on our procedures and how we feel a client should be served, but on every product in our showroom as well," she said. "We have manufacturer representatives come in at least every month to update or refresh our knowledge of their products, and I spend a lot of time personally with each decorator to make sure they know details about all the items we offer."

The builder is developing more than 20 neighborhoods valleywide, offering homes priced from the $90,000s to the $200,000s. All sales offices are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Monday and Friday, when they open at noon.

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