How International Sourcing Transforms Architecture: An Interview with Elizabeth Hales

Elizabeth Hales, the CEO of Elizabeth Hales Design, takes us through the intricate world of international sourcing, unveiling how it enriches their projects and elevates the client experience. Elizabeth Hales Design’s commitment to international sourcing reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and cultural appreciation. It is a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence in every facet of their work. By harnessing the diverse tapestry of global resources, they continue to redefine the boundaries of architectural innovation and client satisfaction.

Q1: Why does Elizabeth Hales Design embrace international sourcing as a fundamental approach?

Elizabeth: One of EHD’s greatest assets is its decades of international sourcing experience in design and importing. This allows clients to enhance unique and bold designs while saving costs throughout the process.

Q2: How does international sourcing benefit your clients in the short and long term?

Elizabeth: One of the benefits of international sourcing is that you get various options, textures, and unique designs and have more cost considerations for your client. Not only do you get unique pieces, but you also get to pick geographically where certain things are produced to help save costs. This helps with your budget because if the US dollar currency is a higher value, then you get to save on that exchange rate.

Q3: Can you share an example of a project where international sourcing was pivotal in achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality?

Elizabeth: One of our most recent purchases for one of our clients was a natural stone countertop made of marble or travertine stone. The price ranged anywhere from 60 USD up to 150 USD; however, we found travertine material in Quebec, Canada, that we could get for only 30 USD plus shipping and duties. Because we did our research, we helped save the client significant costs without sacrificing design aesthetics. This is just one-way international sourcing can allow for an elevated look without an elevated budget. We have done this international sourcing with stone, plumbing, lighting, tile, etc

Q4: How do you ensure that the sourced materials meet the quality standards and sustainability criteria that your firm upholds?

Elizabeth: With my extensive 15 years of experience in international sourcing and development, I’ve established relationships with global manufacturers to help ensure quality. Certain states have requirements to bring in or import products for building materials.  EHD ensures that all of our code restrictions for that area are approved before importing for all our clients. We can also ensure that the quality checks for all products and materials are being done. EHD has established trusted relationships, and we visit several manufacturing facilities a year to maintain and keep those relationships going.

Q5: In what ways does traveling to source materials enhance your understanding of craftsmanship and cultural influences?

Elizabeth: We are a forward-thinking design firm with a global presence that understands clients' needs and geographical areas. Understanding our clients not only helps us establish our designs but also helps us push our creativity to evolve as a design firm and create spaces that are bold and unique. This universal approach also helps us understand different climates and different lifestyle demands. It helps us understand the needs of different cultures as we travel to see many different demographics. We’re also understanding and growing as a design firm in many different ways, which helps us not stay stagnant in our designs. By traveling and interacting with different demographics and cultures, we never get complacent in our designs or do what is most popular. This experience and desire for growth help us bring ideas and concepts to our clients that they have not thought of themselves. This is the point of hiring an established design firm that you value and invest in, bringing you options and opportunities to expand your luxury living.