The day we waited for finally arrived. The wall unit that I had custom designed for a psychologist’s office in a machsan (storage room) was due to be installed. This unit would take this space from messy to marvelous, with its filing cabinet drawers, hidden place for the computer printer, door-covered shelving for my client’s many loose papers and notebooks, and warm, open shelves for his books.
During our first interior design consultation, I noticed a strange section going vertically down the side of the drop-down ceiling that held spotlights. Little did the client, nor I realize that unusual section held part of the building’s plumbing pipes.
I was on my way to Jerusalem to supervise the wall unit installation when my phone rang. “TSIVYA, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY CALL OFF TODAY’S INSTALLATION!” my client nervously stated. “There’s a leak coming from the corner section of the drop ceiling that is supposed to fit inside the wall unit. I had no idea that area held the building pipes but now it’s leaking.” He went on to explain that he’d worked in that office for 15-years and never had a problem before.
Trying to calm him down, I sincerely and happily said, “IT’S A MIRACLE! GOD LOVES US! Imagine if this had happened one day later. Your beautiful wall unit and more would have been ruined. Don’t worry. Everything will be great.”
I quickly contacted my carpenter and forwarded him pictures of the wet floor. Echoing my sentiments, he also said, “IT'S A MIRACLE! Thank God it happened today and not tomorrow. We’ll reschedule delivery after the plumbing is fixed.”
Fixing the plumbing was not a simple job. Not only did we need to hire a plumber, but we also needed to re-hire the painter and geves-drywall provider.
It involved opening up and re-doing the beautifully renovated
drop-down ceiling and the fresh spotlights that had just been upgraded. The electricity needed fixing, and we had to repaint the entire area. It involved taking down and re-doing the lovely greenery that I had hung over the freshly painted exposed pipes in the hallway waiting room area. The greenery provides a fresh feel to this previously unappealing space. It involved rescheduling the wall unit delivery. It involved an extra 10 days of work.
Of course, in the end, everything worked out beautifully. However, the experience reminds us that:
1. There are ALWAYS unexpected surprises. In fact, it’s more accurate to say, “Expect surprises.”
2. It’s crucial to have an extra 15-20% cushion in your renovation project.
3. Work with reliable, nice, and understanding people.
4. God runs the world. He chooses when things should happen. It’s up to us to recognize the miracles.
Check out the full office renovation here.
Client Testimony
"The level of enhancement and embellishment designed and implemented by Tsivya influenced the atmosphere of my office from one of sullenness to one of light and optimism.
Tsivya has a knack of interpreting the project in accordance with the goal of changing the mood in the spirit of the function of the space enhanced.
The intricacies involved in scheduling and carrying out different stages of the project allowed for minimum amount of pressure and maximum amount of professionalism.
It is rare to see professionalism combined with such a pleasant and concerned personality which is found within Tsivya.
I highly recommend her work and thoroughly enjoy the product of her efforts on my behalf."
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