In 1984, at 40 years old, I was remarried with an 11-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter. Before founding Interplan, I ventured into development in Baltimore's Inner Harbor around 1979/1980, but when the economy crashed, I was left without money and still paying off debt. Despite these challenges, my friends encouraged me to create a business plan and generously offered to underwrite a bank loan to help me start my own company. With their support, I launched Interplan in August of 1984 from the unfinished basement of a rental house in Chevy Chase. I hired two architects and an interior designer, and we all crammed into that small space—my side table was even the roof of my daughter’s Fisher Price playhouse. By March of 1985, we had moved into the basement of a converted commercial house in Rockville owned by a developer/contractor friend. There, we built out the space, and I added a receptionist/office manager and another architect to our team.
When we started, there was no AUTOCAD—everything was done by hand on mylar. From the beginning, my philosophy was to build my business on relationships rather than simply knocking on doors. During my time in the industry, I formed friendships with commercial real estate brokers, developers, and general contractors, which led to our first projects and expanded my network. In those days, everything relied on phone calls and face-to-face meetings, so I began offering free technical advice on buildings, timelines, and potential hard and soft costs for projects to assist in the deal-making process. This approach, which was unique at the time, led to direct referrals and opportunities to be included on shortlists—and even to secure some direct contracts.
What I loved most about the business was building and maintaining relationships, and I still keep in touch with many people I befriended over the years. Of course, the industry has changed dramatically with the advent of technology, the internet, and the growth of social media. Our first design computer arrived in 1991, costing over $30,000. Despite all the changes and advancements over the years, my core philosophy never changed. I always aimed to run a closely held business based on relationships, one that would never grow so large as to be overly affected by the ebbs and flows of the economy. While the industry has evolved in how we deliver our work, the firm has grown organically. Even with new partners and different personalities, I believe we have maintained our fundamental approach to business.
The story of Interplan is about the people who have contributed to its evolution and growth over the years. Each person, with their unique personalities, skills, and interests, has played a vital role in the evolution of the company. I’m proud to say that Interplan has remained true to the core philosophies that I established from the beginning.
The best part of my job as the founder of Interplan has been the opportunity to mentor and teach both employees and clients over the years. I never saw myself as a traditional boss. I always believed that I could learn as much as I could teach and that the best way to get the most out of people was to roll up my sleeves and work alongside them. I don’t think I ever asked anyone to do something I wasn’t willing to do myself. To this day, I remain actively involved as a member of the Leadership Council for the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University, where I earned my degree. My greatest satisfaction comes from consistently striving to give back.
As we reflect on 40 years of growth, challenges, and successes, we are reminded that the foundation of Interplan has always been about more than just design; it’s about the people, the relationships, and the shared commitment to excellence. Moving forward, our dedication to these principles will continue to guide us. With the support of our clients, partners, and talented team, we are celebrating our past and embracing the future with optimism and determination. Here's to the journey ahead and the remarkable milestones yet to come.
