10 Questions for Janice McCabe Interior Design Owner

, located at 344 Village Lane in Los Gatos, is celebrating 25 years of being in operation in the same spot it originally opened in 1986. McCabe has been working hard to offer her commercial and residential design and remodel expertise around Silicon Valley, the East Coast and Hawaii. Her projects vary from upgrading houses and redesigning businesses to remodeling hotels, stores, clubs and others.

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Janice McCabe: I dreamt of being an artist, but I always made forts of some kind. I played with dollhouses not dolls. So I guess the writing was on the wall early in my life. I still paint and hope to do more of it when I retire. 

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

McCabe: I love people. I don't think there is anything else so diversified or interesting as people. Besides being very creative, I am very intuitive also which helps me to formulate what clients are wanting in their home or project. When clients say they don't know what they want, with the right questions it is amazing how a project evolves.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

McCabe: I was very young. I found myself being taken in different directions by my interior design training. I received great business and management training right out of college. I set up a training program for designers for a retail store and then started down the management path. I decided to take what I learned and concentrate on service and start more of a boutique-type design studio.

Patch: What inspired you? 

McCabe: My life experiences mostly and a few great professors and teachers that not only taught me but encouraged independent thinking.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town
of Los Gatos?

McCabe: As a small business owner in Los Gatos it has been a wonderful place to have a home base for 25 years. I have clients throughout the Bay Area and country. It is a wonderful place to come home to. 

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

McCabe: I belong to the and have actually been on the board for more than seven years. It is nice to have all the talent and comradery with the other business owners in town. 

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

McCabe: How varied it is from day to day. Besides working in different locations, I work on many different types of projects as well. My projects are probably 70 percent residential. I also work on professional offices, restaurants, health clubs, wine bars. Last year I completed a partial renovation of Silver Creek Valley Country Club's Grill and public areas. 

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

McCabe: As a sole proprietor I would have to say myself. I touch everything. I think my years of experience, education, superb suppliers and subcontractors and ability to service my clients' projects turn key. There are many people who, besides not knowing where to start, don't have the time to furnish their house or plan a remodel. I have several clients that we put a lock box on the house. I meet with them twice a month and my firm handles everything else.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

McCabe: Well, there is so much to love about Los Gatos ... I frequent many of the restaurants and parks. The downtown is the best place to shop. I really enjoy being able to take a break during the day and get out somewhere for lunch or and espresso. And sometimes I am so busy it will be in front of my studio, sitting on a bench and enjoying the view of the mountains and the people on Village Lane.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

McCabe: Well, I am very active in town. Besides being on the Chamber Board, I am current president of the . We have supported the community in many ways. One that is most recognizable and yearly is co-hosting the . My goal as president is to make the community more aware of the Los Gatos Community Foundation and all it has to offer.