Form versus function: which should take precedence in building design? The answer to this age-old question is clear to architect and interior designer Michele D'Amico. It's always a fine balance between exterior and interior, between aesthetics and practicality. But, ultimately, D'Amico believes that functionality is key.

Aloha Interior Design is an extension of Rick Clark’s love for the Hawaiian Islands. Clark became a full time Big Island resident 12 years ago and launched his company in May of 2005 after working the previous five years for two Kona designers.

When a top design team says, "We don't have a signature style," it means that they have mastered dozens of styles, and are equally adept at deploying, blending, and reinventing styles as the client, project, and occasion demand.

Imagine this: a single design consultant is assigned to each client. In a series of one-on-one conferences, the consultant takes the client through each step of the design process from initial brainstorming to fruition. In between, the designer works closely with the client, creating a file of all the products that he or she is interested in, specifying the model or finish, and ordering the item as well as overseeing installation.