Design Dialogue with Shannon Osborn
NEST Designs loves to talk to business owners about design. You’ll be surprised to know how much your space impacts your productivity!
We recently spoke to Shannon Osborn of RO Investigation & Research. Shannon worked in law enforcement for many years before starting her own private investigation firm. She continues to work with the police, the legal community and with citizens on civil and criminal cases.
Shannon Osborn of RO Investigation & Research
We visited Shannon in her office at The OWN, above Murphy’s in downtown Rapid City. She has a cozy office with a window that faces Murphy’s patio and the option to reserve a private conference room when she needs more discretion.
We chatted with Shannon about design and inspiration. She shared, “I absolutely love the space I work in. It’s downtown and centrally located but it’s also very functional. I organized the space but had some help from Sam of The OWN, who offered ideas.”
“I like having a professional look at my ideas. They usually know best what will fit with what. Someone like Bobbi of NEST Designs will take the time to understand your taste and what you’re trying to accomplish and uses her talents to do that.”
The windows were the selling point for Shannon, who previously worked in an office with no natural light. “That was really hard for me,” she shared. “I felt like I was in a cave.”
Shannon started her office design by purchasing her desk and cabinet. “Then I bought those pony-hide chairs. My husband would have laughed if I had brought them home, but I wanted something creative in this space.”
Her favorite spot is the corner by the windows. “It’s peaceful. I love that I have this window and can grow orchids and I enjoy looking out. I also really like that funky cow photograph,” she laughed. “I went shopping for things of color for my office, but I bought a black and white photo instead!”
RO Investigation & Research office above Murphy's in downtown Rapid City
Shannon admits that she sometimes feels challenged by functionality. “I wish I were better at the flow of it all,” she confided. “Where it’s set up and looks nice but things can be designed to hide printers, etc. I want to maximize every bit of space but I don’t always know how.” Shannon has consulted with Bobbi Buxbaum of NEST Designs. “I like the idea of having a professional look at my ideas. They usually know best what will fit with what. I’m a ‘tryer’. I’ll buy one item and then I have to sit with it a while and try something that I think will accent it. Someone like Bobbi takes the time to understand your taste and what you’re trying to accomplish and uses her talent to do that.”
As to her personal style, Shannon says that it varies. “Even at home, my house has a variety of styles. Western isn’t quite the word for it. I like things that are a little funky. Classic and simple, but fun.” Shannon’s favorite spaces in the Black Hills right now include Dakotah Steakhouse and her periodontist’s new office (plus Lake Pactola where she spends her free time jet-skiing). “They all have a rustic, woodsy, cozy feel and they make me feel at home.”
To learn more about Shannon please visit http://www.theown.biz/shannon