Name: Eileen Gould
Title/Company: Interior Designer & General Contractor (lic. #978861) at Eileen Gould Design & Construction
Chapter: Westlake Village, CA
Contact: egould07@gmail.com or call (818) 706-8825!
Q: Tell us about yourself. You're a member of the Westlake Village chapter, where do you live?
I live in Westlake Village, where I’m a chapter member.
Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime?
Skydiving is so absolutely invigorating and scary. Everyone needs to do it at least once, no matter your age.
Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?
My first career wasn’t in design or construction. My mother enrolled me in college to learn to be a medical technologist and I managed to graduate, despite hating blood. I came out to Los Angeles to work for a Hollywood doctor. My claim to fame is that I helped Jack Nicholson, took Mel Brooks’ sperm, and looked at Diana Ross’ nose.
While I was working I went back to UCLA at night to get certified in design and construction. I got married young and had my son and daughter. I started working in the interior design business, but then figured out that the designer was left to do all the hard work! This encouraged me to pass my contractor license exam, where they mistakenly thought I was there to take a secretary test!
Currently I have seven subcontractors that work under me. My mom is my inspiration as she had a physical disability, which gave me the idea to specialize in aging house modifications and ADA remodels.
Q: What goals are you working on now?
I want to raise my revenue from two million to five million, design boutique hotels, and a line of beautiful products for aging in place use.
I'm looking forward to finishing my second book to help everyone’s environment be safe, stylish, and sustainable. One of my books is already available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1425991645
Q: What do you like to do when not working?
I'm passionate about adventure, meeting new friends, and running 5k races. I do a lot of yoga, am an avid reader, walker, love to travel, and shop where I travel.
Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network?
I work with a lot of realtors, financial planners, and mortgage brokers, as their clients are either people who are getting their homes ready to sell or need plans for a remodel. I work the entire process from design to build; I’m also a licensed interior design and general contractor.
Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you?
I’m very good with people who are scared of construction. My job is to hold their hand especially as we balance budget and design. In my spare time, I teach interior and construction locally. I have 3-year-old and 5-year-old grandchildren.
Plus, I won an HGTV Design challenge!
Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source®.
If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source®, please contact us for more information!