Joni Wohlfahrt heads Hendersonville City Hall interior design project

Hendersonville Interior designer Joni Wohlfahrt has been selected to redesign the Hendersonville City Hall helping preserve tradition while preparing the facility for the future growth. Officials will be moving back into the renovated space the beginning of March.

Wohlfahrt, an experienced and award-winning designer, was chosen to research and select all interior finishes, direct lighting and signage changes while designing cabinetry and window treatments for the 25,000 square foot project. In addition, she researched and selected over $125,000 in furniture and furnishings for long-term use.

Hendersonville Mayor Scott Foster said Wohlfahrt has worked closely with city leaders helping tailor individual workspaces to help increase productivity while respecting the budget.

"Joni has done an excellent job of helping us manage this challenging job. We will have a beautiful City Hall that will reflect our strong sense of community and family while reflecting our civic pride and responsibility. It took someone with expertise, experience and savvy to get this important job done for our city," Foster said.

Wohlfahrt said the redesign of the building reflects Hendersonville's transition into the future.

"As a long-time Hendersonville resident, this was a very important project for me and I am very proud of what we have achieved. It was essential to me to design functional, smart interiors that reflect our history while helping us transition into the future. This building will be used and enjoyed by our citizens for years to come," Wohlfahrt said.

Local artist and long-time Sumner County resident Joel Knapp has several original oil paintings that will be used throughout the building courtesy of Jeri Moore and All About Art of Hendersonville. Knapp, who was recently described in a national magazine as an up and coming international artist, has created a colorful Drake's Creek painting to be included.

Wohlfahrt said the community effort is also seen by noted award-winning paitner Kathy Wear, of Artistic Finishes, who has produced unique and timeless faux finishes for the facility. Debbie Franks, a respected digital artist, has work displayed in several departments.

As an Allied American Society of Interior Designer(ASID), Wohlfahrt has operated her professional interior design business in the Hendersonville area for 15 years. She earned a bachelor of science in communications/advertising layour and design, from Middle Tennessee State University and a three-year associate's of art degree in interior design from Watkins School of Design in Nashville. Recent career hightlights include the 2003, 2004 and 2005 Parade of Homes tour where her award winning designs have included: Best of Show, Best Interior Decoration, Best Master Suite, Best Kitchen, Best Outdoor Living Space, Best Foyer and Best Faux Finish.

This article appeared in Hendersonvile Star news on February 13, 2006.