Lower Downtown District, Inc.

DEBORAH WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT OF DESIGN & IMAGE

Feb 11, 2000

Maybe you'd see the 50 or so Pez dispensers first. They stand in the lobby, face forward in a straight line, mouths closed. Around the corner are purple walls that surround lime chairs, leopard prints, vintage pillows and pink flamingos in potted plants. Later, during the tour, you'd ask, "Who's that?" and point to the company "mascot," Delores, a 1940's miniature mannequin who gets a new "Design by Deborah" knee-high outfit for every company party. (Delores even made their website at www.d-and-i.com.)

But while there is so much to look at - the collections of chairs, pens and snow domes, the bright colors and eclectic combinations that just work - the main thing you notice is the energy that bounces through the loft of Design & Image.

At the center of it is Deborah Williams, the president of the group whose name, she says, has a Hebrew translation of "busy as a bee." It fits.

Even during a tour, Deborah takes time to evaluate a new corporate identity graphic an employee is working on ("I like it. I like it a lot."), ask for a revision to some company promotional pieces ("Is that possible?") and still remembers to introduce everyone and remind them how valued they are ("This is the group of talented, creative people I surround myself with every day.")

It's clear to see why Deborah and Design & Image are such a good fit. (In fact, it's almost impossible to mention one without the other.) She began with the company almost 30 years ago - "I learned the business from the inside out" - and purchased it in 1981.

Today, the company is thriving in LoDo where it's earned a mix of customers and more than a few design awards. "Our customers love to come here," says Deborah of the office's 1900 Wazee location. "And I find it juicy and exciting - and it's great to be able to walk out in the street and buy a bag of peanuts!"

Deborah's love for LoDo is one of the reasons she's dedicated her time and talents to the LDDI Marketing Committee. Her main goal, she says, is "to brand LDDI by ensuring that all the design elements dovetail and create a cohesive voice." With Deborah, the voice will be strong and clear and more than just a little fun.

What's the best book you read last year? I', in a book club, the Notorious book Babes, and the last one we all agreed o - and we never agree - was The Red Azalea by Anchee Min. It was wonderful.

What do you do on the weekend? My husband (James Martin) and I love music, dancing, friends coming over. I never take naps. I don't want to miss anything. I think I was 50 before I first said "no" to a party and I still hate to miss one.

What's our philosophy of life? Everything in moderation?…including moderation. I tend to be given to extremes.