by the CoastViews team

Diana Zamudio and Catrina Cooper. Staff photos.

Sept. 1, 2010 — Eco6design is the new name for Green Intention Design, located in Half Moon Bay. The new name is a reflection of a new focus, according to owner Diana Zamudio. The name of her business has now changed three times over the years, she said, but each name change reflected the evolution of the services and products provided.

Zamudio has been an interior designer since 1987. In 2006, she also became a certified feng shui consultant because she loves the philosophy. “Feng shui is about designing with intention,” she said. While raising her children, much of her work was done out of her home.

Non-toxic paint and clay wall covering.

She lived in El Granada when she opened her first showroom there in 2007, known then as Planet Green Design. Shortly after opening her business, Zamudio placed an ad on Craig’s List, looking for a business partner. Nancy Kinghorn answered the ad and they clicked immediately. Zamudio described the partnership as a perfect match, because Kinghorn had a strong background in design and had been a realtor on the San Mateo County Coast for 20 years. The new partnership chose a new name, and Green Intention Design was born.

Things were going well for the newly revamped business when tragedy struck. Kinghorn, who had been diagnosed with cancer, died suddenly just as Green Intention Design was gaining momentum.

Wide selection of tiles and countertops from recycled products.

But at this sad time, there was also something good afoot. Another designer, Catrina Cooper, happened to walk into the showroom one Saturday in July 2008, shortly before Kinghorn’s death. She and Kinghorn started talking and the following Monday, Zamudio called her for an interview. “I asked her if she could start immediately. I meant that day,” Zamudio said. Cooper could and did, and now she’s a partner in the business. Pam Mayers, who handles the bookkeeping and also has a design background, joined the business a few months later.

With Zamudio’s background in design and Cooper’s knowledge of green products, the business took another turn, with an increasing focus on retail. To support that change, the partners agreed to move to downtown Half Moon Bay and Randy Kinghorn, Nancy’s son, found the building for them, across the street from the Half Moon Bay Library on Purissima Street.

Green gift items.

Currently, the business is half design services and half product sales. As Zamudio does her design work, she can readily provide customers with information on green products that complement those designs.

And now there’s a new name to reflect the partners’ current focus. Eco6design refers to the six services provided by the business: interior design, green products, expert color advice, paint mixed on site, feng shui and community education. Eco6design sells Mythic Paint, the only brand of paint that is truly non-toxic.

When customers come to Zamudio for design advice, they’re often uncertain about what they are looking for, and she helps get them get focused. Some are looking for paint, some for a remodel and others just want advice. “We truly enjoy educating the community about different eco-friendly options that are available when choosing materials for their projects,” she said.

Zamudio said that educating her clients means helping them understand that making a green choice makes sense for sustainability as well as aesthetics. Green products are made to last a long time. And she loves to show them “how gorgeous some of the materials are.”

While she loves the philosophy of feng shui, Zamudio said she understands not everyone is interested in eastern approaches. Zamudio is schooled in the western approach to feng shui, which is much more practical and easy to understand and implement. “I am careful when I use the word feng shui, as I understand that word can mean different things to different people. The western approach is about surrounding yourself with things you love, and that’s something everyone can relate to.”

Cooper said she’s thrilled with the support the business has received from the community. “People are so delighted we’re here,” she said. “They tell us we’re so needed, and they’re surprised to find such a large selection in our small town.”