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Michelle Romano

Michelle Romano

New York, NY, US

 
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About 

Over seven years of experience leading all stages of the design process for residential and commercial interiors. A versatile designer and project leader recognized for exceptional work ethic and willingness to learn. Blends a strong eye for design with technical proficiency and keen attention to detail. Highly attuned to emerging trends and artists in design, furniture, materials, and finishings. Excels at managing client and vendor relationships to ensure projects align with timeline, vision, and budget. Proficient in AutoCAD / AutoCAD Architecture, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Sketch-Up, Revit, Design Manager, and QuickBooks.

Employment 

Reddymade, New York, NY, US, Senior Interior Designer

Supervised and mentored a team of two designers. Provided design direction and leadership on projects including:

• Casa Cor Miami Designer Showhouse (Project Manager) | Transformed the penthouse into a thoughtfully designed space incorporating kitchen, living room, and dining areas. Prepared drawings and elevations for scale study. Coordinated product loans from vendors and galleries, and ensured timely shipment to Miami. Sourced local vendors for paint, lighting, upholstery, wallpaper, art, and other custom items. Supervised onsite installation during the highly publicized Art Basel.

• Tulsa Court (Senior Interior Designer) | Modified existing concepts to optimize interior design and functionality for a 22,000 sq. ft. residence in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. Managed a $2M budget covering custom millwork, rugs, furniture, and art installations. Presented furniture and fabric selections for client approval, and managed purchase orders for all materials. Attended site meetings to assess progress with builder, HVAC, electrical, and A/V subcontractors.

Sep 2017 - Dec 2017
 

J. Cohler Mason Design, New York, NY, US, Senior Interior Designer

Led creative work and managed the full project lifecycle as the lead designer for a boutique residential design firm. Contributed to a broad range of projects that included interior redesigns, gut renovations, and new construction. Select projects included:

• The Beresford (3000 sq. ft. / $1M budget) | Worked with architect, contractor, and homeowner to develop the overall design and integrate customized furnishings (lights, fabrics, rugs) into the space. Provided design feedback to maximize functionality while adhering to code. Prepared purchase orders for all FF&E and supervised overall project budget. Participated in site meetings to review progress from demolition through final design details.

• Tribeca Maisonette (3200 sq. ft. / $500K budget) | Worked with client to develop the interior aesthetic for a Manhattan townhome. Managed the project budget and completed purchase orders for materials. Partnered with vendors to source custom furniture, rugs, and lighting tailored to client’s taste, and ensured expectations were met at all stages of renovation.

• Toll Brothers | Created a visual inspiration board to guide promotional renderings for a Park Avenue residence. Sourced furniture, fabrics, lighting, and local art. Coordinated with vendors to install a model apartment within timeline and budget.

Feb 2014 - Sep 2017
 

Rachel Laxer Interiors, Scarsdale, NY, US, Interior Designer

Managed the New York office of a London-based interior designer. Supervised design projects including:

• Park Avenue Residence (Project Manager) | Led the renovation and redesign of living room space for an Upper East Side residence, overseeing project budget, purchase orders, and materials sourcing. Renovated existing furnishings and sourced new items to client specifications. Coordinated with vendors to ensure successful installation schedule.

• Holiday House Designer Showhouse (Project Manager) | Collaborated with founder to design and install an eye-catching showroom space under stringent timeline and budget. Presented design concept to House co-chairs for approval. Acquired furnishings on loan from outside vendors and styled all elements within the space.

Jun 2013 - Feb 2014
 

Haverson Architecture, Greenwich, CT, US, Junior Interior Designer

• Developed presentations showcasing interior elevations, CAD work, and custom millwork for a Manhattan restaurant.
• Created construction drawing sets required for various city permits (demolition, sprinkler, building, outdoor plaza).
• Sourced and compiled furniture, lighting, and materials into FF&E book for client approval.

Jan 2013 - Jun 2013
 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Stamford, CT, US, Global Brand Design

• Supported the design team in developing drawings, project budgets, and interior concepts for four Starwood brand properties.
• Partnered with creative team on the Aloft brand overhaul; devised project budgets, worked with vendors on prototype development, and formulated a creative partnership with Design Within Reach.
• Generated shop drawings for casegoods, furniture, and lighting for newly redesigned Four Points guestrooms.
• Designed carpeting for the next generation of Westin hotels and sourced products for Westin Florence guestrooms.
• Devised construction drawings for model guestrooms at the Starwood corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

May 2011 - Dec 2011
 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, White Plains, NY, US, Brand Design Intern

May 2011 - Aug 2011
 

Education 

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, US, BArch, Interior Design

Aug 2008 - May 2012
 

Santa Reparata International School of Art, Florence, Italy, Art History

May 2010 - Jun 2010
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills