Archinect
Elizabeth Peterson

Elizabeth Peterson

New York, NY, US

 

About 

I’ve always been interested in Interior Design. I may not have always been conscious of it, but it has always been a part of my life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by space, light, texture and color. My first unofficial design project goes back to early high school, as I helped my parents redesign and update our circa 1960’s kitchen and dining room. Not long after, my career path led to Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI and eventually to a BFA in Interior Design. After graduation, it was off to New York City and an internship and eventual full-time position at Material ConneXion – one more step closer to pursuing my dream of becoming an interior designer. 

My design process often includes creating an inspiration board. Mostly using Adobe software, I find that seeing all of the items, colors, and patterns together helps me visualize the integrated impact of the elements. I love using Pinterest, too, because it provides a way to turn unfiltered thoughts into usable ideas. I like to keep my designs cohesive with the spaces being left unchanged: I may introduce more playful patterns or brighter colors, but by not committing to a specific theme, the overall space will remain in harmony. 

At work, I am a Material Archivist, helping to maintain a library of over 7,500 materials on the floor and in the archive space. I also maintain the online database, updating it on a monthly basis with new materials and their corresponding contacts for our subscribers. I am constantly being called a “material savant” or “freak” when someone is looking for a material catalog #, or the name of the manufacturer of that material. I know my library! 

I do not have specific specialties in the materials field, but I have a wide general knowledge that has proven to be very helpful for our members who visit and are need help identifying and locating materials specific to their project. Because of my design background, I feel like I am able to better collaborate and assist members in the quest for just the right materials, rather than simply as a search assistant. 

Overall, as a valued member of Material ConneXion’s library team, I have routinely gathered information and presented it clearly and succinctly to clients and senior management; successfully managed and completed a variety of projects concurrently; and effectively communicated with colleagues, clients and manufacturers. My involvement in consulting projects has also allowed me to develop experience in material research and sourcing, cost projections, ordering and tracking materials, and client presentations. 

With a BFA in Interior Design and relevant work experience, I am confident that I could bring to any position a thorough knowledge of materials, sourcing and organizational experience, as well as my creative and technical skills in concept development, drafting and design. Further, my personal skill set contains several key traits that have contributed to success in my education and career to date: Attention to detail. Organization. Clear communication. Enthusiasm. Initiative. Efficiency.

Employment 

Material ConneXion, New York, NY, US, Material Archivist

- Manage and maintain a library of over 7,000 materials in 8 countries
- Create new libraries for Universities and International offices
- Conduct research of new materials and design trends through blogs, websites, magazines and trade shows
- Write material descriptions for new additions into the Library
- Assist members with research in the library (members from Fortune 500 companies)
- Assist the Consulting team with material research on projects across multiple industries (this includes contacting manufacturers, reviewing technical data, requesting and sourcing material samples)
- Attend trade shows - HBA, NeoCon, ICFF, LuxePack, IHA, Global Shop
- Present 'Material Mondays': a weekly video of materials review on Facebook and YouTube

Jan 2012 - current
 

Material ConneXion, New York, NY, US, Library Assistant/Intern

- Researched new materials to be included into the Library
- Performed administrative work (answering phones/filing/maintain library order)
- Contacted manufacturers to request updated samples for the Library
- Provided general assistance to the office, library, sales and management teams
- Worked with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite programs
- Worked with Library team on consulting projects
- Helped packages quarterly Active Matter boxes to members
- Assisted in exhibitions and monthly "jury" gatherings

May 2011 - Dec 2011
 

Vanerum•Stelter, Grand Rapids, MI, US, Design & Sales Intern

- Researched A+D firms and devised targeted marketing strategies
- SWOT (Strengths/Weakness/Opportunity/Threat) Analysis at NeoCon 2010
- Created 2D/3D Furniture models for clients using CAD and Google SketchUp
- Worked alongside Sales Representatives and the Marketing team
- Performed administrative work (contacting clients/updating mailing list and contact information)
- Utilized multi-tasking skills on multiple projects
- Gained exposure to Purchase Orders (PO's)

May 2010 - Aug 2010
 

Gardner Global, LLC, Grand Rapids, MI, US, Interior Designer & Graphic Designer

- Helped design and decorate interior spaces for company’s residential properties
- Designed new corporate logo, t-shirt design and marketing brochure for real estate consulting/acquisition firm

Nov 2009 - May 2010
 

Education 

Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), Grand Rapids, MI, US, Bachelors, Interior Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Interior Design
CIDA Accredited Program
President's List (academic excellence): Fall 2008 - Spring 2001 semesters

Sep 2007 - May 2011
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills