I am a 36 years old Interior Designer/Project Manager who has worked in the industry for the past 13 years. Almost exclusively in high-end residential interior design and some small boutique hotel projects as well. I have a stellar background in the industry with my greatest strengths being in bespoke design, construction management, and project billings and administration.
Other influences to my overall career practice come from my love for travel and exploration. I have been to Africa, Europe, Central America, Asia thus far and am constantly seeking out cultures with rich artisinal practices and histories that can inform my practice. Through my travels I discovered that many other woman are seeking the same adventures and cultural experiences and decided to create a side project organizing small travel groups for women to countries such as Morocco and Turkey. When possible I collaborate with other female entrepreneurs and display for women the successes of other women across the globe. The company is called The Passenger.
Branca Inc., New York, NY, US, Project Director
Oversaw high-end residential projects mostly in Florida, the Bahamas, and Chicago areas. Focusing on luxury vacation residences.
Managed the conceptual development of each project including aesthetic direction and spatial planning.
- Included research into the latest products and design trends that were applicable to each project.
- Sourcing of new materials for presentations and meetings.
- Researched pricing and best applications for materials and designs sourced during the conceptual phase of each project.
Executed detailed floor plans and elevations in both Photoshop and AutoCAD that assisted the clients, architects, and contractors in the visual and design specificities of a project.
Accomplished client deadlines through careful coordination with contractors, architects, and workrooms.
- Developed the scope of work for each project and outsourced to contractors, and subcontractors for competitive bids.
- Managed outreach to all parties regarding regular progress meetings and timeline evaluations to relay back to clients and ensure team met deadline objectives.
- Managed project budgets and monitored billing throughout the duration of each project to ensure projects stayed within budget.
- Oversaw all facets of installation both remotely and on-site.
- Implemented all finish, plumbing, tile/stone, and electrical schedules and assure the accuracy when delivering to architects and GC’s.
Was responsible for sourcing workrooms, artisans and craftsmen best suited for the task of making unique designs and finish applications required for each project.
- Worked regularly with workrooms, artisans and tradespeople from across the US on custom furniture and architectural design projects for projects.
- Was responsible for drafting of ideas, assessing shop drawings and technical documents and regular visits to workrooms and shops to oversee progress.
Played an integral role in scheme development and brainstorming.
Katie Ridder Inc., New York, NY, US, Project Manager
Oversaw high-end residential projects across the country and overseas. I have worked on projects featured in Architectural Digest (Cover), Elle Decor, House Beautiful (Cover) and Serendipity Magazine (Cover) to name a few.
- Supervised upwards of 4 to 5 projects a year with budgets varying from $500,000 to $4,000,000, and minimum square footage of 5,000 sq/ft and upwards of 15,000 sq/ft
- Assisted in client contract negotiations and closures.
- Accomplished client deadlines through careful coordination with contractors, architects, and workrooms.
- I have worked with top caliber architects and contractors in NY, Chicago, Palm Beach, and Los Angeles.
- Responsible for the execution of the designers’ vision sourcing workrooms, artisans and craftsmen from across the US and overseas that are best suited for the task of making unique designs and finish applications required for each project.
Robyn Karp Design, New York, NY, US, Project Manager
Worked on projects in varying scale (500 sq.ft. – 20,000 sq.ft) and budgets ($20,000 - $700,000). Focused on-site visits and management, installation coordination, end-user support and interaction, office management and support, budget development/ management, space planning, and interior design. - Coordinated and managed vendor relations throughout the United States and overseas in Paris and London. Highlights were:
- Helped the firm increase client volume by approximately 60% from date started
- Oversaw an office of 6 with an annual project volume of 30 to 50 residential projects a year
- Average project length was approximately 6 months with a budget of half a million
- Worked on 3 commercial/hospitality projects
Coraggio Textiles, Chicago, IL, US, Assistant Showroom Manager
Focused on client outreach, inventory management, client relations, budget evaluations, visual merchandising, coordinated travel schedule for showroom manager at a high-end textile showroom. Some highlights were:
- Assisted in the coordination of showroom open houses and other networking events
- Managed weekly and monthly sales reports ($40,000-$60,000 monthly).
- Established goal estimates based on prior-year sales and projected expected growth established by the company
Valerie M Interiors, Palm Beach, FL, US, Design Assistant
Assisted in the management of a high-end residential design firm and showroom. Developed skills in site supervision, order placement and tracking, project evaluations and documentation, budget development/ management ($500,000 - $2M), proposing and invoicing, visual presentation, space planning, and interior design. Some highlights were:
- Successfully transitioned office from QB Pro to Studio IT resulting in 50% increase in business
- Oversaw the timely completion of projects in Palm Beach, Pittsburgh, and Asheville, NC (8,000 sq.ft – 15,000 sq.ft)
- Managed showroom inventory and visual merchandising. Importing items from London, Paris, and Italy
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US, Bachelors, Painting and Drawing
