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Sara McGuire

Sara McGuire

New York, NY, US

 
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About 

My passion for interior design is rooted in my natural knack for creativity and organization, my love of color, and my desire to make people comfortable in an interesting space. The majority of my experience comes from luxury and boutique hotel design, and I have had the privilege to collaborate with teams and clients who not only value the importance of good design, but who are also willing to push the boundaries when it comes to discovering innovative solutions. My skills and strengths are in conceptual design, design documentation, FF&E and architectural finishes specifications, FF&E sourcing, space planning, project management, and creating material palettes. 

Employment 

Gensler, New York, NY, US, Interior Designer

- Collaborated with project team to develop creative design concepts, fabrication of design documentation, and construction drawings on time and within budget
- Created professional presentations and exciting sample palettes to communicate design intent
- Lead Specification Specialist for multiple projects simultaneously, including boutique and enterprise hotels, theaters, restaurants, corporate lobbies, and food halls
- Managed and organized all custom FF&E shop drawings, CFAs, RFIs, and control samples
- Coordinated with contractors and manufacturers to achieve project deliverables
- Maintained detailed spreadsheets for all project deliverables and deadlines
- Established and fostered manufacturer and vendor relationships to ensure best prices and quality of products

Oct 2017 - Apr 2020
 

Denihan Hospitality Group, New York, NY, US, Interior Designer/Project Manager

- Assisted Design Director for all property renovations and new design projects
- Sourced FF&E and Architectural Finishes
- Reviewed design presentations as provided by outside design firms for large hotel renovation projects
- Coordinated with purchasing agent to receive bids and process invoices
- Managed various hotel Capex projects from concept to completion
- Assembled annual Capex list of projects via departmental walkthroughs of properties & provided detailed lists and photographs for ownership review & approval
- Maintained finishes and material library

Dec 2015 - Aug 2017
 

Linly Designs/Tabula Tua, Chicago, IL, US, Assistant Manager

- Managed design showroom (including opening, closing, inventory management, and staff scheduling)
- Merchandised all new inventory and organized displays to increase on-floor sales by 30%
- Improved ordering and merchandising process to increase client experience and staff efficiency

Apr 2014 - Dec 2015
 

Education 

The University of Akron, Akron, OH, US, BArch, Interior Design

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of Akron with my Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and a Minor in Dance Performance. The courses that UA provided focused on giving students the skills to design environments for communities, families, and individuals. Additionally, the faculty encouraged us to follow our curiosity towards areas of design that intrigued us the most. From an early age I knew that I wanted to be an interior designer, and the education I received from UA provided me with the platform for discovering my love for the world of hospitality design.

Aug 2009 - Dec 2013
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills