As a hands on interior designer and architect with 23 years experience primarily in the high end residential market, and commercial projects to design lobbies and corporate offices, I have been directly responsible to and communicate with my clients from concept through completion, while enjoying a lot of repeat business.  My goal and focus has always been "to discover the client."  Inspiration follows in creative, problem solving solutions for space planning, style choices, budget and all facets of satisfying the clients' needs and objectives.  We offer options to discuss, and inventive, unique ideas to express an environment that meets or exceeds their visual expectations.

I have designed and drafted the plans and managed the crews for full gut renovations and apartment combinations for pre war and post war coops, condos, and townhouses in Manhattan.  For new home construction design and architectural planning,  I have serviced clients on Long Island, Westchester, CT. MA. Florida. and more.  I am used to handling an average of 6 projects at the same time, working with a core support staff of one full time assistant, one CAD technician, and one paid intern in training.  There are a number of excellent artisans, workrooms, tradesmen and GC's with whom I create relationships /teams and clients' usually ask me to interview three for comparative contract budgets.  I give them the full scope of work written outline and full plan sets:  (structural, electrical, plumbing, cabinetry and millwork, masonry, painting, audio-visual,  kitchens and bathrooms) include materials,fixtures and appliance installation specification copies, along with walking them through the house and grounds for exterior work detail.  As the project leader, I am in constant contact with follow up communications and notes to manage the team on schedule and to meet approved budgets.  Continued client meetings are necessary for review, and to introduce and continue plans for  the interior design elements and furnishings during the construction phase.

Much of the work has been custom.  I draft to scale, sketch, and do perspective drawings by hand for original furniture and cabinetry.  Also, my line of original custom area rugs in 100 knots quality wool, silk, hemp and other natural fibers, are done first from my hand, then scanned and refined for color and yarn detailing on a computer graphics program for the weavers' accuracy.  I use AutoCad, Excel, Microsoft Office, Word and Power Point, Adobe and other software.  The project work is stored on discs, and I keep hard copies of plans and elevations on file which I would be pleased to present.  Sorry, I do not have much on hand of final plan versions in PDF format to send.

Skills include: Preparation of documents for approval by Coop and Condo Boards, knowledge of Building Codes, experience meeting with Master Architect for particular buildings to support and demonstrate structural validity for plan specifications involving shared mechanical systems.  Highly detail oriented.  Every choice is an important link in the design chain.  Acute visual memory for spatial relationships. Known as a Colorist, and a long time student of textiles and upholstery techniques, with knowledge of construction and hardware for window treatments.

For work and study I have extensive international travel experience.  This has included Art and Antiques procurement with established contacts at galleries, and major auction houses in Europe and Asia.  Excellent design, presentation and communication skills.  Fluent in All periods and styles, as required to satisfy each client's personal taste, as compatible with the architecture, forms & light.
 
 Custom designs employ my knowledge and keen interest of materials and sources, natural, classic, and new market options which are energy and cost efficient, and exciting to use aesthetically.  I am equally enthusiastic. quick to visualize and research relevant solutions for historically based projects, and at the same time draw and conceive plans for a comfortable, relaxed classically contemporary vacation home.  I love what I do for a living.  Change and a variety of styles and projects, along with new client and industry relationships keep it fresh and a new challenge every time.  I would like to continue with a new and different opportunity.  I hope my experience and versatility can be a good fit with your firm.  I will welcome the opportunity to meet.   Thank you.  Sincerely,  Terri Mc Ray        

My website is the best representation of the work. Portfolio Selections, Before and After Section, and some Video clips of TV interviews. Please see http://www.terrimcrayinteriors.com 

SPECIAL EFFECTS INTERIOR DESIGN BY TERRI MC RAY & CO 
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
                                           
1989 - Current     Owner, Interior Designer, Architectural Designer     
1979 - 1989         Partner, Owner, VP   AV Magic Ltd. 
              Audio Visual Presentations Firm Servicing top tier corporate clientele
              Sales Person, Graphic Designer, Music Coordinator, Manager,
              also designed office space, screening room, and custom furniture

1979 - Prior    University of Cincinnati  MFA
                       music, art and architecture BArch

                       Interlochen Arts Academy

Awards:        Architectural Digest:  Best Creative Interior Using an Original Carpet Design
            published 2006   
           
            Exhibition Design for Steuben Glass, combining Art, Interior Design & Architectural Glass

Publications:    Irreplaceable Artifacts  Evan and Leslie Blum, published by Clarkson Potter
            Designing For The King   Deana Murphy, Tate Publishing
            Various Shelter Magazines, New York Magazine editorial, New York Times

Media:        Discovery Channel, Lifetime, Bloomberg News, NBC's Today, HGTV & QVC as
            corporate design representative & sales presentation

Groups and Associations:
                Women In Business, The Furniture History Society of London, DIFFA, Seeds of Peace,
                Stanford/Princeton Who's Who, The Terri McRay Foundation, Inc. a NYS 501(c)(3) nonprofit
                organization for the arts in education.