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Meredith Lorenzen

Meredith Lorenzen

Brooklyn, NY, US

 

About 

I've been designing in high-end New York residential interior firms since 2008, both on simple decorating jobs and on full home renovations.  I believe the best, most interesting design happens at that intersection of function and beauty, and a house is all the more beautiful when it really works as a home.  I most enjoy the collaborative nature of design, and the breadth of skills that this industry requires.  My pinterest addiction is becoming serious.  In short, I'm a nerd for design.

Employment 

Ben Herzog Architect, Brooklyn, Interior Designer

Specifications and interior design for high-end gut-renovations of Brownstones and apartments in Brooklyn and Manhattan. As part of the team assigned to a particular project, I work with the project manager to help clients focus their design direction, select finishes, and achieve their vision within budget. I also provide design assistance and soft furnishings in addition to the architectural end of a project. Detail work includes custom furniture, millwork detailing, sourcing, furniture plans, and photoshoots of finished projects.

As the first member of the BHA Interior Design department, I built an extensive sample library in the office for material selections and helped overhaul (several times, as the firm grew) the office standards for specifications and schedules. As the department has grown, we have accidentally started dressing alike - hopefully not my fault? Fingers crossed.

Mar 2014 - current
 

Eli Dweck Designs, Brooklyn, NY, US, Designer/Project Manager

Overseeing all phases of projects from initial design phase through installation: working with the head designer to develop design schemes, research furnishings, create floor plans and drawings for contractors and furnishing vendors, handle on-site meetings and installations, act as main contact for clients.

Oversaw and implemented major design overhaul of our own offices. Helped implement new design software for office management (Design Manager).

Jun 2011 - Jan 2014
 

Brooklyn Artists Gym (now Trestle Gallery), Brooklyn, Gallery Director

Conceptualizing, marketing, organizing, and curating gallery shows. Organization and staffing of rented shows and events in gallery. Continued help with day-to-day functions of BAG.

Sep 2010 - Sep 2011
 

Brooklyn Artists Gym (now Trestle Art Space), Brooklyn, Manager and gallerist

Daily management of studio and gallery space, giving tours of facility, online and print marketing, website overhaul and upkeep, member management, organizing and staffing gallery shows, management of interns. Self-taught Quickbooks to rectify 1 year incorrect and back-logged financial records, and updated office system of record-keeping.

Designed and oversaw a low-cost renovation of the studio area that doubled the income-producing square footage, helping bring the business from monthly losses back into the black. Began a program of art classes.

Began and curated a rotating schedule of open-call gallery shows, which grew the art community and produced income.

Jan 2010 - Sep 2010
 

Darren Brown Interior Design, Brooklyn, Junior Designer

Assistant in a two-person firm: managing multiple residential design projects for purchasing and on- site installations, CAD drafting, designing and preparing furniture specs, overseeing contractors, shopping for furnishings, assisting with design choices, office and sample library maintenence. Designed and implemented an efficient new Excel system for purchases and billing.

Feb 2008 - Apr 2009
 

Education 

The New School, New York, NY, US, Interior Design AAS

The Parsons AAS program is intended for adults who have received a minimum Bachelors degree in another area but want to enter the design field; it is therefore designed to provide the same content as a BA in interior design in a short time-frame with a focus on innovative thinking and technical skills.

Sep 2006 - Dec 2007
 

Trinity College, Hartford, CT, US, Bachelors, Studio Art

Sep 2001 - Jun 2005
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills