Chris Ely Email & Phone Number

New York

Advising homeowners, house and estate managers, architects and interior designers on best practicesfor home management. My specialties include:-Performing residence and staffing assessments.-Advising on types of service needed and levels required.-Identifying, interviewing, hiring and training residential staff including house managers, butlers, valets, cooks and housekeepers.-Creating a dossier on the desired personal qualities for domestic staff that will suit the home.-Developing communication protocols between employer, his/her family, household staff and employer's office staff.-Creating household policies and procedures, schedules and estate manuals to ensure the smooth operation, care and maintenance of the residence.-Organizing the home.-Consulting on house design and layout with client and architect to ensure best flow for daily living by the client, his/her family and guests and optimal staff performance.-Working with client and interior decorator on selecting the types of kitchenware, fabrics, accessories and furniture that the client and staff can best care for to ensure longevity of items.

French Culinary Institute, Soho Nyc

Consulted in the design and launch of The Estate Management Studies Program, later renamed The Bespoke Institute at The French Culinary Institute. Created the curriculum for teaching household staff all aspects of properly caring for their employers, their homes and their property. Attendees received a course certificate upon successfully completing the program and exams.

"Holly Hill" Briarcliff Manor, New York & "Cove End" Maine

Responsibilities included:-Buildings. & Grounds: Managed all aspects of a 64-acre estate, comprising of the main house (circa 1927) and 6 additional buildings. Scheduled and managed maintenance and repairs for all buildings, heating and air conditioning, roofing, interior and exterior painting, indoor and outdoor pools, grounds, etc.-Supplies: Coordinated the purchase and distribution of household and estate supplies and equipment. Managed petty cash accounts and approved all estate bills.-Vehicles: Oversaw the leasing and purchase, inspections, repairs, servicing and temporary relocation of 6 estate vehicles.-Staff: Scheduled, trained and supervised 3 household staff and supervised 3 gardeners at Holly Hill, and managed 4 additional staff members when traveling. Booked and supervised additional staff and services as needed.-Personal Affairs: Coordinated social calendar, private affairs, dinner parties and other social events for Mrs. Astor. Prepared and organized travel for Mrs. Astor and her staff, including the booking of private and commercial flights, renting cars, arranging car services, transporting luggage and supplies, and liaising with the homeowners when renting a property. Selected gifts for friends and family.-Elder Care: Created safe home surroundings, supervised nursing staff, managed medical care, and liaised with Mrs. Astor's doctors and family later in her life.-Pet Care: Cared for Mrs. Astor's two dogs, including veterinary visits and grooming appointments, daily exercise, feeding and health.

Nyc, London, St. Tropez

Personal affairs liaison and residential manager for Elton John's Manager. Trained and supervised domestic staff at Mr. Reid's homes. Planned, coordinated, and orchestrated private and business entertainment events. Supervised construction and interior decorating. Set-up Mr. Reid's new residences in New York and St. Tropez and assisted with closing his Los Angeles home anddistributing the contents between his other residences.

Coordinated and supervised the homes and personal affairs of political advocates and social philanthropists. Provided traditional Butler's duties in residences in Washington, D.C. and Newport, Rhode Island with particular attention to the unique needs of Mr. Charles, an octogenarian who had suffered two strokes.

"Elk Meadows", Buckinghamshire, Uk

Trained, managed and supervised household staff at employer's U.K. home. Accompanied Sheikh Khalid on worldwide business travels, including via private plane. Selected luggage and organized packing, including proper clothing, toiletries and all other miscellaneous items needed for each journey. Provided scheduling, care and management of Sheikh's entourage while traveling. Additionally served as a house manager, butler, houseman, valet and cook.

Member of Queen's personal domestic staff at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and other Royal residences, providing front of house services and performing ceremonial duties. Traveled with the Queen's entourage on both personal and state visits. Provided service in the Queen's private residences and for state banquets. Developed expertise in etiquette, care of silver and china,wardrobe (clothing, shoes, accessories) and ceremonial protocols.