As Senior Interior Designer at Ideas & Ink, I lead full-scale design projects for residential interiors and mid-sized commercial spaces. My role spanned all project phases, including concept development, detailed space planning, client presentations and project management. I worked directly with contractors and vendors to ensure that every design was executed to the highest standards. Notable projects outside the residential sector included a boutique office space, branding and design concepts for various retail environments, and a budgeting and feasibility study for a 4,000SF financial services firm. My responsibilities also included mentoring junior designers and interns, attending design workshops, and staying current with industry trends to continuously elevate our design approach.While I have enjoyed the challenges and successes in residential design, I am now seeking to transition back into the commercial interiors sector. Im excited to bring my extensive design expertise, collaborative approach, and passion for creating spaces that reflect the unique sensibility of each client to new opportunities in the commercial A&D field.Key Achievements:-Led the design and execution of a 4,000 sq. ft. corporate office bid for a private financial services firm, incorporating flexible work spaces, sustainable design elements, and 5-10 year growth plan.-Helped manage the renovation of a 100-year-old historic home, preserving its character while introducing a vintage-modern curated office design for this mix-ed use building.-Regularly consulted on material selections for all designers, ensuring optimal choices for durability, sustainability and aesthetics.

At Dan Wangler Builders, I provided Interior Design expertise for a full-service builder specializing in kitchens, baths, home additions, and renovations. My role involved working directly with homeowners to capture their vision, translating their wants into detailed plans, thoughtful design concepts, and managing the client's expectations through construction to deliver beautifully integrated design solutions. I collaborated with the construction team to solve complex spatial challenges, ensuring that each project adhered to both budgetary and aesthetic goals.Key Achievements:- Designed and managed the specifications and procurement for a large kitchen and bath remodel for a historic estate, seamlessly blending contemporary features with classic architectural details.- Implemented innovative storage solutions and layout designs that maximized space in a compact urban home, earning praise for creativity and practicality.- Influenced the re-branding of Dan Wangler Builders, working closely with a graphic designer to create a more contemporary logo, replacing the nondescript, out-dated version, while connecting the building's storefront, contractor cargo vans, and the distinctive jobsite signs. With increased visibility of the brand and further completing the logo by conceiving Dan Wangler's Tagline: "Design - Build - Renew", I helped give the company a fresh and vibrant identity for the current Elmhurst-area market.

As the founder and principal designer of Kate Cox Design, I led a range of residential projects including new construction, full-home remodels, single room make-overs, furniture and art procurement. My company was known for it's client-focused approach, creating sophisticated yet livable, practical spaces that reflected each homeowners unique taste and lifestyle. Specializing in family-friendly and children's spaces, I integrated design elements that encouraged creativity and play, while maintaining elegance and functionality throughout.Key Achievements: - Completed over 50 residential projects from consult to final install, receiving a 95% client retention and referral rate.- Developed a design framework that emphasized sustainable practices from repurposing furniture, to selecting eco-friendly materials like low VOC paint and educating clients on energy-efficient lighting, helping clients to achieve both aesthetic and environmental goals.

As a Registered Interior Designer at Gensler, I worked under the leadership of the current Co-Regional Managing Principal, Cindy Simpson in the Dallas Workflex II Studio. I Contributed to large-scale commercial projects, focusing on workplace strategies for oil and gas firms, financial services, and corporate headquarters. I was responsible for creating detailed AutoCAD drawings, REVIT drawings for our LEED projects, coordinating with Architects, Engineers and Facilities Management, developing innovative solutions for complex Corporate Interiors. My role required a deep understanding of brand identity and workplace functionality, resulting in designs that enhanced both productivity and employee experience.Key Achievements:- Contributed to the design of a 100,000 sq. ft. headquarters for a major financial firm, incorporating flexible workspaces and state-of the-art technology integration.- Assisted in the redesign of an international energy company's regional office, improving spatial flow, sustainable materials and overseeing a company-wide rotating art competition, implementing an art program to increase employee engagement and morale.

As an Associate and Project Manager at CSO Architects, I managed the design and construction of higher education and K-12 facilities, corporate offices, and municipal and civic spaces. My role involved collaborating closely with clients to understand their needs, preparing detailed construction documents, and leading multidisciplinary teams throughout project all project phases. I was also responsible for conducting site visits, ensuring that the design intent was implemented to specification, and assisting the Project Architects and Site Superintendents to resolve any on-site issues that arose.Key Achievements:- Managed the design of a 50,000 sq. ft. educational facility, coordinating all aspects of project delivery from initial concept to final handover.- Successfully led the renovation of a corporate headquarters, incorporating modern amenities, while respecting the historic significance through a carefully designed historical preservation wall highlighting the company's commitment to the field of modern medical advancements.- Promoted to Associate within two years as a full-time interior designer, based on performance and leadership skills in complex project management.- Professional Competition: ACUHO-I, 21st Century Student Housing Design Competition Finalist. Published in ACUHO "Talking Stick".

As a Project Interior Designer for CSO Architects, I applied the comprehensive understanding I gained from my 10-month internship in the A&D industry, combined with a collaborative mindset and a determined focus to align my career in project management. Through my various opportunities to work in Corporate, Higher Education, K-12, Civic and Government Design Sectors, I was able to display a broad range of both technical and communication skills, while continuing to fulfill the desire to learn from seasoned Architects and Designers in our office, and A&D community. This combined thirst to learn from experienced leaders while developing my own passion to lead teams to conceptualize and implement creative, functional design solutions, was instrumental in my promotion to my role as Associate. Major Successes: - I developed valuable connections in the interior design field, which helped me to say updated on industry trends and bring fresh, innovative ideas to my projects.- I learned how to thrive in a variety of team environments, naturally coordinating with architects, contractors, and fellow designers to help ensure all elements of a project ran smoothly.- During this time, I worked across 5 Distinct Design Sectors, consistently going above and beyond both my employers and clients expectation by often anticipating their needs, and offering solutions in advance.

As interior design intern with CSO Architects, I strengthened my professional skills working in collaborative, studio-based architecture firm, assisting Interior Designers, Architects and Engineers, while completing my degree at Purdue University. I gained hands-on experience, sharpening my space planning and design development skills, advancement in presentation formats, and enhanced effectively communicating ideas with trade professionals in a variety of design sectors, within a team environment, navigating collaboration and project execution.