AGNIESZKA KOWALCZYK
Winnetka,Illinois
Summary
Senior executive with 20+ years of leadership experience across home furnishings, design services, art, merchandising, and omni-channel retail environments. Proven ability to build and scale client-centric design service models that integrate product, people, and technology to drive conversion, loyalty, and category growth. Deep expertise in cross-functional leadership, CRM-enabled clienteling, professional training, vendor partnerships, and operational execution. Grounded in psychology and social work education, with a strong ability to assess client needs, understand human behavior, and lead teams with empathy, clarity, and accountability. Recognized for strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into measurable business outcomes.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Director
Winnetka Art Gallery
01.2024 - Current
- Founded and lead a gallery concept integrating curated art, interior design services, and advisory-driven selling into a high-touch client experience.
- Bridged fine art with interior design and home furnishings, positioning art as an integral element of residential and commercial spaces.
- Curated and produced exhibitions, overseeing concept development, spatial design, installation, and event execution.
- Led opening events, private previews, and community-facing exhibitions, coordinating artists, partners, vendors, and staff.
- Developed consistent presentation standards, consultation frameworks, and service processes across physical and digital touchpoints.
- Led end-to-end client engagements from inspiration through installation and post-purchase support.
- Built long-term relationships with artists, collectors, institutional partners, and VIP clients, influencing acquisitions and placement strategies.
President
IDEA Furniture Co.
2011 - 2025
- Led a home furnishings company specializing in European design, custom solutions, and design-led retail services.
- Built and executed a comprehensive Design Services model integrating merchandising, interior consultation, CRM-based clienteling, and omni-channel engagement.
- Oversaw merchandising strategy, private-label development, assortment planning, and vendor partnerships with international manufacturers.
- Led the planning and execution of furniture showrooms, experiential retail environments, and design-driven selling spaces.
- Organized and curated design-focused events, showroom launches, and thematic presentations combining furniture, art, and interior styling.
- Delivered commercial space projects for professional offices, managing design coordination, logistics, delivery, and installation.
- Successfully executed time-sensitive commercial installations, including full project coordination within compressed timelines
- Collaborated closely with developers, builders, and contractors to align design intent, construction schedules, and operational requirements.
- Served as the primary point of contact between clients, internal teams, vendors, and external partners.
- Developed and tracked performance metrics related to appointments, in-home and virtual visits, conversion rates, and revenue per project.
- Led professional training programs, organizational change initiatives, and technology adoption across sales and design teams.
Vice President / Co-Founder
IDEA Furniture Co.
01.1999 - 01.2011
- Oversaw daily retail operations, merchandising execution, and overall sales performance.
- Built, trained, and mentored multidisciplinary teams of designers, sales professionals, and operations staff.
- Led residential staging projects and supported housing developments through furniture and design solutions.
- Expanded product categories and strengthened vendor collaboration to support profitable design projects.
Buyer / Market Distribution
MAK Distribution Ltd.
2005 - 2008
- Selected furniture collections for U.S. retail distribution and influenced factory production strategies.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with suppliers to optimize purchasing efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to inform procurement strategies and product selection.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to enhance supply chain reliability.
- Coordinated inventory management processes to ensure timely stock availability.
- Identified trends, innovations, and new vendor partnerships through international trade fairs.
Child Developmental Specialist
ICG Services
1996 - 1999
- Conducted developmental evaluations and delivered individualized early intervention programs for children, supporting families throughout the intervention process.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess and implement effective interventions for diverse needs.
Education
Emerging Leaders Initiative - Coursework
Executive MBA Spouse & Partner Program - Coursework
Certificate in Entrepreneurial Training -
01-2001
B.A. - Early Childhood Development & Psychology
Social Work Program -
Skills
- Design Services Strategy & Execution
- Omni-Channel Retail (In-Store & Virtual)
- Merchandising & Product Lifecycle Management
- Client Needs Assessment & Consultative Selling
- Human-Centered Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
- VIP, Celebrity & High-Touch Client Engagement
- Clienteling, CRM & Customer Experience
- Cross-Functional Leadership (Stores, Technology, Marketing, Finance)
- Training Programs, Standards & Sales Enablement
- Performance Metrics, Scorecards & ROI
- Vendor, Supply Chain & Lead-Time Strategy
- Commercial Space Design & Project Coordination
- Developer, Builder & Contractor Collaboration
- Process Improvement & Organizational Change
Languages
English (fluent)
Polish (fluent)
Russian and Ukrainian (proficient)
Timeline
Founder & Director - Winnetka Art Gallery
01.2024 - Current
Vice President / Co-Founder - IDEA Furniture Co.
01.1999 - 01.2011
President - IDEA Furniture Co.
2011 - 2025
Buyer / Market Distribution - MAK Distribution Ltd.
2005 - 2008
Child Developmental Specialist - ICG Services
1996 - 1999
U.S. Small Business Administration - Emerging Leaders Initiative, Coursework
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University - Executive MBA Spouse & Partner Program, Coursework
Northwestern Business College - Certificate in Entrepreneurial Training,
University of Warsaw - B.A., Early Childhood Development & Psychology
Medical College - Social Work Program,
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Polish Women in Business, Vice President
- Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, Main Organizer, Chicago, Raised $180,000+, led 100+ volunteers
- Polish Museum of America, Member
- Copernicus Center, Member
Awards
Honoree, Polish American Congress Award – Business Category
Recipient of the Entrepreneurship Award, The Polish American Chamber of Commerce
Award Recipient, Polish Museum of America — for charitable and community work
Award Recipient, Dar Serca — for charitable and humanitarian work