Denise Edwards
Webster,USA
Summary
Creative Interior Designer with experience in commercial design across multi-family, education, government, healthcare, financial, and not-for-profit sectors. Expertise in spatial planning, project management, and FF&E, effectively translating client visions into impactful design concepts. Deliver projects on time and within budget while fostering strong client relationships and ensuring clear communication.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Designer
MILLINGTON LOCKWOOD BUSINESS INTERIORS
Buffalo, New York
09.2024 - Current
- Company with project totals in excess of $30 million annually.
- Designed innovative interior layouts for diverse commercial spaces, enhancing client satisfaction and functionality.
- Use AutoCAD and CET to develop floor plans and renderings to communicate ideas to the client.
- Act as a point of contact for architects, designers, and end users from initial sales meetings to project completion.
- Ensure all designs meet client specifications, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated communication between project stakeholders, ensuring timely project completion and alignment with client goals.
- Oversaw installations on multiple projects simultaneously, guiding installers to achieve design intent and meet project specifications.
Regional Design Manager
MORGAN PROPERTIES, LLC
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
01.2021 - 08.2024
- Managed the design, specification, budgeting, and installation of capital projects exceeding $20 million annually.
- Implementing company design standards throughout 68 properties including over 12,000 units.
- Supported design for all capital projects across NY region, ensuring alignment with project goals.
- Coordinated with architects, engineers, and contractors to facilitate project execution.
- Participated in construction meetings to provide updates and address challenges, facilitating project progress.
- Created space planning concepts and floor plans, incorporating field measurements to ensure accuracy.
- Developed design presentations for Facilities team, enhancing clarity and effectiveness in RFP process.
- Obtain FF&E quotes from vendors and manufacturers.
- Oversee all orders and deliveries to maintain project completion in timeline given.
Designer
DESIGNWORX, LLC
Midlothian, Virginia
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Utilized graphic design software to create high-quality digital assets and layouts.
- Collaborated with clients to understand project requirements and design preferences.
- Delivered contract interior design services for furniture dealerships nationwide, enhancing client showrooms.
- Coordinated multiple projects under tight deadlines, ensuring timely completion and client satisfaction.
Principal/Founder
UPSTATE BUSINESS INTERIORS, LLC
Rochester, New York
01.2013 - 01.2021
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive business plan to launch the company.
- Managed operations across marketing, sales, customer service, and finance to ensure cohesive business functionality.
- Cultivated long-term contract interior design partnerships with three commercial furniture manufacturers and six dealerships, enhancing service offerings.
- Delivered contract interior design services to architects, project managers, contractors, and end users, ensuring client satisfaction and project alignment.
- Achieved certification as a New York State Women-Owned Business Enterprise.
Senior Designer
MILLINGTON LOCKWOOD BUSINESS INTERIORS
Buffalo, New York
01.2012 - 12.2015
- Designed and managed Corning projects across east coast, contributing to $12 million in annual revenue.
- Oversaw multiple projects, consistently meeting tight deadlines and adhering to budget constraints.
- Coordinated project timelines to align with client expectations and deliver on schedule.
- Worked with client via email, phone and in-person to collect information to complete designs.
Director of Design
SEDGWICK BUSINESS INTERIORS
Rochester, New York
05.2005 - 07.2011
- Managed the overall design projects with a budget exceeding $25 million per year.
- Managed and monitored multiple concurrent design projects to ensure timely delivery.
- Oversaw daily department operations, delegating tasks to optimize team performance.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to align on project goals and progress updates.
- Mentored junior designers to enhance skills and promote creative collaboration.
Interior Designer
BUFFALO OFFICE INTERIORS
Buffalo, New York
09.2002 - 05.2004
- Created detailed floor plans and 3D renderings to effectively communicate design concepts to clients and stakeholders.
- Designed customized interior layouts to optimize functionality and aesthetics in diverse commercial spaces.
- Managed project timelines while coordinating with contractors and vendors to ensure seamless execution of design plans.
- Conducted site assessments to ensure compliance with design specifications.
Architect Assistant
O’DONNELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Rochester, New York
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Oversaw design processes from conceptual phase through construction, ensuring adherence to project timelines.
- Designed architectural plans for residential and commercial projects.
- Created blueprints, drawings and detailed schematics of proposed structures.
- Engaged clients to clarify design preferences and requirements, ensuring alignment with project vision.
- Coordinated with engineers and contractors during construction phases.
- Performed site visits to evaluate project progress and uphold quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design, CIDA accredited program
BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE
Buffalo, New York05.2002
Skills
- Floor plan design
- Space planning
- AutoCAD proficiency
- CET software
- Project budgeting
- Project coordination
- Team collaboration
- Multi-tasking
Notable Projects
Commercial
- National Fuel Gas Corporation, Buffalo, NY
- West Herr Auto Group, Buffalo & Rochester, NY
- ACV Auctions, Buffalo, NY
- Delta Sonic, Buffalo, NY
- Uniland Development Company, Buffalo, NY
- Benderson Development, Buffalo, NY
- Regus, USA
- NY NJ Workers Union, NY
- Labatts, NY
- Verizon, KY
- Scholastic, NY
- Publishers Clearing House, NY
- Publix, FL
Education
- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- St. John Fisher College, Salerno Center for American Enterprise, Rochester, NY
- Cornell University, Weill Medical College, NYC, NY
- St. John Fisher College, Wegman’s School of Pharmacy, Rochester, NY
Government
- Fort Drum, Guthrie Medical Clinic, Fort Drum, NY
Healthcare
- Independent Health, Buffalo, NY
- MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Women’s Pavilion, Charleston, SC
- Tampa Oaks Senior Living, Tampa, FL
- Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL
Financial
- Keybank, NY
- Fannie Mae, DC/TX
- Citi Group, IL
Timeline
Senior Designer
MILLINGTON LOCKWOOD BUSINESS INTERIORS
09.2024 - Current
Regional Design Manager
MORGAN PROPERTIES, LLC
01.2021 - 08.2024
Designer
DESIGNWORX, LLC
01.2016 - 01.2021
Principal/Founder
UPSTATE BUSINESS INTERIORS, LLC
01.2013 - 01.2021
Senior Designer
MILLINGTON LOCKWOOD BUSINESS INTERIORS
01.2012 - 12.2015
Director of Design
SEDGWICK BUSINESS INTERIORS
05.2005 - 07.2011
Interior Designer
BUFFALO OFFICE INTERIORS
09.2002 - 05.2004
Architect Assistant
O’DONNELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
01.2001 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design, CIDA accredited program
BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE