Elisabeth Loren Foist
Trabuco Canyon,CA
Summary
INTERIOR DESIGNER/BUSINESS COACH/CEO
Investigating, researching, and evaluating have been personal career hallmarks. Analytical skills and pragmatic solutions produce clear and decisive decision-making and goal-setting strategies. Adept at transforming challenges into opportunities, Leveraging problem-solving and business analysis skills at Beth Whitlinger Interior Design, Inc. streamlined operations and enhanced client satisfaction. Strategic planning and management coaching abilities led to significant operational improvements and a reputation for delivering innovative solutions that exceed expectations.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO/Interior Designer
Beth Whitlinger Interior Design, Inc.
08.1994 - Current
- Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
- Managed budgets and timelines effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
- Provided exceptional customer service throughout the entire design process, ensuring timely communication with clients at all stages.
- Stayed up-to-date on industry developments by attending trade shows, workshops, networking events, maintaining professional certifications consistently honing expertise in the field.
- Improved learning of junior designers by mentoring on best practices in interior design and client management.
- Updated design process documentation to incorporate new tools and techniques, improving team efficiency and project outcomes.
- Conducted site visits to ensure design implementations were executed according to plan, maintaining high standards of quality.
- Assisted in resolving unforeseen design challenges, ensuring projects stayed on track without compromising quality.
Consultant/Coach
The Interior Design Coach
01.2016 - Current
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Identified workflow inefficiencies to formulate and implement operational improvements.
- Attended seminars, business expos and other events to develop and support interior designers.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing personalized coaching strategies tailored to individual business needs.
- Delivered engaging presentations at industry conferences, demonstrating thought leadership in the field of interior design business coaching.
- Authored a series of articles on effective management techniques for interior designers that were published on Houzz Pro.
CEO
Designers Delivery Service, Inc.
01.2009 - Current
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
- Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities.
- Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
Designer
Westfall Interior Systems/Herman Miller Workplace
03.1993 - 08.1994
- Identified design requirements for each project.
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Created sketches and technical drawings to present design concepts to clients.
- Produced high-quality AutoCAD drawings for client approval during the iterative design process, saving time on revisions later down the line.
- Presented creative solutions to client challenges, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
- Streamlined design processes, resulting in increased efficiency and faster project completion times.
- Collaborated with product managers to align design strategies with business goals, significantly increasing market reach.
- Prepared detailed reports on design progress and performance.
Designer
Pleion Corporation
03.1991 - 03.1993
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Presented creative solutions to client challenges, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
- Built strong relationships with clients through effective communication skills, leading to repeat business opportunities.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors to ensure seamless integration of interior design elements into overall project plans.
- Worked closely with code compliance officials to address accessibility concerns throughout all stages of the design process.
- Executed detailed space planning and furniture layouts, optimizing functionality and aesthetics of commercial spaces.
Director of Design
Cleve & Levine Architects
03.1990 - 10.1990
- Developed comprehensive design proposals for high-end residential and commercial projects, resulting in increased revenue.
- Participated in construction planning and management phases, incorporating interior design requirements into floor plans and blueprints.
- Managed budgets and timelines effectively for multiple simultaneous projects, ensuring on-time delivery without compromising quality.
- Championed a collaborative work culture within the team, fostering open communication and synergistic collaboration among designers and other project stakeholders.
- Collaborated with architects, contractors, and vendors to achieve seamless project execution.
- Led a cross-functional team of professionals in executing complex interior design projects from concept through completion.
- Mentored junior designers to foster their professional growth and ensure cohesive team dynamics.
Architectural Specifications Consultant
Pioneer Plastics
05.1986 - 03.1990
- Assisted in training Architects and Designers in specification writing, sharing knowledge and best practices for successful design projects.
- Developed user-friendly specification templates to simplify the creation process for colleagues and clients alike.
- Kept abreast of industry trends and competitor offerings, incorporating relevant information into product specifications for a competitive edge.
- Contributed valuable insights during design review meetings that led to significant improvements in both aesthetics and functionality of new products.
- Played an integral role in new product development initiatives, providing expert input on material selection and performance requirements based on client needs.
Designer
The Closet Factory
12.1985 - 07.1986
- Designed floor plans, elevations, and material boards for review and presentation.
- Selected and sourced materials for aesthetically pleasing spaces.
- Managed budgets and timelines effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
- Developed key client relationships, providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
- Determined personalized needs, tastes and design preferences through thorough client consultations.
Designer
Dian Cleve Design
05.1985 - 12.1985
- Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
- Selected and sourced materials, furniture, and accessories for aesthetically pleasing spaces.
- Managed budgets and timelines effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
- Coordinated installations of fixtures, furniture, artwork ensuring proper placement alignment within each space according plan specifications.
Designer
Nerland's Home Furnishings
08.1984 - 06.1985
- Selected and sourced materials, furniture, and accessories for aesthetically pleasing spaces.
- Managed budgets and timelines effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
- Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
- Coordinated installations of fixtures, furniture, artwork ensuring proper placement alignment within each space according plan specifications.
- Determined personalized needs, tastes and design preferences through thorough client consultations.
- Conducted site visits and meetings with clients to gather necessary information for successful project execution.
Designer
Adam's Brothers Interiors
03.1984 - 08.1984
- Efficiently multitasked across multiple projects simultaneously maintaining focus on each project''s specific requirements and deadlines.
- Coordinated effectively with external consultants such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters for seamless execution of design plans.
- Managed project timelines and budgets effectively, ensuring timely completion within allocated resources.
- Successfully translated clients' design visions into reality, resulting in increased satisfaction levels and positive referrals.
Designer
Tulliani Interiors
12.1982 - 03.1984
- Initially hired as Junior Design Assistant. Promoted to Interior Designer within 6 months.
- Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
- Selected and sourced materials, furniture, and accessories for aesthetically pleasing spaces.
- Managed budgets and timelines effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
- Developed key client relationships, providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
- Specified appropriate products and materials to meet project objectives and design scheme.
Design Intern
Judy Sussman Interiors
01.1982 - 06.1982
- Participated in client meetings, taking detailed notes and providing valuable input on design solutions as needed.
- Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to source materials, meeting budget requirements and maintaining project timelines.
- Hand drafted floor plans, elevations, and sections for accurate representation of spatial layouts.
- Assisted lead designer in creating visually appealing spaces for residential and commercial clients, resulting in an increase in project success rates.
- Specified and selected furniture, fixtures and lighting conditions to achieve desired effects.
- Gained hands-on experience in selecting furniture pieces, lighting fixtures, artwork, and accessories appropriate for the aesthetic requirements of each space while adhering to budget constraints.
- Participated in site visits, gaining valuable insight into construction processes and understanding the implications of design choices on built environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Decorative Arts & Interior Design
Arizona State University (ASU)
Tempe, AZ1982
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Arizona State University (ASU)
Tempe, AZ1982
Landscape Design & Architecture
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CAFine Art
California State University Long Beach (CSULB)
Long Beach, CAFine Art
Pitzer College
Claremont, CABusiness Administration/Construction Technology
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZFine Art
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZSkills
- Problem-Solving
- Goal Setting
- Business Analysis
- Best Practices Implementation
- Business Planning
- Management Coaching
- Attention to Detail
- Team Leadership & Development
- Analytical Thinking
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
AFFILIATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS
ASID- American Society of Interior Designers, Professional Member #1500638
NCIDQ- National Council of Interior Design Qualification #18124
CID- Certified Interior Designer, California #5979
Volunteer Activities
Chair, Pacific Club Women, The Pacific Club, Newport Beach, CA- 2017 to present
President, Women Jonathans, Jonathan Club, Los Angeles, CA- 2012 to 2018
Member, Assistance League of Saddleback Valley- 2002 to 2010
Teen Mentor, Orange County Family Solutions- 1999 to 2002
Committee co-Chair, Cattle Baron's Ball Orange County- 1999
Industry Foundation co-Chair, ASID Orange County- 1987 to 1989
Fundraising Committee member, California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers- 1989
Volunteer, United Way of Maui- 1984 to 1985
Student Fundraising Committee member, ASID, ASU Chapter- 1979 to 1980
Timeline
Consultant/Coach
The Interior Design Coach
01.2016 - Current
CEO
Designers Delivery Service, Inc.
01.2009 - Current
CEO/Interior Designer
Beth Whitlinger Interior Design, Inc.
08.1994 - Current
Designer
Westfall Interior Systems/Herman Miller Workplace
03.1993 - 08.1994
Designer
Pleion Corporation
03.1991 - 03.1993
Director of Design
Cleve & Levine Architects
03.1990 - 10.1990
Architectural Specifications Consultant
Pioneer Plastics
05.1986 - 03.1990
Designer
The Closet Factory
12.1985 - 07.1986
Designer
Dian Cleve Design
05.1985 - 12.1985
Designer
Nerland's Home Furnishings
08.1984 - 06.1985
Designer
Adam's Brothers Interiors
03.1984 - 08.1984
Designer
Tulliani Interiors
12.1982 - 03.1984
Design Intern
Judy Sussman Interiors
01.1982 - 06.1982
Bachelor of Science - Decorative Arts & Interior Design
Arizona State University (ASU)
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Arizona State University (ASU)
Landscape Design & Architecture
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Fine Art
California State University Long Beach (CSULB)
Fine Art
Pitzer College
Business Administration/Construction Technology
Mesa Community College
Fine Art
Phoenix College
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