Estera Pawelec-Alvarado
New York,NY
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in founding and managing businesses, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities. Proven track record in creating and implementing effective business strategies, fostering team collaboration, and driving growth. Known for adaptability and results-focused approach, excelling in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder / Creative Director
SIPS + MAKER
Staten Island, NY
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Established brand identity and strategic vision for SIPS + MAKER, driving market differentiation.
- Developed and implemented operational processes to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Led cross-functional teams to launch new product lines, ensuring alignment with consumer trends and preferences.
- Fostered partnerships with local suppliers, optimizing resource allocation and supporting community engagement initiatives.
- Directed financial planning and budgeting efforts, enhancing profitability through cost management strategies.
- Achieved $50K in annual cost savings through strategic financial planning and disciplined budgeting.
- Analyzed market data to inform strategic decisions, adapting offerings to meet evolving customer demands effectively.
- Spearheaded marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness and drove sales growth within targeted demographics.
- Recipient of the 2018 Excellence Award for Interior Design, Annual Building Awards - Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
Studio Director / Interior Designer
Intérieurs Design Studio
New York, NY
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Led creative direction for diverse design projects, ensuring alignment with client vision and industry trends.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering skill development and encouraging innovative design solutions.
- Directed cross-border design initiatives, traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe (Belgium and France).
- Strategically recruited and managed revenue-producing vendor partnerships.
- Co-led design efforts for the Showtime Showhouse (United States of Tara) and contributed curated vignettes to major industry showcases, including Housing Works' Design on a Dime (2013 & 2014) and the Greenwich Showhouse (2012).
- Honored on Luxe Interiors + Design 2014 Gold List for East Hampton project featured on the August 2013 cover.
Project Manager / Design Coordinator
Intérieurs Design Studio
New York, NY
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Directed cross-functional teams and external partners across all project phases, overseeing scheduling, budgeting, procurement, subcontractor performance, while maintaining daily stakeholder communication.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency and reduced project delivery times.
- Guided project teams through complex design initiatives, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes within defined budget and scheduling parameters.
- Led design collaboration efforts with designers to define project direction, producing mood boards and color stories, sourcing textiles, materials and furniture aligned with project goals.
- Executed financial audits that resulted in the recovery of $40K for a single project.
Showroom Sales, Public Relations / Branding
Intérieurs Design Studio
New York, NY
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Spearheaded rebranding project, revamping all marketing and business materials, strengthening brand recognition and market impact.
- Managed end-to-end website design, developing content and enforcing deadlines to deliver a timely, high-quality launch.
- Served as Photo Director, overseeing all photography for web content and marketing campaigns, ensuring cohesive brand imagery.
- Directed sales account management and liaised with purchasing agents to drive successful execution of large scale projects.
- Leveraged extensive knowledge of custom furniture pricing, materials and production methods to guide design and procurement decisions.
Education
B.B.A. - Business Marketing
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
New York, NYA.A.S. - Visual Merchandising
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
New York, NYSkills
- Multidisciplinary project leadership
- Strong attention to detail
- Operational efficiency enhancement
- Strategic thinking
- Entrepreneurial and innovative
- Team leadership
- Marketing
- Ethics and integrity
- Client engagement
- Polish language fluency
Accomplishments
- Established a record of flawless execution across 24 projects, exceeding quality expectations.
- Luxe Interiors + Design 2014 Gold List Honoree - Cover Project August 2013 - East Hampton Project.
- Directed projects in Tribeca, Soho, Nolita, Battery Park City, Meatpacking District, Flat Iron District, Columbus Circle, Midtown, Upper East Side, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn; East Hampton, Armonk, NY; Lawrence, NY; Darien, CT; Park City, Utah.
- Complete project list of addresses, details and square footage available upon request.
Timeline
Founder / Creative Director
SIPS + MAKER
01.2017 - 01.2024
Studio Director / Interior Designer
Intérieurs Design Studio
01.2009 - 01.2015
Project Manager / Design Coordinator
Intérieurs Design Studio
01.2004 - 01.2009
Showroom Sales, Public Relations / Branding
Intérieurs Design Studio
01.2004 - 01.2009
B.B.A. - Business Marketing
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
A.A.S. - Visual Merchandising
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising