Monika Lal
Pearland,TX
Summary
Results-driven professional with 14 years of experience in hospitality and corporate interior design, specializing in space planning and project management. Proven track record of leading high-profile projects with innovative design solutions that achieve significant cost savings and enhance client satisfaction. Adept at building and nurturing relationships across all organizational levels, thriving in high-pressure and dynamic environments. Notable projects include collaborations with Noble Energy, GE Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy, Amrina Restaurant, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott within the Houston metropolitan area.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Interior Design Director - Hospitality & FF&E
CH Design Studios
Houston, TX
05.2023 - Current
- Directed design teams in the conceptualization and execution of upscale hospitality projects, including luxury hotels, resorts, and restaurants, ensuring that design narratives were seamlessly aligned with brand values and delivered exceptional guest experiences
- Spearheaded FF&E selection, procurement, and customization processes, expertly balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budgetary constraints across all projects
- Led client presentations and design workshops, translating client visions into extraordinary, memorable environments while maintaining consistent communication to ensure project alignment and satisfaction
- Collaborated closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and vendors to oversee design implementation from concept to completion, ensuring strict adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
- Partnered with top-tier hospitality brands to create distinctive, immersive environments that elevated brand identity and produced signature guest experiences
- Managed multimillion-dollar project budgets, tracking expenditures and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality outcomes
Senior Interior Designer
CH Design Studios | Curve Hospitality
Houston, TX
03.2018 - 05.2023
- Managed and executed high-profile projects with focus on staying within schedule, budget and brand parameters
- Oversaw the full scope of FF&E tasks, from design and selection through the bidding process, ensuring alignment with specific client and project requirements
- Reviewed shop drawings from FF&E manufacturers to guarantee that all furnishings and equipment met design intent and practical needs
- Collaborated with owners, architects, hotel brands, suppliers, and contractors to ensure successful project execution on time and within budget, while maintaining precise specifications throughout the process
- Communicated clearly and concisely with both internal team members and consultants throughout the project duration, ensuring alignment on design concepts, execution, and follow-through
Interior Designer | Space Planner
Debner & Company
Houston, TX
06.2012 - 03.2017
- Collaborated with clients to gather requirements, prepared detailed design drawings, and demonstrated the impact of furniture and layouts on workplace dynamics and business needs
- Prepared comprehensive furniture configuration drawings using architectural and electrical floor plans, ensuring alignment with design intent and practical use
- Assisted in the value-engineering process by recommending cost-effective and functional furniture solutions, optimizing both budget and design
- Maintained strong relationships and worked closely with project managers, sales teams, and other stakeholders throughout all project phases, ensuring seamless communication and execution from planning to final delivery
- Ensured the accuracy of all furniture plans submitted to clients by maintaining up-to-date project information and documentation, adhering to design specifications
- Managed a diverse range of existing projects, including creating and updating CAD drawings, revising furniture plans, generating pull lists for redesigns, and specifying new products to match existing furnishings
Interior Design Consultant
Ethan Allen
Houston, TX
07.2011 - 06.2012
- Worked closely with clients to fulfill their design dreams and transform their home to dream home
- Developed personalized design solutions and sold company products and services within customer's specifications and budget
- Prepared and present recommendations for furniture, accessories and draperies, using various media including sales boards and AutoCAD drawings
- Maintain exceptional customer relations, sales, retention and satisfaction
Associate Designer
Delrose Design Group
New York City, NY
06.2008 - 12.2009
- Collaborated directly with the proprietor to design and execute high-end retail outlets, weekend homes, and luxury apartments
- Managed the complete design process from initial concept and client approval to fit-outs, technical drawings, presentations, and final handovers
- Developed cutting-edge designs utilizing innovative materials and achieving clean, refined details
- Assembled and presented detailed boards for client meetings to define and establish design direction
- Compiled comprehensive finish standards manuals for completed projects, including maintenance guidelines and product specifications
Education
Associate in Applied Science - Interior Design
New York School of Interior Design
New YorkBachelor of Science - Interior Design
ANGRA University
Hyderabad, IndiaSkills
- AutoCAD
- Adobe Suite
- SketchUp
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
- Space Planning
- Design Research
- Design Development
- FF&E Selection
- Construction Documents
- Product Specification
- Detail-oriented
- Communication
- Team supervision and oversight
Accomplishments
- Implementing eco-friendly and sustainable design practices that not only enhance the aesthetic and functionality of spaces but also contribute to environmental conservation.
- Establishing successful partnerships with other design professionals, contractors, and vendors, leading to smoother project execution and higher-quality outcomes.
- Mentoring designers and leading design teams effectively, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
Timeline
Interior Design Director - Hospitality & FF&E
CH Design Studios
05.2023 - Current
Senior Interior Designer
CH Design Studios | Curve Hospitality
03.2018 - 05.2023
Interior Designer | Space Planner
Debner & Company
06.2012 - 03.2017
Interior Design Consultant
Ethan Allen
07.2011 - 06.2012
Associate Designer
Delrose Design Group
06.2008 - 12.2009
Associate in Applied Science - Interior Design
New York School of Interior Design
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
ANGRA University
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