Sarah Vail
Seal Beach,CA
Summary
Entrepreneurial and creative Founder passionate about turning innovative ideas into tangible results. Experienced formulating and executing strategic plans, creating new products and services, and developing business opportunities. Track record of multiple successful business ventures and leading teams of professionals to maximize profits and deliver success. Self-motivated professional successful in seizing viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs and transforming customer service standards. Experienced in leading and supervising operational and sales teams.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder/Principal
Sarah Vail Design, LLC
01.2007 - 01.2024
- Founded New York based boutique Interior Design studio offering comprehensive, turn-key design solutions for both high-end residential and corporate spaces in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and California
- Extensive experience of all aspects of high-end Interior Design dedicated to hiring top of the line staff to bring mission to life
- Collaborated and documented communications with contractors, vendors, craftsmen, builders and clients with overall goal to realize sublime design aesthetic
- Managed and tracked client orders, supervised installations, provided quality assurance and addressed discrepancies with immediate attention
- Provided proposals and estimates for six-figure budgets
- Scheduled consultations with prospects securing near 100% of leads into paying clients.
Interior Design Assistant
Seborn Ragsdale Interiors
01.2005 - 03.2006
- Assisted CEO in planning and implementing multiple projects at once and earned 5 star feedback from clients and vendors
- Created invoices for clients, paid all invoices from contractors and vendors
- Sourced and shopped all trade showrooms in the design district and NYC markets.
- Assisted lead designer in creating visually appealing spaces for residential and commercial clients.
- Contributed to increased project efficiency by maintaining organized files and documentation for all design projects.
- Supported the successful completion of numerous design projects by meeting deadlines and staying within budget constraints.
Interior Design Assistant
Jeannine Williams Design
05.2004 - 12.2005
- Responsible for all daily activities of the Business of the Home
- Client Development, marketing, product procurement and customer service
- Outstanding track record in client relations and satisfaction.
Sales Associate
Stark/Old World Weavers Headquarters
03.2002 - 03.2004
- Managed customer accounts, ensuring that billing and payment information was accurate and up to date
- Worked directly with fashion icon/mogul, Iris Apfel, (and her husband Carl), while employed at Stark / Old World Weavers at the Decoration and Design Building in NYC
- Resolved customer issues and complaints quickly and professionally, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rating
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative customer service strategies
- Established and maintained positive relationships with customers, resulting in a 22% increase in customer retention.
Sales Representative
Restoration Hardware
05.2001 - 03.2002
- Worked directly with designers and clients in the NYC Flagship store in Flatiron Building developing design solutions
- Boosted sales by 15% through in-depth understanding of showroom and catalog, plus comprehensive knowledge of plumbing, lighting, and furniture.
Education
Associate of Arts - Interior Design
Parsons The New School For Design
New York, NY01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
Suffolk University
Boston, MA01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Science
Northwest University
Seattle, WA01.1997
Skills
- Trends Analysis
- Consulting
- Sales Expertise
- Customer Focus
- Design Process
- Space Planning
- Project Management
- Product Selection
- Design Presentation
- Concept Development
- Client Communication
- Color Theory
- Custom furniture design
- FF&E procurement
- Architectural detailing
- Vendor Subcontracting
- Decision-Making
Websites
Certification
- Color Theory, Marymount Manhattan College, New York, NY
- Interior Design, Parsons School of Design, New York, NY
- Interior Design, Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Quote
"There are three responses to a piece of design: yes, no and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for." - Milton Glaser
Personal Information
Title: Sr. Interior Designer
Timeline
Founder/Principal
Sarah Vail Design, LLC
01.2007 - 01.2024
Interior Design Assistant
Seborn Ragsdale Interiors
01.2005 - 03.2006
Interior Design Assistant
Jeannine Williams Design
05.2004 - 12.2005
Sales Associate
Stark/Old World Weavers Headquarters
03.2002 - 03.2004
Sales Representative
Restoration Hardware
05.2001 - 03.2002
Associate of Arts - Interior Design
Parsons The New School For Design
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
Suffolk University
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Science
Northwest University
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