Susan Vandersteen
Duluth,MN
Summary
Seasoned interior designer and small-business owner with 20 years running a profitable design practice focused on healing, comfortable and functional spaces for nonprofits, private clients and local businesses. Expert in commercial, hospitality and residential projects with typical budgets of $60K–$350K. Design Professional who blends evidence-based “healing design” principles with pragmatic project and budget management. Seeking to transition into an in-house design role where client connection, operational discipline and creative problem solving support organizational/customer goals.
Qualified Design/Sales experience with strong background in leading comprehensive projects and creating impactful visual solutions. Successfully managed teams to deliver innovative designs that align with brand objectives. Demonstrated proficiency in creative direction and project management. Excellent steward of donor funds and personal budgets. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal / Lead Designer
Kitchee Gammi Design Co.
Duluth, MN
09.2000 - Current
- Founded and operated a full-service interior design firm for 20 years; consistently profitable with positive balance sheet and healthy cash flow each year.
- Managed end-to-end project delivery for nonprofit, commercial, hospitality and residential clients from design concepts through construction administration and post-occupancy follow-up.
- Led budgets ranging $60,000–$350,000; tracked costs, negotiated vendor contracts and delivered projects on time and on budget.
- Developed healing- and trauma-informed design solutions for sensitive care environments (hospices, treatment centers, mental health units, birthing suites).
- Directed multidisciplinary teams of professionals, contractors and artisans; maintained high client satisfaction and repeat/referral business.
- Prepared construction documents (not drawings), FF&E schedules, procurement plans, and maintenance/operations guidance for long-term value and quality.
- Implemented processes for quality control, client communication and risk mitigation and coordinated subcontractors.
- Notable Projects
- Essential Health Solvay Hospice House — Lead designer; commercial patient- and family-centered environments, calm material palettes, accessibility and longevity.
- Essentia Health Amberwing Treatment Center — Interior design for children, teens and family treatment spaces; safety-focused, therapeutic environments with durable, calming finishes. Total design creation including commissioned art and way finding materials.
- St. Luke's Birthing Suites — Design of patient-centered birthing environments that prioritize privacy, comfort and clinical workflow.
- St. Luke's Mental Health Unit — Layout and material specifications for safety, dignity and resilience in restrictive clinical care. Created an emphasis on healing design in a JCAHO approved unit. Coordinated with staff, patients, safety officials and hospital facilities to design layouts and products that emphasize safety toward staff and patients while providing a warm and supportive healing environment for all.
- Residential Portfolio — From white-box planning to full completion to kitchen and bath remodels to extensive interior design emphasizing longevity and quality-over-time.
- Conducted user research and usability testing to inform design decisions and improve product functionality.
- Presented design concepts to stakeholders, effectively communicating vision and rationale behind decisions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for effective product development and design consistency.
- Presented creative proposals to stakeholders, effectively communicating design rationales and strategic benefits.
- Championed user-centered design principles within the organization, fostering a culture of empathy towards end-users'' needs.
- Led brainstorming sessions for conceptualizing innovative designs and captivating visuals.
- Completed final touches for projects before rollout.
- Met with customers to present mockups and collect information for adjustments.
- Obtained approval of concepts by submitting rough drafts to management or to client.
- Analyzed user behavior and feedback to optimize design and user experience.
- Identified design requirements for each project.
- Analyzed feedback from customers and staff to refine design concepts.
- Applied skill in color theory and composition to bring client visions to fruition.
- Coordinated with other departments to comply with industry regulations.
Education
Bachelor's Degree of Social Work - Social Work
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN11-1990
Skills
- Healing design / evidence-based design
- Commercial, hospitality & residential interiors
- Space planning, programming & schematic design
- FF&E selection, specifications & procurement
- Construction documentation & administration
- Budgeting, cost control & vendor negotiations
- Client relations, stakeholder engagement
- Team collaboration, mentoring & cross-functional coordination
- Sustainability and materials knowledge
- Software: AutoCAD, Revit (basic), SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office, project management tools
- Project management
- Visual communication
- Client satisfaction
- Computer literate
- Design implementation
- Superb eye for detail
- Client presentation delivery
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Creative thinking
- Adaptability and flexibility
Websites
Affiliations
[AIA, ASID, IIDA, Healing Design Network, or local associations as applicable]
Certification
[e.g., NCIDQ (if applicable), WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, or other relevant certifications]
Selected Client Types
- Nonprofits and healthcare providers
- Private residential clients
- Local businesses, hospitality operators
Portfolio & References
Portfolio available at: [URL] References available upon request
Design Philosophy
Quality over time is luxury — I prioritize durable materials, human-centered details and evidence-based approaches to create spaces that heal, perform and age gracefully.
Awards & Recognition
[Award Name], Solvay Hospice House — [Year], [Any other recognitions, publications or speaking engagements]
Timeline
Principal / Lead Designer
Kitchee Gammi Design Co.
09.2000 - Current
Bachelor's Degree of Social Work - Social Work
Minnesota State University Moorhead