Tara CURRAN
Westwood,NJ
Summary
Design Leader with 15+ years shaping global workplace and retail environments across North America, LATAM, EMEA, and Asia. Proven expertise leading full design lifecycle — from programming and space planning through construction administration — with a track record of portfolio optimization, sustainable design integration, and stakeholder alignment. Adept at managing multi-disciplinary teams, vendor partnerships, and executive-level presentations to deliver impactful, resilient, and brand-aligned environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President-Sr Project Manager, Enterprise Design
VALLEY NATIONAL BANK
09.2022 - Current
- Lead and manage design of workplace environments ranging from 10,000-120,000 sf overseeing every phase from programming and test-fits through construction documentation and implementation.
- Notable projects include downsizing Corporate Headquarters campus from 240,000 sf to 120,000 sf and consolidation in the Tampa area enhancing efficiency into a 25,000sf space.
- Manage Restack programs consolidating office footprints of key markets for NYC, Northern NJ and South Florida to optimize space and improve utilization.
- Key contributor to the Workplace strategy program to consolidate real estate portfolio identifying strategic hub locations for future growth optimizing space utilization and supporting business agility.
- Lead cross-functional project teams including architects, workplace consultants, furniture vendors, and internal partners across Real Estate, Construction, Facilities, IT and Security ensuring project coordination and timely execution.
- Analyze Occupancy, headcount and programming data to inform test fits and create right-size office layouts.
- Conduct design and planning reviews from Concept through CDs, ensuring compliance with ADA, building codes and Banking Guidelines.
- Develop executive presentations for planning approval and quarterly review updates.
- Created and implemented Workplace Design Standards and guidelines to ensure unified design approach across the portfolio and to instill a cohesive workplace environment.
Principal Interior Designer
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
10.2018 - 09.2022
- Interior Define- 2/2021-9/2022: Developed and executed new retail concept for the brand for its transition from online to brick-and-mortar retail.
- Managed the design implementation for the first eight stores balancing design with functional retail strategies with project sizes ranging from 2500sf - 8,000f.
- Cole Haan- 10/2018-3/2020; 1/2022-6/2022: Managed international design for retail expansion for the US, Mid-East and Asia.
- Led design development process for two new retail concepts with project sizes ranging from 250sf - 2,000f. incorporating flexible environments in collaboration with client team.
Senior Director, Global Store Design
COLE HAAN
08.2014 - 09.2018
- Directed global design strategy across retail and workplace environments, including regional HQ renovations and new satellite office planning.
- Delivered over 40+ projects annually of varying scale from small shop in shop to flagship stores and headquarters renovations.
- Partnered with executive leadership to develop long term real estate and workplace strategies to optimize brand presence, identity and key market expansion.
- Led a design team of four of project managers overseeing design implementation, ensuring adherence to timelines, costs and quality standards.
- Oversaw development of new prototype designs, including flagships in major markets (NYC, Miami, LA, Dubai, Shanghai, Tokyo).
Director, Global Store Design
COLE HAAN
03.2012 - 07.2014
- Directed the design and project management process across all channels ensuring consistency and operational efficiency.
- Led development of scalable design concepts and fixture programs balancing brand innovation with budget constraints.
- Developed the Store Design Manual creating standardized guidelines to ensure compliance and consistency across international teams and partners.
- Partnered with key business functions to ensure design solutions aligned with business goals, user needs and spatial constraints.
- Oversaw external architects throughout the design, construction documentation and permitting ensuring timely approvals and adherence to brand standards.
Director, Store Design
KATE SPADE NEW YORK (a division of Liz Claiborne)
12.2011 - 03.2012
- Oversaw the end-to-end design and project execution across North America and Europe, delivering projects across all channels.
- Managed and mentored a team of five designers and project managers fostering professional growth while maintaining high design standards.
- Led the roll-out of evolving store concepts and fixture designs adapting to product mix and local market needs.
- Developed and maintained project schedules, landlord packages, and approval timelines in collaboration with internal department and external stakeholders.
Senior Manager, Store Design
KATE SPADE NEW YORK (a division of Liz Claiborne)
03.2010 - 12.2011
- Led the international expansion delivering over 80 projects across Asia, South America and Europe with a focus on brand consistency and local adaptation.
- Managed two international design managers and oversaw collaboration with global partners.
- Conducted on-site reviews to assess alignment with prototype standards.
- Led development of custom fixtures, lighting and finishes ensuring scalability and cost effectiveness.
Project Manager, Architecture & Design
LIZ CLAIBORNE
05.2007 - 03.2010
- Delivered 70+ projects annually across multiple brands, managing design development and construction documents (brands: Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Liz Claiborne and Prana).
- Developed and maintained the Architectural Prototype set for brand design and construction standards with outside consultants.
- Produced Design Development packages including fixture, storefront and lighting plans for executive approval.
Associate Construction Project Manager, Facilities and Construction
HERTZ CORPORATION
02.2006 - 05.2007
Architectural Project Coordinator
HERTZ CORPORATION
09.2004 - 02.2006
Junior Designer
SUSAN ANTHONY INTERIORS
02.2003 - 09.2004
Education
A.A.S. - Interior Design
New York School of Interior Design
New York, NY01.2003
B.A. - Art History
Rutgers College, Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ01.2001
Skills
- Workplace and Retail Design & Strategy
- Hybrid Workplace Models
- Sustainability & Wellness Integration
- Value Engineering
- Feasibility & Scenario Planning
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Budget & Cost Control
- Vendor & Partner Coordination
- Executive Presentations
- Programming & Test Fits
- Space Utilization & Occupancy Planning
- Restack / Consolidation Strategies
- Portfolio Optimization
- AutoCAD (expert)
- Adobe Creative Suite (advanced)
- Photoshop (advanced)
- InDesign(advanced)
- Bluebeam
- OfficeSpace Management Software
- Microsoft Office
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Project
- Freehand Drawing
- Revit (basic)
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking and Strategic planning
Timeline
Vice President-Sr Project Manager, Enterprise Design
VALLEY NATIONAL BANK
09.2022 - Current
Principal Interior Designer
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
10.2018 - 09.2022
Senior Director, Global Store Design
COLE HAAN
08.2014 - 09.2018
Director, Global Store Design
COLE HAAN
03.2012 - 07.2014
Director, Store Design
KATE SPADE NEW YORK (a division of Liz Claiborne)
12.2011 - 03.2012
Senior Manager, Store Design
KATE SPADE NEW YORK (a division of Liz Claiborne)
03.2010 - 12.2011
Project Manager, Architecture & Design
LIZ CLAIBORNE
05.2007 - 03.2010
Associate Construction Project Manager, Facilities and Construction
HERTZ CORPORATION
02.2006 - 05.2007
Architectural Project Coordinator
HERTZ CORPORATION
09.2004 - 02.2006
Junior Designer
SUSAN ANTHONY INTERIORS
02.2003 - 09.2004
B.A. - Art History
Rutgers College, Rutgers University
A.A.S. - Interior Design
New York School of Interior Design
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