Tristi Chatham
Tristi Chatham Design
San Antonio,TX
25
years of professional experience
With two decades of experience in residential design, construction management, and client-focused services, I bring a strong understanding of how people choose, personalize, and invest in their homes. I have worked closely with clients to design and transform residential spaces, guiding decisions that balance style, functionality, and budget while ensuring a smooth and thoughtful process from start to finish.
My background also includes mortgage lending, where I supported loan processing and origination, giving me insight into the financial side of homeownership. Combined with my experience in luxury retail sales, I am skilled at building trust, understanding client needs, and delivering high-quality service.
Work History
Interior Design and Consulting
20 Years 2 Months- Collaborate with interior design clients by selecting paint colors, plumbing and lighting fixtures, design features, furniture, and decor.
- Coordinate project management by consulting with sub-contractors during construction, clarifying work requirements and overseeing project execution.
- Manage short-term rental property, overseeing maintenance, cleaning crew, and repairs. Represent owner to address guest needs promptly.
Sales Associate
1 Year 1 Month- Greeted customers, delivering personalized service to enhance shopping experience.
- Guided customers in selecting jewelry for engagements, weddings, and special occasions, ensuring satisfaction and memorable purchases.
- Explained differences between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds to support informed purchases.
- Facilitated transactions for customers selling gold, silver, platinum, and fine jewelry, maximizing value and customer trust.
- Maintained product displays to support clean, attractive store presentation.
- Processed customer transactions accurately using point-of-sale systems.
- Provided expert knowledge on gemstones and jewelry design to clients.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly and professionally.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through personalized service and follow-ups.
Home Stager
1 Year- Designed inviting layouts to enhance property appeal for potential buyers.
- Arranged spaces to highlight architectural features and maximize flow.
- Delivered detailed staging recommendations in reports to homeowners to optimize property showings.
- Assisted with management of staging inventory.
Mortagage Loan Processing and Origination
9 Years 2 Months- Helped my husband launch a mortgage origination company, establishing and maintaining loan origination, processing, and accounting systems.
- Obtained my mortgage loan originator’s license, analyzing and creatively structuring clients’ loan profiles to help them qualify for conventional, FHA, and VA home loans.
- Helped clients, and their Realtors, better understand mortgage options for both purchases and refinances.
- Orchestrated fast-moving elements of the loan process, working with Realtors, appraisers, inspectors, underwriters, and title companies to expeditiously move loans from application to closing.
- Analyzed and anticipated potential obstacles early in the loan process, working with all stakeholders to surmount potential problems.
- Became proficient with loan origination software, including Calyx Point and Encompass.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude
- Full academic scholarship as junior/senior
- Service work: Meals On Wheels; volunteer at Hendricks Medical Center Physical Therapy Department
- Sigma Theta Chi sorority
Professional Certificate - Residential Staging
- Professional Development Courses:
Pre-licensure - Mortgage Origination
Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proactive and persistent—yet respectful—customer follow-up
Highly focused on discerning customer needs and desires to steer them toward successful buying decisions
Effectively balance both complementary and competing interests between project stakeholders
Good knowledge of
and eye for
cohesive space planning and architectural material choices
Great eye for even the smallest details
whether in home design choices or prepping a home for VRBO clients
Conversant with technical tools needed for client management
Timeline
Sales Associate
CD Clark Diamonds & Design Studio
12.2022 - 01.2024Read More
Home Stager
BY Design Home Staging
08.2013 - 08.2014Read More
Interior Design and Consulting
Tristi Chatham Design
08.2006 - CurrentRead More
Mortagage Loan Processing and Origination
First Covenant Lending
06.2001 - 08.2010Read More
Abilene Christian University
Bachelor of Arts from Communications
Read More
BY Design Home Staging
Professional Certificate from Residential Staging
Read More
Champions School of Real Estate
Pre-licensure from Mortgage Origination
Read More