Sally Chavez, NCIDQ

As a former surfaces material designer for one of the world’s largest engineered surfaces manufacturers, I have combined my design passion, experience and knowledge to develop and maintain one of the most successful and high performing material portfolios in the market today, materials that continue to support architects and designers in crafting their vision for interior spaces year after year.
I understand that how customers select furniture these days has gone beyond what looks good, how much does it cost, and when can I get it. Anyone can pick materials based on looks, price, and availability, but with so many other factors affecting what and how customers select, isn’t it an investment in success to know what those other factors are and address them?
I am NCIDQ certified with proven expertise in understanding and applying current codes established to protect public health, safety, and welfare. I am also a LEED AP and have demonstrated my understanding and use of the USGBC LEED rating system in building projects and materials development. Why do these matter to you?
You need a professional that knows what’s expected in the commercial furniture market and can help you develop your best offering as well as guide you to find the best materials for your CMF offering based on facts, trends, and confidence.

With a large breadth of commercial and residential design projects under my belt here at Wilsonart I’ve honed my ability to develop best-selling designs (with strongest launch metrics of all time) through evaluating market trends, consumer demand data and strategizing on the direction the market is moving. I enjoy collaborating with multiple stakeholders to bring a refined vision with clear direction to our projects.

Team lead for commercial wallboard product development, manage the assembly and development of design and color for high pressure laminate for commercial markets. Collaborate with design, marketing, product management, R&D, and manufacturing teams to plan, manage and implement design solutions for targeted annual plan. Understand and translate internal business objectives into effective design solutions that build brand equity.
Analyze industry and design trends relevant to markets that the products are used in, and incorporate user research to assemble effective design solutions that meet business and user needs. Conduct sales analysis; historical analysis; competitive analysis; and global analyses on a regular basis to ensure viable market strategy.
Ability to discuss strategy and present designs and rationale internally, and customers. Standard HPL line analysis & recommendation. Development of standards palettes for office furniture manufacturers.
Manages multiple product line development at one time, takes on a leadership role with other team members, instrumental in develop standard operating procedures and technical support.

I learned so much about business development and project management working here. I managed the design and interiors for multiple projects which gave me a great opportunity to improve those skills.

Lead interior designer responsible for marketing efforts leading to business development. Design tasks included programming, conceptual and schematic design, design development, and management of budgets and schedules. Space planning concepts & program documents, selection of furniture and specifications, finish plans, material selections and specification required for construction. Worked with architects, contractors, consultants, furniture dealers, product reps, and fabricators to meet overall project objectives.

I enjoyed maintaining good relationships with past and present clients at this firm, as well as developed favorable relationships with manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers as partners.

As a senior member of the firm, I collaborated on business development with the firm owner, identified and developed new markets and potential customers. This firm specialized in GSA government projects and as a project management leader, I calculated fees, wrote contracts, scheduled workload, and managed the team effort with attention to design continuity, details, and documentation. I became very familiar with the GSA marketplace, and government processes and procedures required for doing business with the government. Developed training criteria and programs for in-house staff. Proficient and experienced on many types of software including AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Photoshop. Maintained good customer relationships with past and present clients, as well as favorable relationships with manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers.

Owner and principal designer providing residential interior design services for architects, builders and homeowners. Services included space planning, furniture arrangement, window coverings, holiday decorating, and parade of homes experiences.

Responsibilities include business development and marketing, attending client meetings, space planning and overall design direction, generate construction documents, including space planning and furniture plans, RCP’s, finish schedules, interior elevations, and details, creating and managing budgets and schedules, FF&E bid packages, and preparing formal presentations. Success demonstrated by a high rate of repeat business and strong professional relationships.

I appreciated that this job gave me the opportunity to learn the business aspects of an interior design firm. I was a jack of all trades, from developing operating procedures to invoicing, this position helped me understand the importance of that side of the business.

Managerial duties included hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, weekly meeting agendas and staffing. Developed and monitored project schedules and budgets, as well as staff workload. Produced fee estimates and contract development for a variety of residential projects. Established and implemented CAD drawing standards for interior elements of custom homes. I developed and implemented pre-priced standards pricing and upgrades for a large regional home builder.

I learned that I am a natural born teacher and mentor in this role. The interactions with the students sparked my creativity and inspiration.

Instructed adult interior design students in the classroom. Created, managed, and participated in a variety of learning environments and activities that provided opportunities for students to develop to their fullest potential and achieve their learning objectives. Prepared lesson plans from established curriculum. Provided real world examples of principles and skills being taught. Participate collaboratively and professionally with other faculty and staff to promote the general well-being of the department and school, and collective interest of its staff and student body.

Worked with clients on all phases of interior design projects, from initial concept through final installation. Provided budgeting, specification, space planning, color selection and coordination, purchasing, installation and warranty issues for a commercial furniture dealership. Developed training materials for new staff.

Main responsibilities include providing timely furniture layout and specification of modular furniture and training entry-level personnel in all areas of the interior design process for a commercial furniture dealership (Haworth). These areas include industry specific computer software, specific furniture information, client interface, inventory control, document presentation, budgets, and specifications.

Responsibilities included comprehensive client contact, project management, administrative support, sales skills, presentation skills, and tasks required for all phases of the design process. Learned new industry specific software quickly and was called upon to train personnel.

Learned systems drafting production while providing AutoCAD architectural drafting support for large high tech industry projects.

Responsibilities included comprehensive client contact, project management, administrative support, sales skills, presentation skills, and tasks required for all phases of the design process. Learned new industry specific software quickly and was called upon to train personnel.