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KRISTAN M. RIO

281 North Highview Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126 708.822.8019 | hello@kristanriodesign.com | linkedin.com/in/kristan-pavloski-rio | issuu.com/kristanrio

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Interior Design professional with Highest Honors and hands-on residential design experience spanning client consultations, space planning, FF&E coordination, finish selections, sourcing, and client-ready documentation. Complemented by 30+ years of marketing, communications, and project management experience that strengthens client presentation, vendor coordination, organization, and attention to detail. Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Chief Architect, Houzz Pro, and Adobe Creative Suite, with experience producing technical drawings, 3D elevations, specification books, and finish schedules. Brings a thoughtful, highly organized approach to creating spaces that balance timeless aesthetics, functionality, and the individual client.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE June 2025 – Present Sole proprietor providing graphic and interior design services, including residential design support and client-ready documentation. Mission is to create spaces that blend purpose, style, and functionality. Interior Design Freelancer | Kristan Rio & Co. Interior Design | Elmhurst, IL

Crimson Design and Construction, LLC, Naperville, IL: • Produce detailed client specification books for residential projects, supporting accurate installations and maintaining design intent throughout execution. • Partner with the Lead Interior Designer on FF&E selections, material sourcing, project documentation, and client-ready deliverables. • Develop and maintain CRM master lists to organize prospective client information and support business-development efforts and new-client outreach. • Improve showroom organization and client experience by implementing a sample and merchandise labeling system while collaborating with the Lead Designer on welcoming meeting areas and custom branded slat-wall feature.

January 2026 – July 2026 Since 1912, Advance Mechanical Systems, Inc. has been a full-service mechanical and plumbing contractor specializing in building and maintaining HVAC and plumbing systems. VDC Coordinator | Advance Mechanical Systems, Inc. | Arlington Heights, IL

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Performed detailed clash detection in Navisworks, identifying conflicts between mechanical systems and other trades, and resolved coordination issues in Revit to support constructability and accurate installation. Managed project documentation workflows including review of product data submittals, maintenance of as-built drawings, and schedule updates to keep field teams aligned with current design intent throughout construction. Collaborated with BIM/VDC team, project managers, and other trades to coordinate technical requirements and resolve spatial conflicts throughout construction. Applied interior design training and space-planning principles to air terminals and ceiling-grid layouts while maintaining architectural intent.

May 2024 – August 2024 COD-Sponsored Summer Internship. Full-service interior design and styling company based in the suburbs of Chicago. Interior Design Intern | JoAnna Baum Interiors, LLC | Elmhurst, IL • • • •

Created AutoCAD 3D elevations supporting residential design concepts and installations. Participated in client site visits, design meetings, measurements, and installations alongside Principal Designer; assisted with vendor selections and material sourcing. Prepared client proposals using Houzz Pro, along with purchase orders, lighting cut sheets, and finish/paint schedules to support project execution. Developed AutoCAD style sheets incorporating corporate branding and technical specifications.

April 2023 – December 2024 Established in 2018, home décor store offering accessories, small accent furniture, and locally custom-made products located in the heart of Elmhurst. Home Decorator | Bread and Butter Home, Inc. | Elmhurst, IL

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Ensured store visual appeal by creating displays and merchandising products for optimal presentation. Assisted guests in achieving functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces through use of home décor products. Researched seasonal trends to maintain current shop environment and product offerings. Generated business for the shop through Instagram posts and word-of-mouth marketing.

September 2019 – August 2024 A Williams-Sonoma Company founded in 1956. Multi-brand, multi-channel Fortune 500 Company operating in 26 countries with headquarters in San Francisco. Design Studio Specialist | Pottery Barn Oakbrook | Oak Brook, IL

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Conducted one-on-one client consultations, developing 2D room plans and tailored furniture solutions based on client preferences, spatial requirements, and functional needs. Exceeded sales goals with average of $367k quarterly product sales and $509 sales per hour (126% vs. prior year as of July 2024). Provided online chat support generating additional $88k in product sales (August 2022–August 2023). Demonstrated superior product knowledge, including features and benefits of the entire design studio assortment for Bed & Bath, Design, and Home Accessory departments.

February 2006 – December 2024 Family-owned custom sheet metal fabrication contractor and union signatory with Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #73 and Millwright Local #1693. Incorporated in 1995 with a 60-year history specializing in custom fabrication projects highly tailored to individual client specifications. Chief Marketing Officer | Summit Sheet Metal Specialists, Inc. | Summit, IL

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Produced and modified AutoCAD drawings, project documentation, specifications, and cost estimates in coordination with external engineers, internal fabrication teams, and installation stakeholders. Coordinated project requirements, vendor information, and client specifications to maintain accuracy and design intent through fabrication and installation. Managed project administration, proposals, and cross-functional communications for a custom fabrication business serving commercial and architectural clients. Collaborated with two software engineers to develop an intranet-based system for business operations, minimizing duplication, streamlining workflows, and improving accuracy across departments. Developed and maintained company website and directed marketing and business-development efforts, including proposals, promotional materials, and client communications. Managed accounts payable, financial administration, union reporting, audits, and other operational responsibilities supporting day-to-day management of family-owned company.

March 2004 – February 2006 Corrugated packaging manufacturer since 1922 serving as single-source supplier for packaging products and services. Project Manager | The Royal Group | Cicero, IL • • • •

Led project management of packaging development lifecycle from initiation through execution, managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects. Coordinated cross-departmental communication between Marketing, Product Management, and Production teams to ensure accurate specifications and on-time delivery. Managed creative development process for carton artwork including 2-step dealer and big box distribution, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and trilingual copy requirements. Secured quotations and vendor relationships for marketing projects, negotiating costs and managing external resources while hiring, training, and supervising Marketing Services temporary staff.

February 2004 – February 2012 Founded by Horst M. Rechelbacher in 1978 and currently owned by Estée Lauder Company. Global plant and flower-based cosmetic company. Sales Advisor | AVEDA Corporation | Oak Brook, IL

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Provided excellent customer service to over 2,500 customers exceeding $104,000 in product sales. Maximized individual sales achieving $41.54 average unit sale by advising guests on merchandise suited to their needs and exceeding sales quotas. Communicated effectively with Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader to execute daily operations and assigned duties. Responsible for individual results related to Sales, Service, and Service Impact survey metrics.

June 2003 – Present Highly skilled freelance graphic designer with experience across various industries and product lines. Clients include law firms, accounting firms, manufacturing companies, and private individuals. Graphic Design Freelancer | Pavloski Graphics | Elmhurst, IL

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Managed corporate branding and created comprehensive marketing materials including print advertising for online publishing and newsprint/magazine publication, targeted postcards, bi-fold capabilities brochures, and technical documentation. Designed and launched corporate websites for legal clients including Goldstine, Skrodzki, Russian, Nemec and Hoff, Ltd. and Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group, managing full development lifecycle. Developed brand identity campaigns including 75 Year Anniversary logo design, commemorative employee apparel, and factory banners for Quam-Nichols Company. Consulted on trade show materials and technical documentation including booth designs, spec sheets, price lists, and educational curriculum materials for manufacturers across multiple industries.

July 2000 – June 2003 Marketer of nationally advertised automotive aftermarket chemicals. Reported to VP of Marketing working with Brand Management team on integrated marketing communications. Marketing Services Manager | Gold Eagle Company | Chicago, IL

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Managed execution of multi-channel marketing projects including consumer/trade advertising, package design, product collateral, and promotional materials from concept through production. Coordinated trade show project management for 6 national and 49 regional shows annually, managing booth design, setup, logistics, and vendor coordination. Negotiated vendor contracts with printers, illustrators, translators, and specialty firms to deliver quality materials within time and budget parameters. Hired, trained, and supervised Marketing Services Coordinator and Marketing Services Clerk.

March 1997 – October 1999 Master distributor for premier supplier lines in the electronics and electrical industry with $17M+ annual revenue. Reported to President/Chief Operating Officer. Marketing Communications Manager | Waldom Electronics, Inc. | Chicago, IL

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Managed marketing project execution coordinating timelines and deliverables across multiple promotional campaigns that increased sales volume. Led national and regional trade show coordination, managing logistics, vendor relationships, and project budgets. Developed and presented marketing strategies to senior management team and company executives as member of senior management team. Selected and supervised external vendors to ensure quality materials delivered within time and budget constraints.

Director, Corporate Communications | Urban Retail Properties Co. / JMB Realty Corporation | Chicago, IL

February 1994 – March 1997 Subsidiary of Urban Shopping Centers developed, owned, and managed 175 regional malls and community shopping centers. Reported to Chief Financial Officer. • • • •

Established in-house publishing services producing over $60,000 in annual cost savings while maintaining quality standards. Managed integration of all publication components including text, graphs, charts, photography, legal and departmental approvals, paper selection, binding, packaging, and distribution. Developed annual and quarterly reports, proposals for new business, and monthly newsletters for multiple shopping center properties. Selected and supervised vendors to ensure quality materials delivered within time and budget constraints.

EDUCATION College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn, IL Associate in Applied Science, Interior Design (Highest Honors Graduate) Interior Design Computer Applications Certificate, Interior Design Kravet Design of Distinction Award Interior Design Student Society, Treasurer DePaul University | Chicago, IL Bachelor of Arts, English Theta Phi Alpha Sorority, Member | Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Sweetheart, Member

REFERENCES Available upon request