Portfolio 2020 Issue
Behind the
design with Suzette Wright
5 brands
worth knowing
virtual design at its best
Feature Story
Behind the design with Suzette Wright
I’m an interior stylist, space planner, organizer, and a builder of products and brands.
My career in home design and product development spans over 20 years. My experience at the ground level of startup businesses like Zeus Living, India Hicks, Madewell, and Stella & Dot afforded me the opportunity to learn a broad range of skills in design and business operations. Urban Outfitters is where my career started in product development of home furnishings and accessories. While there I traveled regularly to several countries to work with artisans developing bedding, rugs, lighting, furniture, and home accessories. I later moved into fashion, working for Madewell, Stella & Dot, and India Hicks focusing on product development, styling, and merchandising. In 2009 while working for Stella & Dot I relocated to China and India where I further honed my skills and knowledge of material sourcing and product engineering. In 2011 I decided to redirect my focus on home & Commercial design, a passion I was eager to pursue. Later that year, after returning to the U.S., I began taking classes at New York School of Interior Design. In 2017 I joined the team at James Huniford to develop a line of furniture for Collective Design Fair. In 2019 I was invited to style the VIP and public lounges at The Armory Show, and I joined the team at Zeus Living where I styled and furnished more than 150 apartments throughout the New York Metro Area. Today I am continuing my pursuit of projects in home design, organizing, space planning, and product development.
Home & Commercial Design “Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.” – David Hicks
New York Home Design For Zeus Living
Design Concept - Urban Edge Skyscrapers, high-rises, steel, concrete, and street art. Deep rich tones, leather, glass, metal, and wood.
New York Home Design For Zeus Living
Designed apartments - Urban Edge Styled and furnished 150 apartments ranging in size from studio to four bedroom.
New York Home Design For Zeus Living
Design Concept - Sophisticated Modern Narrow tree lined streets. Warm, cozy, and inviting. A soft color palette of warm neutral tones. Pulling nature in through the use of natural materials, textures, chunky knits, velvet, and silk.
New York Home Design For Zeus Living
Designed apartments - Sophisticated Modern Styled and furnished 150 apartments ranging in size from studio to four bedroom.
After
The W Home Design For Zeus Living
Transformed 3 floors at The Residence at The W Created warm functional living spaces with a focus on the stunning views of lower Manhattan while making room to entertain, relax, and work from home.
Before
After
The Armory Show Commercial Design for Private Client
Styled the VIP and Public Lounges For the 2019 Armory Show Before
After
Soho Design Studio Commercial Design for Private Client
A head turning makeover of a Soho design studio and showroom. Refreshed and restyled a Soho design studio and showroom. Created a beautiful backdrop to showcase jewelry and accessories while redefining private and collaborative work spaces. Before
Brooklyn Cafe Commercial Design for Private Client
Design concept and space planning of a cafe & grocery store in Brooklyn. Design Concept & Plan
Tiny House Architectural and interior design renderings. Design Concept & Plan
Copenhagen Flat Home Design for Private Client
Bispegaarden apartment renovation. Converted two 1 bed, 1 bath units into a 2 bed, 1 bath single family flat in this neoclassical multi-storey building. Bispegaarden was designed by Poul Henningsen and Kay Fisker, who are both prominent names in Danish architectural history, and who both stand for some of the most iconic buildings in Denmark. Design Concept & Plan
Skills & Tools Home & Commercial Design
Interior styling, organizing, and space planning have always been my passion.
- Created design concepts for companies and private clients. - Managed fast turn virtual design process for furnished rentals. - Worked within budget requirements. - Owned product selection and purchasing. - Determined appropriate placement of furniture to maximize the space. - Provided staging guidance using online tools. - Built and implemented a product Time & Action Calendar for product sampling and procurement. - Created a WIP reporting tool to track the sampling and development process. - Prepared floor plans, design concepts, and renderings.
Product Development “Our role is to imagine products that don’t exist and guide them to life.” – Apple designer Christopher Stringer
Home Product Development and Production For Huniford Collection
Product development & production of furniture, lighting, and pillows for Huniford Collection.
Home Product Development and Production For Urban Outfitters
Product development & production of furniture, lighting, textiles, and housewares for Urban Outfitters.
Fashion Product Development and Production For India Hicks
Product development & production of handbags, scarves, beauty, and jewelry for India Hicks.
Fashion Product Development and Production For Madewell
Product development & production of handbags, scarves, footwear, and jewelry for Madewell.
Fashion Product Development, Production, and Social Good For Stella & Dot
Product development, production, and social responsibility for jewelry at Stella & Dot.
Skills & Tools Product Development & Production
More than 20 years of experience building products and brands.
- Successfully lead Product Development and Production for the furniture, home accessories and fashion accessories. - Implemented Time and Action process and WIP reporting tools to ensure timely execution and delivery of goods. - Facilitated cross-functional team communication across design, merchandising, and production. - Sourced luxury materials such as Italian leather, and effectively negotiated cost to exceed goals. - Traveled to Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central America to source, and visit tanneries and factories. - Lived in Asia where I learned first hand material sourcing, construction, and creative problem solving.
Thank you! References are available upon request.
For more information you can reach me by email at wrightsuz@gmail.com or by phone at 917 294 1221