Suzanne Denning - Background on BrightFuse

About Me

Suzanne Denning
Currently self employed
I own my own Interior Design & window fashion business in Salem, OR. It was opened in 1989. In business 20 years this year!

I am looking for an interesting project or position in some type of interior design related field. Part time would be ideal. I would also consider any "creative" type position or temporary project such as marketing, merchandise display or event planning.

I would consider "partnering" on projects with other designers or interior related companies who could use help on a project. I am also interested in doing freelance design work for furniture companies or others who would like to provide design services or window treatment services to their clients but don't have a staff member able to handle the project.

My Strengths
Self manager & self starter
Able to handle large projects & manage co-workers as needed.
Excellent people skills.
Would be able to serve as manager of a firm.
Manage & purchase for sample libraries.
Attend markets to help with showroom purchases.
I can see a project through from start to finish.
I am able to work in all styles of design.
39 years experience in the building trade.
I love design & areas where I can be creative.

I was an NWSID member & past president of the Portland, OR chapter. (Northwest Society of Interior Designers) I met the qualifications for associate membership. As president, I learned how to handle committees, preside over meetings using parliamentary procedure & set up projects & programs. I also participated in many group projects including our annual public interior design lecture series.

Working with NWSID members on large group projects taught me that there may be many "right" ways to proceed with a project & that by encouraging dialog among team members, we can usually come up with a plan that is workable for many rather than just a few. In the event that I am responsible for a final decision to be made I have no problem making those decisions.

Work Experience

Jun 1989 - present

salem, OR (US)

owner/designer
Suzanne Marie's Interiors
Interior Design
• Full service interior designer
• Window Fashion Certified Professional/master
• Proficient in all phases of interior design
• Home staging
• Color consultant
• Specializing in new construction consultation
• Exterior design including patio & yard features
• Proficient with small-medium commercial projects.
• Designed interiors for many Portland Street of Dreams, Salem Home Builders tour & COBA tour projects over the years

• Proficient on the computer, WORD, Photo programs, Dream Draper, Can build websites using Adobe Contribute.

Education

1970 - present
Other
39 years of on-the-job training
I began building homes in 1970. That gives me about 39 years of experience in building, designing & living in many of the homes I designed. I have learned first hand how important pre-planning & attention to function & detail is to a project. I have learned the importance of correct lighting in a project. I am very familiar with many of the showrooms in our area & use the internet extensively for further research for the newest products. I network with builders through home builders meetings & designers through other networking sources. There is no school that can give me the kind of working knowledge & experience that I have gained in the "field".
1989 - 2005
Other
Interior design seminars & Window Fashion Certified Professional
Window Fashion Certified Professional/ Master
Certification has numerous levels. Master is the highest level. Certification achieved by attending seminars, passing tests & providing a project for each level of certification.

Continued Education attending seminars in all fields of interior design.
1989 - 1990
Other
Chemeketa Small Business Training

In 1989 I enrolled in the Chemeketa Community College Small Business Program, a year long class & mentoring program. Through the program I learned how to run a small business, set up bookkeeping suitable for the business & keep the proper documentation etc required to run a successful business. It included a mentoring experience that allowed me to continue to grow in proficiency & get any additional help I needed.