Susie Buchanan
Owner, Principal Designer
www.sbuchananassociates.com
intdesignerchef@aol.com
4115 SW Laurelwood Avenue w Portland, OR 97225 w 503-319-8940 w 503-203-1273
Background combines breadth of professional experience, specialized training, and highly developed client intuition. Creative, dynamic, project-oriented and versatile, with key skills in:
color/texture/space analysis and integration needs assessment
relationship building
cost and time management
purchasing/inventory control
quality assurance
event planning and coordination
sales and marketingstyle guidance/mentoring
client support/educationvendor sourcing/research
merchandising and visual display
Highly motivated, conscientious, and adaptable, with deep commitment to design innovation and customer satisfaction. Excellent recommendations, as well as portfolio, are available on request.Credentials: Allied Member of ASID since 2005; Associate Member of NWSID since 1994 (sat on Board of Education). Associate in Arts Degree from Mt. Hood Community College (Horticulture and Business); two years of Interior Design study at Marylhurst University.
Employment Highlights
1995 to present BUCHANAN ASSOCIATES/FINISHING TOUCHES Portland, OR
Co-founder/PrincipalEstablished and nurtured design consulting business, completing projects for such luminaries as Portland Trail-Blazers and handling buying, merchandising, and visual displays for 13 Portland-area stores (for the last four years a key account has been Please Be Seated). Worked with Sunset Magazine on Portland Sunset Idea Home. Assisted Norm Thompson with catalogue decorations. Control all phases of the business: i.e., client relations, bidding/ estimating, contract writing, finances, advertising, buying, project execution, modifications and revisions, problem solving, and promotion. Have built loyal client base and positive community profile, completing show houses for four high-profile local builders. Currently working on two models for Eagles Loft Luxury Condominiums. « Won “Best Master Suite” in 2005 Street of Dreams and “Best Use of Interior Colors and “Best Use of Textures” in 2002 Street of New Beginnings.« Hideaway Condominiums at Eagles Landing appears at www.oregonlive.com, other work appeared in Daily Journal of Commerce and the Oregonian, and on website for JeldWen Windows and Doors.« Projects were featured on “Good Day Oregon” broadcast and on their URL for three years’ running.
1976 to 1989 BLACK EYED SUSAN’S Lake Oswego, OR
Owner/ManagerPromoted, sold and designed floral arrangements for weddings, banquets, parties, and various events for individuals and corporations. In charge of inventory, accounting, purchasing, quality assurance, customer relations.OTHER EXPERIENCEEight years as instructor with Floral Design Institute; five years in sales and project support with Kravet Fabric and Furniture Showroom; several years in part-time sales for Carl Greve Jewelers, On Two, Europa French Antiques, and Please Be Seated.
