Design Rooted in Strategy, Experience, & Empathy
I’m a commercial designer with 12+ years of experience supporting furniture dealerships, leading teams, and streamlining the connection between sales and design. My work spans from complex systems layouts to showroom strategy and small reconfigurations — always with a focus on solving the right problem at the right time.
This page includes a selection of past projects, chosen not just for how they look, but for the challenges they helped solve. While I can’t name every client, you’ll find examples across industries like education, nonprofit, corporate, and distribution.
You’ll also find my resume below — a summary of my professional experience, leadership roles, and skill sets that I bring to both contract work and permanent design positions.
As someone who moved a lot growing up, I learned early that space shapes everything. I design to give people that sense of stability, purpose, and ease — wherever they are.
~Emily
Portfolio Highlights
Here are just a few of the projects I have worked on during my time in the industry.
(To see more information on each project – click on the expansion arrow.)
Misc. Projects
Spec Suite Development
Client Type | Real Estate Development Firm
Problem Solved | The client needed to market an upcoming multi-tenant building in a high-profile economic development zone. Their goal was to attract diverse prospective tenants by showing how the space could flexibly support a range of businesses. They wanted to provide not just marketing visuals but a curated leasing and furniture package that would elevate the tenant experience from day one.
Role | Led the space planning and visual storytelling for the proposed spec suite. Created a balanced floorplan that blended collaborative zones with traditional office settings, and developed renderings to help prospects picture themselves in the space. Partnered with the dealership team to align furniture selections with the developer’s brand and business goals.
Tools Used | CET | AutoCAD | Adobe Suite
Result | The project was paused due to COVID-related construction delays, but the design and presentation materials exceeded the client’s expectations. The collaboration helped strengthen the relationship between the dealership and the developer, paving the way for future opportunities when the project resumes or new developments arise.
Strategic Case Study
Client Type | Internal – Design Leadership & Strategic Solutions Team
Problem Solved | Our dealership was creating a new senior role focused on complex RFPs and premium client experiences. To select the right candidate, leadership developed a case study project simulating the type of challenge this position would face: crafting a compelling, strategy-led solution for a hypothetical “White Glove” client, complete with visuals, budget tiers, and storytelling.
Role | As part of the interview process, I developed the full design response. This included a vision summary, inspiration imagery for multiple zones, an ecosystem-based concept review, a high-impact rendering, and a tiered budget strategy. My goal was to approach the case study like a real client presentation — clear, persuasive, and visually memorable.
Tools Used | CET | PowerPoint
Result | My submission showcased how I approach strategy, storytelling, and sales enablement — and ultimately helped me earn the Senior Designer, Project Applications Specialist role. The process also laid the groundwork for how I later supported real RFP wins, showroom strategy, and high-profile customer experiences within the Strategic Solutions team.
Workplace Reset
Client Type | Pharmaceutical Company
Problem Solved | The client held an entire floor of office space but wanted to give back half to the landlord post-COVID. Their existing furniture standards felt outdated, and they needed a fresh space plan that would not only reflect new ways of working but also encourage employees to return to the office. With no walls to keep, the goal was to start from scratch and create an environment worth coming back to — all while justifying the investment to an internal board.
Role | Developed initial layout concepts and high-level renderings to support internal buy-in. Collaborated with client leadership to visualize the possibilities and streamline storytelling for executive approval.
Tools Used | CET, AutoCAD
Result | Our early concepts helped the client secure board approval and move forward with construction. The new space — now half the original footprint — was successfully installed. Since reopening, the client has reported increased employee presence in-office and strong adoption of the updated space, proving that a smart reset can do more than just save square footage.
Down Syndrome Advocacy
Client Type | Non-Profit Foundation
Problem Solved | The foundation had grown significantly and needed a new headquarters that honored its founders’ legacy while serving as a welcoming, inclusive space for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, staff, and visiting dignitaries. The design needed to balance thoughtful accessibility — like seating height, visibility, and circulation — with warmth, beauty, and a polished professional feel.
Role | Led the design and furniture specification process from competitive bid through installation. Created bid visuals and documentation that secured the win, then worked closely with the founders to bring their personal vision to life. Partnered directly with the manufacturer to ensure final pieces reflected the intent of the original design down to the last detail.
Tools Used | CET, AutoCAD
Result | The completed space became a vibrant, nationally recognized hub for advocacy, events, and community support. It not only reflected the founders’ story but physically embodied the foundation’s mission of inclusion and empowerment. Years later, the installed furnishings remain true to the original design — a testament to intentional planning and lasting partnership.
Architectural Headquarters
Client Type | Architectural Firm
Problem Solved | Tasked with designing their own headquarters in a historic building, the client needed support navigating a complex mix of challenges: construction limitations, refined design preferences, and a significantly reduced furniture budget late in the process. The pressure was high — not only to meet their expectations as expert designers themselves, but also to uphold a long-standing partnership and future referral potential.
Role | Served as the lead designer and furniture strategist, partnering with both the architectural team and construction contractor. Delivered value-engineered solutions that preserved their design vision while meeting new budget realities. Coordinated closely with manufacturers to unlock additional discounts and align product selections with power and construction constraints.
Tools Used | CET, AutoCAD
Result | The final installation honored both the aesthetic intent and the reduced budget — a win for design integrity and financial stewardship. The client praised our attention to detail and partnership mindset, and the relationship has since deepened with continued collaboration on future projects and referrals.
Volunteer Center
Client Type | Non-Profit Organization Supporting the Homeless Community
Problem Solved | The client needed to solve two space-related challenges on a tight deadline: repurpose an underused workstation zone, and provide a warm, functional environment for volunteers who had previously been assembling care kits in a cold garage. The design also needed to win over skeptical leadership concerned about cost and nearby employees concerned about noise and disruption.
Role | Led space planning and specifications. Partnered with the client to understand concerns from all stakeholders and create a flexible layout that served both volunteers and staff. Designed a multi-use lounge and workspace, introduced acoustic separation via demountable walls, and developed a quick-turn plan that could be ordered in under a week.
Tools Used | CET
Result | The project was installed in time for National Volunteer Week and immediately embraced by all user groups. The space now supports volunteer efforts in a warm, welcoming environment while doubling as an amenity space and conference room during downtime — maximizing both square footage and impact.
360° Virtual Walkthrough Collection
Client Type | Various – Corporate, Legal, Tech, Government, Media
Problem Solved | When responding to RFPs that emphasized creativity, our team needed a way to move beyond 2D plans and static visuals. These clients wanted to feel the space before making a decision — often with limited time to review proposals. The challenge was to tell a compelling design story in a fully immersive way.
Role | Took early-stage CET layouts from team members and transformed them into high-impact, 360° Yulio walkthroughs. Enhanced each scene to feel intentional, vibrant, and tailored to the client’s brand and goals. Focused on intuitive camera placement and holistic visual storytelling to make every view matter.
Tools Used | CET, Yulio, Adobe Suite
Result | These walkthroughs helped us win over 80% of the RFPs we submitted, including major accounts like STARZ, Hunter Douglas, and Red Canary. Even in cases where we didn’t win, we received direct feedback on how impressed the selection teams were with our immersive, professional presentation.
Resume
Software
CET
AutoCad
Adobe Creative Suites
Revit
BluBeam
Yulio
Twinmotion
Microsoft Suites
Skills & Career Highlights
Design Expertise
Space Planning
Workplace Strategy
Furniture Specification
Environmental Branding
Installation Documentation
Reconfigurations
Change Management
Business & Process
Workflow Optimization
RFP & Proposal Support
Template Creation
taught at CET Conference 3 times
lead designer on 4 seprate showrooms
extensive cet expertise, feedback contributer for configura
led dealer design teams of 12-14 people
Business & Process ctd.
Al Integration
Training & Onboarding
Client Presentation Design
Dealer Collaboration
Leadership
Team Mentorship
Strategic Planning
Cross-Departmental
Alignment
Creative Direction
Showroom Strategy
Professional Experience
Studioflow designs LLC – Denver, co
Founder & Principal Designer
July 2025 – Present
•Provide contract design services to commercial furniture dealerships during high-demand periods
•Support end-to-end project work including space planning, furniture specification, renderings, and documentation
•Develop templates, tools, and training resources that improve efficiency and process consistency
•Offer specialty services such as RFP responses, CET template creation, and virtual walkthroughs (Yulio, Twinmotion)
•Collaborate with design teams as a trusted partner- bringing expertise, speed, and flexibilityWorking Spaces – Denver, co
Vice President of Design
November 2024 – July 2025
•Lead a team of 12-14 designers, overseeing workload, performance, and team development
•Set strategic vision for design operations, driving process improvements and design excellence
•Collaborate with sales teams on high-profile projects and RFPs to craft winning solutions
•Direct showroom design and implement technologies that streamline workflowsDesign Director
June 2024 – November 2024
•Led a team of 12- 14 designers, managing performance, resourcing, and development
•Set strategic vision for design operations and process improvement
•Partnered with sales and leadership on showroom strategy, large projects, and RFP wins
•Directed rollout of new technologies, including Al integration initiativesSlate | elements (formerly officescapes) – Denver, co
Design Manager
October 2023 – June 2024
•Led, coached, and developed a high-performing team of designers
•Executed resource planning and workflow optimization to meet deadlines and elevate standards
•Partnered on key client pursuits and managed showroom design projectsSenior Designer – Innovation & Development Lead
June 2023 – October 2023
•Pioneered new training programs, design standards, and software adoption
•Led a multi-building showroom design during a company merger
•Provided feedback to Configura and Steelcase on CET improvementsSenior Designer & Project Team Coordinator
October 2020 – January 2023
•Combined design and project management roles, setting timelines and coordinating across trades
•Researched and implemented 3D virtual walkthrough tools for enhanced presentationsSenior Designer – Strategic Solutions Specialist
November 2017 – October 2020
•Sole designer for multiple showrooms and key member of the RFP team
•Led a 32,000 sq ft showroom remodel through pandemic restrictions
•Developed standards for visual communication and product applicationProject Designer–> Senior Designer
June 2014 – November 2017
•Delivered customized solutions across a variety of client types and space needs
•Managed projects from programming through installation, ensuring quality and alignmentIntelligent commercial environments – Denver, co
Project Manager
February 2013 – June 2014
•Managed full-cycle furniture projects including programming, design, order management, and installation
•Developed strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure successful delivery
Education
Bachelor of Science | Interor Design
Minor | English
Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO
3.719 GPA | Cum Laude
When You’re Ready, I’m Here
Want to learn more about a project, see additional work, or discuss how I can support your team?
Let’s talk.
StudioFlow Designs (by Emily Cooper) 