A Senior Designer at Studio Michael Ellison is responsible for managing multiple projects from start to finish taking full accountability down to each detail. Senior Designers manage all facets of high-end residential design for projects that are both ground up construction or full-scale renovations. Senior designers are extremely organized, have strong communication skills, leadership skills and are team players who enjoy collaborating but also work autonomously when needed.
Senior Designer tasks include, but are not limited to:
• Design Ideation and Initial Consultations
• Drawings and Floor Plan Development
• Coordinate, attend and lead client meetings
• Construction Administration: Communication and Management of On-site
• Builders or Trades. Providing diligent site supervision with a focus on design implementation and quality control. Proactively managing client and contractor communication
• Sourcing of Architectural Materials and Finishes and FF&E
• Preparation of presentations and proposals for vendors for custom design
• Preparation of design presentations & proposals and send to client
• FF&E Purchasing/procurement with tracking in Studio Designer. Coordinate and manage deliveries, storage, and installations
• Vendor communication
• On-site Installation and Site Visits
• Managing project schedules. Ensuring the accuracy, timely installation and
• quality of all aspects of a remodel project
• Managing daily tasks for dedicated junior staff (2+ team members)
• Provide mentorship to dedicated junior staff (2+ team members)
• Work seamlessly with the Principal to manage all aspects of all assigned projects. Weekly/bi-weekly update calls.
Senior Designers possess the following skills:
• AutoCAD proficiency
• Sketchup proficiency
• Studio Designer proficiency
• Critical thinking skills
• Leadership qualities; ability to delegate to junior team and give clear and direct
Communication
A native Texan, Michael Ellison relocated to New York City in 2001 to begin a successful acting and modeling career. Years later, he took his creative passion and love for design and transitioned to the interior design world.
He gained experience at top design firms, including Philip Gorrivan Design, Eric Cohler Design, Thom Filicia, and David Kleinberg, where he honed his skills in interior design and worked on numerous residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, including Grace Bay Club and Rock House in Turks and Caicos, among others.
As his career progressed, Michael joined WorkshopAPD and quickly rose to a leadership role as the Design Director of the Interiors Department and was promoted to Associate, bringing in his projects and managing a team of 15 to handle 15-20 projects simultaneously, gaining valuable experience in ground-up construction and renovations in New York City and abroad.
In March 2022, Michael founded his firm, Studio Michael Ellison, in Midtown Manhattan. Michael and his team have designed a luxury portfolio in NYC, Nantucket, Texas, Palm Beach, Miami, Santa Barbara and Turks and Caicos.
Recent publications: House Beautiful, AD Spain / Mexico City / Poland.
