Christina McKinney

Leads the formal design review process for all new construction and conversion properties within the Comfort, Sleep,
Mainstay and Clarion Pointe brands across the United States.
Proactively manages interior design submittals and provides support to franchisees, designers, and procurement companies
with all design-related inquiries, working to secure final interior design approvals 4-6 months in advance of hotel opening.
Reviews and documents all Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) and GC drawing and specification submittals for
compliance with brand standards and composes written recommendations or approvals.
Monitors the FF&E procurement and installation process of multiple design projects concurrently while establishing open
communication and reporting with the Brand Management and Operations teams to keep all partners informed.

Manages, controls and monitors all aspects of interior décor, signage, and furniture, from development to execution, for 6-8 new stores per year, as well as 60+ existing stores, in the Mid-Atlantic region. Coordinates with members on the Construction, Marketing, Regional Leadership, Product, and Store teams, as well as outside vendors and contractors, to ensure the greatest quality and innovation of décor, furniture, and merchandising elements. Maintains project budgets and timelines, provides on-site supervision and guidance, and contributes to the design process by reviewing and redlining construction documents, identifying cost optimization and value engineering opportunities, overseeing all bidding and hiring of décor and furniture vendors, and providing artistic direction, support, and solutions to all stores throughout the region.

U.S. Department of Commerce, Space Management, Interior Designer & Project Manager:
Provided professional services, such as the preparation of floor plans, cost estimates, project scheduling, FF&E specification, and the production of construction documents, for all projects involving the alteration or reconfiguration of space within the 1.8M sq. ft. Herbert C. Hoover Building. Responsibilities included oversight and management of up to 20 projects simultaneously, establishing working relationships with a wide variety of clients and contractors, and providing daily coordination and technical guidance for a broad range of interior design problems. Continuously worked to improve processes and effectiveness, and conducted on-site observation throughout the duration of work to ensure efficiency and timeliness, as well as a final inspection of all spaces upon completion to guarantee quality for the work performed.

Responsible for developing, leading, and motivating a diverse team of 15 interior designers, visual merchandisers, carpenters, and graphic designers in order to meet a $150M annual sales goal, and contribute towards various business priorities, within a 310,000 sq. ft. retail facility. Worked as part of the store leadership team to manage all on-going projects, train, mentor and recruit staff, and successfully combine commercial and aesthetic skills to present and communicate inspirational home furnishing solutions that optimized sales and built positive brand perception.

Supervised and challenged a team of eight visual merchandisers to continually increase their knowledge of the local market and develop relevant, inspiring display solutions that increased departmental and overall store sales. Responsible for all creative development, strategic planning, and execution of small and large-scale remodels within the store, including visual presentation, space planning, project management, budgeting, fixture and material ordering, and coordination of all contractors and outside vendors.

Planned and implemented displays within the shoppable areas of the store, providing highly functional, inspirational, and innovative solutions that brought the IKEA catalog to life for the customer. Worked in collaboration with the in-store sales and logistics teams to create solutions that reflect seasonal relevance, maintain the store layout, understand and achieve business goals, and highlight changing sales priorities.

Established and met monthly sales goals by providing enthusiastic, professional service to high-end furniture customers. Established routines, executed visual displays, and optimized space planning in order to secure visual standards.

Design Home Interiors, Interior Designer / June 2009 – June 2010
Collaborated with a team of interior designers to provide full-service design services to residential clients, including in-home design consultations, efficient space planning, and selection of furniture, finishes, and accessories.