PRESIDENT/PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
Susan Caruso
The history of Intra-Spec Hospitality Design begins with its founder and president, Susan Caruso. Caruso believes that design should be functional and comfortable as well as stunning in its presentation. This design philosophy has served her well during the past 15 years on projects large and small, located all over the country. Caruso's success is especially due to her ability to propose creative solutions to unique design challenges. Intra-Spec is known for its commitment to its clients and for Susan's involvement in every step of the design process. This level of personal attention ensures that every Intra-Spec design exemplifies Caruso's discriminating sense of style and taste. Caruso's many years of experience in the hospitality and design industry began at Design Interpretations in Playa del Rey where she served as a vice president. Caruso's work has been featured in numerous magazines and on HGTV. Susan is also currently one of principal designers for the Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, LLC.
Education: Professional Certificate, UCLA Extension, Los Angeles, CA; Interior Design
PRIMARY STAFF
Chris Porter - Senior Project Designer
With more than 20 years of experience working on hospitality and interior design projects, Chris Porter's involvement in the design process encompasses all types of conceptual design drawing. In his role at Intra-Spec, Porter's responsibilities include conceptual and detail drawings and coordination with architecture and other special project consultants. Porter is also familiar with the documentation process and facilitates the implementation of CAD documents
Education: B.S., Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ; Interior Design
Hari Sharma - Project Designer / CAD Manager
Hari Sharma has more than 5 years experience working on restaurant and hospitality projects. Sharma is responsible for overseeing the development of all construction documents including CAD drawings and details. Sharma's knowledge and attention to the detail ensures that every aspect of the design plan is successfully incorporated into the final drawing package.
Education: Professional Certificate, UCLA Extension, LA, CA; Interior Design. M.S., Indiana University, Bloomington, IN; B.A., Math concentration, IIT, Chennai, India; Math
Catherine Morse - Project Manager
With 8 years in the design field, Catherine Morse has experience in various realms of design, including hospitality, restaurant, stage and event production. While at Intra-Spec, she has been involved in several projects after initial concept to completion, including the Hilton Hotel, Glendale; Hotel Burnham, Chicago; Hotel Inter-Continental, Chicago; Hotel Argonaut, San Francisco; Cypress Hotel, Cupertino; and the Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge.
Education: Currently pursuing a B.S. In Industrial Design
Jessica Ramos - Junior Designer
Ms. Ramos is the newest member of the Intra-Spec team and has experience working on residential, mix-use, commercial and hospitality projects. At Intra-Spec, Ramos is responsible for the development of construction documents, as well as FF&E selection and space planning.
Education: B.S., Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY; Environmental Design Interiors.
Minor: Architecture.
Korey Walker - Design Assistant
Korey Walker has joined the Intra-Spec team, having recently graduated with a B.S. in Architectural Interior Design. Being at Intra-Spec has allowed her the opportunity to be involved in various aspects of the design process including design boards, specifications, CAD layouts.
Education: B.S., CA State University Northridge, Northridge, dge, CA; Architectural Interior Design
Tifanie McQueen - Office Manager
Tifanie McQueen has a background in theatre arts and management with experience in both costume and set design. She brings her management and organizational skills to the Intra-Spec team. In addition to managing the office, she also assists designers with research and writing specifications, puts together project presentation boards, and handles requests of clients and vendors.
Education: B.F.A., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM; Theatre
