Over the past 17 years, Design Alternatives Inc. has designed over 2 million square feet of interior projects. Our long time relationship with wholesalers allows us to offer the best possible deals. Design Alternatives Inc., established in 1982, has expanded the studio showroom’s product mix and has focused on providing the important components needed to create a finished space. Our talented staff has renovated and redesigned several health care facilities, assisted living and adult community centers as well as CCRCs. Most notably, Design Alternatives Inc. is credited for the complete design and project management of several national hotel chains including Holiday Inn,Ramada Inn and Quality Inn.

 

Carrie Fusella - President
Allied Member ASID, (American Society of Interior Designers)
CAPS, (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)
IDS, (Interior Design Society)
CSA, (Certified Senior Advisor)
Member of Women in Hospitality

Carrie Fusella, IDS, Allied ASID, CAPS, is a leading interior design professional with over 23 years of experience in both residential and commercial spaces. Since studying Art Therapy at Penn State University, she has worked in all facets of the design industry, from furniture sales to developing and implementing marketing strategies for a celebrity furniture line. Carrie has had several television appearances on The Haven, a nationally syndicated home decorating program hosted by Joy Philbon. Her work has also appeared in New Jersey Monthly and The Star Ledger. She has also assisted producer, Bob Nightingale, in developing programming and securing sponsorships for several productions including a number of Christmas decorating specials. Carrie later collaborated with Nightingale Associates to assist Jaclyn Smith with designing a line of accessories, upholstery and soft goods to accompany an existing successful case goods program. Carrie was part of the new business development team that was responsible for research, product development and implementing marketing strategies. She was also instrumental in designing, outsourcing, branding and distribution. One of Carrie’s main passions is raising awareness for universal design. As an avid Aging-In-Place specialist and Certified Senior Advisor, most of Carrie’s work is done renovating and redesigning health care facilities, assisted living communities, adult community centers, and CCRCs, just to name a few. Carrie is actively sought after for her extensive knowledge in senior-related products and services. In 1999, Seniority America turned to her for advice on business development strategies as well as to secure funding. Carrie continues to attend conferences, tradeshows and seminars, as new regulations and products are frequently introduced and it is very important for her and her staff to be aware of new trends. Design Alternatives Inc., a commercial interior design studio, was founded by Carrie in 1982. Her forte is not only in determining a client’s needs, but also in creating interiors that combine personal style, creativity, and practicality, all while adhering to the client’s budget. Carrie’s list of accomplishments continues to grow. Projects range from remodeling corporate offices to completely renovating several national hotel chains including: Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Quality Inn. She also used her expertise to redesign several hotel ballrooms such as the Crystal Point in Point Pleasant, NJ. Carrie continues to work with Jersey Mike’s Sub Shops, which has successfully redeveloped their image. She is involved in all stages of design, from concept development to supervising construction and installation. Her ability to carry out her vision, sharp listening skills, and eye for details help make her client’s dreams a reality.


Mary Gray - Interior Designer / Office Manager

Mary Gray brings more than 30 years of design expertise to the Design Alternatives team. Since earning a BFA from Kean University, she has worked in all facets of the design industry, most recently as the owner of her own design firm for nearly 5 years.The bulk of her experience is in high end residential design. She has designed rooms in several Designer Show houses and had the pleasure of seeing her designs published in both Design NJ and New Jersey Monthly. After becoming the primary caregiver for her aging and ailing father and stepmother, and spending much of her time in hospitals and hospice centers, she became aware of the need for quality design in the commercial healthcare field. She joined Design Alternatives in 2005 with the intent of changing the focus of her career to Commercial Design, in particular Healthcare. Mary is also invaluable as our Office Manager.

 

 

 


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