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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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