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About UsOver the past 20 years, Design Alternatives Inc. has designed over 4 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 1989, 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 facilities, assisted living and adult community centers as well as CCRC’s. Also most notably, Design Alternatives Inc. is credited for the complete design and project management of several national hotel chains including Intercontinental Companies such as the Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Cendant properties including Ramada Inn and Quality Inn as well as the PHS Senior Living facility.
An active member in several design organizations including IDS (Interior Design Society), CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) Allied ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist), is a leading interior design professional with over 29 years of experience in both residential and commercial spaces. Carrie is current on all the latest Art Therapy, Branding and Design techniques, she has worked in all facets of the design industry, from furniture sales to developing and implementing marketing and branding strategies for the Jacyln Smith furniture line. 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. Click here for more certifications and affiliation information Ralph Fusella, Vice President Ralph Fusella encouraged Carrie to stop working for other firms and open up her own business more than 20 years ago. So in 1989, they opened Design Alternatives together and worked from their home until they grew this company into a large corporation that serves many clients and industries. Today, they have a large showroom that sells numerous products and services to hundreds of clients and organizations in the tri state area. Ralph specializes in the installation of many of the products that are selected and specified for the projects. He has 30 years experience as a master carpenter, exquisite tile installer, sheet rocker, framer, and all around talented installer of the many unique products not found in other stores. 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 Michael Schaneman Joining Design Alternatives Inc in 2007, Mike has become an invaluable member of our team. He specializes in finish carpentry and has lead the installation of several projects for us including a 6750 square foot formal dining room in an assisted living facility. Mike began his career in general carpentry and worked his way up to lead carpenter and team leader. Mike has proved his worth with his excellent visualizing and problem solving skills and we know if he is on the job site that the design plan will be adhered to and that the project will be completed to our client’s satisfaction. |
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Carrie Fusella CEO and President