our design and installation teams

Over the past 30 years…

Design Alternatives, Inc. has designed over 4 million square feet of interior projects.  We specialize in providing complete design services, leading clients from conception through completion for new construction as well as renovating existing facilities.  From consultation to installation, purchasing and project management, we are your full service Commercial Interior Design Firm. Our talented staff has renovated and redesigned several facilities, assisted living and adult community clubhouses 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 SpringPoint Senior Living facilities.  In 2017, Design Alternatives was also awarded NJBIZ – 50 Fastest Growing Businesses in NJ.

The Design Team

Carrie Fusella, CEO and President

Carrie Fusella is a leading interior design professional with over 35 years of experience primarily in health care, hospitality, and commercial spaces.  She is an active member in several design organizations including IDS (Interior Design Society), CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) Allied ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), and CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist).  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 a nationally recognized 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.

Kelly Lipfert, Operations Manager

Kelly started her career on Wall Street and worked her way up to a Vice President at Goldman Sachs.  After the attacks on September 11, 2001, she left the corporate world to sow her entrepreneurial oats. Kelly opened her luxury gift boutique – Urban Details, in Spring Lake, NJ. After 12 successful years, she closed the Brick and Mortar to launch Urban Details,  an e-commerce business. Kelly now brings her extensive corporate and creative experience to Design Alternatives where she is responsible for Purchasing and Logistics, Administration including bookkeeping, Budgets and Contracts, Data Analysis, Marketing, Human Resources and Office Management. Kelly’s eye for detail helps the design team ensure the correct products are being ordered for the clients to keep all our jobs on time and on budget.

Keri Tickle, Senior Designer

With over 20 years of experience, Keri is a licensed interior designer who brings a blend of architectural expertise and creative vision to every project. After studying architecture, Keri focused her career on interiors, where she combines her understanding of structure and scale with a passion for creating functional, beautiful spaces.

Keri comes to Design Alternatives from leading architectural and interior design firms. Having experience in both the residential and commercial design sectors she crafts environments that reflect the unique needs and personalities of her clients. Whether working on a welcoming hospitality space, a home renovation, or a new office, she ensures that each design is a balanced blend of style and practicality.

Viewing interiors as an extension of the architecture, Keri approaches each project with a unique perspective on spatial flow, structure, and design integration. Keri upholds the highest professional standards, ensuring that every space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically sound.

Keri’s design philosophy is centered on collaboration, innovation, and a deep attention to detail. She is dedicated to transforming your vision into reality, creating spaces that elevate your lifestyle and enhance the way you live, work, and play.

Jenna Messemer, Staff Designer

Jenna has a masters degree in sustainable interior environments and bachelors in Interior Design. Before joining Design Alternatives she was a freelance designer, the lead interior designer for Walters Homes, 3D modeler for K Hovnanian and draftsman at Feldman and Feldman architects. As a lead designer, Jenna provided design guidance from initiation through completion. She managed the design center and worked closely with the firm’s architect, to determine how interior spaces will look and function.

George McGuire, Project Manager

George joined Design Alternatives in September 2017. He is a Master Carpenter and Woodworker and has been an expert in the building and renovation industry for over 25 years. George is an essential part of our team and leads up Millwork Production and Installation. His excellent workmanship is evident in every project we complete.

Ralph Fusella, Field Supervisor

Carrie’s Partner and Husband for 30 years.

Ralph Fusella encouraged Carrie to stop working for other firms and open up her own business. 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 over 30 years’ experience as a master carpenter, exquisite tile installer, sheet rocker, framer, and all around talented installer of the many unique design products on the market today.

Mikaela Kozak, Design Intern

Mikaela is a current interior design student at Brookdale Community College with a background in Marketing and Graphic Design. She has always had a passion for interior design ever since she was very young. Mikaela worked for a local flower shop in Point Pleasant for three and a half years, and believes the experience further enhanced her design expertise. In 2017, she participated in an internship program in Merchandise at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Her exposure to several unique situations and experiences allowed her to grow as a professional, and as an individual. She was hired here, at Design Alternatives, as an unpaid intern in February of 2018. Our team admired her work ethic, and as a result we decided to take her on as a part-time employee almost immediately. She looks forward to advancing her design career and knowledge with our company.

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