Design Philosophy

Susie Chusid Designs is a boutique design studio located in Essex County, New Jersey.  I feel a beautiful space is born from using imagination and sophistication with careful attention to detail.  Marrying my design expertise and vision, with the needs of my clients ultimately creates distinctive, inspired and personal spaces. Good design infuses form and function to achieve a harmonious environment. I believe your home should reflect who you are and make you feel welcome every time you step through the door!

Projects include residential interior design services and some small commercial spaces. Sometimes it’s just a mini-makeover, sometimes a transformation of a single room, or it could be a complete home re-design, customizing your interiors within a budget that is comfortable for you. 

My Story

My strong work ethic was thrust upon me at an early age, working for my Dad in his retail store. I would go in with him just after the sun came up, and while he prepared his paper work, I tried to pry my eyelids open. If you can believe it, my starting wage at age eleven was twenty-five cents per hour! Although I worked with my Dad from dawn to dusk, it was a time in my life I will always cherish.

After graduating from college I worked in an advertising agency in graphic design. Before long, I went out on my own and created a business that became very active. Originally, the focus of my business was Custom Silk Floral Arrangements (very popular in the 80’s), but it evolved into more, as people were asking me for small furniture items and accessories to pull their rooms together. Business was booming, but the next thing I knew I was about to become a mother! 

Shortly thereafter I did some freelance work, and eventually went back to work full-time for Nordstrom. I spent seven years there as a personal shopper, as well as visiting homes to do what was referred to as a closet audit (organization). After 9/11 things changed, so in early 2002, I left to begin my own business again. I planned to continue to do the kind of work I had done there, which included reorganizing closets as well as helping people pull their look together. However right off the bat, one of my earliest clients asked me to redesign her Master Bedroom. She had this idea, based on the work I’d done for her personally, that I could do the same for her home. This is when my passion came into focus. I began to work on extensive home design projects tailored to the aesthetic of my clients and combining my experience and expertise in fashion and design. Eighteen years later, I am still excited to get up every day and do what I thoroughly enjoy.

Education

Associate of Applied Science Degree,
Middlesex County College
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, 
C.W. Post / Long Island University