APRIL 12-14 

Susan J. Slotkis

Susan J. Slotkis is an interior designer, educator and author grounded in a background in human services and communication. For over 20 years Susan has practiced interior design through her design firm Profiles – Personalized Interiors, where she is known for client involvement in the design process to assure individuality and client comfort. She has leveraged that knowledge into teaching at the collegiate level and in 2006 published her first book, Foundations of Interior Design, a textbook published by Fairchild Books to fill the gap between theory and practice in design education.  Edition 2 is expected to be released 2012. 

While Profiles–Personalized Interiors is a NYC based firm, projects have included new and second homes for clients in Florida and California. 

For almost two decades she has developed and taught seminars and courses for colleges, career changers, industry, and at conferences including NeoCon. These programs have focused on topics of design and color, history of design styles, antiques, accessories, decorative arts, sourcing, and business practices.  Currently adjunct assistant professor at FIT and adjunct instructor at NYU her students of all ages and experiences come from around the world and with various goals.  Her success has been built on her ability to weave design concepts and trends within the context of art, culture, history, and lifestyle to encourage students to take a broader view of life and style.  Three of Susan’s courses CEU approved IDCEC. In 2010 she conducted a webinar on color for ASID National.  

Her eNewsletter Design for the Rest of Us has a circulation of almost 2000.  She previously served as a monthly columnist for Design2Share reporting on the world of home fashion and design, and regularly contributes to trade publications including those of IFDA and ASID, on both a local and national level.

Active in IFDA she currently serves as NY Chapter Recording Secretary and is a Director of Large at the International level, serving as editor of Network.  As a member of the ASID NY Chapter she has served as Membership Director of the Board, editor-in-chief, and chair of student career days and scholarship events.  For her dedication and accomplishments she has been awarded numerous citations from both organizations.  She is also and IDEC Educational Affiliate and has participated in several regional and national educational conferences.

Since its release Foundations of Interior Design is already being touted as not only the consummate text for the aspiring designer but for the experienced practitioner and industry partner as well.  

Having graduated with honors in interior design at Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of NY, Dean’s list as an English major at State University of NY-Albany, and Master’s degree in social services from Boston University, her formal education has provided her with a wealth of knowledge to share with others.  Her experiences in human services and training frame her abilities to be a good listener, a sensitive and insightful designer, and teacher.