What You Will Learn
In today’s remodeling landscape, the role of the interior designer extends far beyond the aesthetics. By collaborating closely with contractors, architects, and clients from the earliest phases of a project, designers help drive efficiency, reduce costly rework, and improve the overall functionality of a space. Additionally, interior designers bring complementary “soft skills” to the project that, when leveraged, can improve client satisfaction and reduce conflict. This session explores how strategic partnerships with contractors and builders can transform remodels with smarter, more streamlined processes. Through real-world case studies and practical strategies, attendees will learn how designers contribute to construction planning, spatial optimization, and product specification – ultimately leading projects that are more aligned, timely, and budget-conscious.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how early collaboration with designers improves efficiency and reduces rework.
- Identify the designer’s role in planning, spatial optimization, and product specification.
- Recognize how designers’ communication and coordination skills improve client satisfaction and team alignment.
Featured Presenter
Rachel Nowikas
Owner & Lead Designer,
RS Design Management
RS Design Management is a full-service interior design firm based in Morristown, NJ, specializing in bespoke kitchen and bathroom designs. Founded and led by Rachel Nowikas, the firm is known for its tailored approach, technical expertise, and collaborative process.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design and brings over two decades of industry experience to every project. She is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), serves on the board of the ASID New Jersey chapter, and is also a certified Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
Rachel began her career at the renowned Swanke Hayden Connell Architects in New York City, later expanding her commercial design experience at a large New Jersey architecture firm before returning to SHCA in 2000. In 2015, she shifted her focus to residential design, founding RS Design Management to bring her signature blend of creativity and precision directly to homeowners.
Respected for her professionalism and deep industry insight, Rachel works closely with trade vendors and contractors to ensure that every detail aligns seamlessly with her clients’ vision.
Her warmth, enthusiasm, and meticulous attention to detail create a design experience that is as enjoyable as it is transformative.
Featured Presenter
Chelsea Mullen
Founder & Principal Designer,
Saltwater Studio
Chelsea is the owner of Saltwater Studio, a full-service design firm with a speciality focus on new construction, based in South Carolina, serving clients nationwide.
Her career took a circuitous route, starting as a commercial construction manager, moving to a high-volume nationwide remodeling company, and then to a role as a Design Studio leader and consultant with several builders over the next 15 years. Ultimately, she founded her own design firm where she could work independently to best serve clients through the process of building their home or tackling a major renovation.
Her professional experience gives her insight into the competing goals for designers and contractors. Having worked for and with many builders across the country, Chelsea takes a collaborative approach and seeks to foster strong build teams. She balances professionalism and deep product knowledge with an easy and joyful enthusiasm for the design/build process with beautiful results.
