Suomi Design Works is a hotel design studio dedicated to producing an exceptional level of creativity. With laser focus, our team of hotel design experts are able to custom craft each project for the unique needs of each client. Working with a trusted roster of global brands, developers, and independent owners we understand the importance of design as a key differentiator for the hotel business.
M I C H A E L S U O M I
President
With more than 30 years of architectural and interior design experience, Michael built his career at prominent hospitality focused firms including Chicago-based Jordan Mozer and Associates and New York-based Rockwell Group. For the past 15 years, he has been Principal and Vice President of New York-based Stonehill Taylor, where he pioneered and helmed the award-winning hospitality interior design division. Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, College of Architecture & Urban Planning. His favorite taxidermy in a hotel is Becca Barnet’s albino peacock at the Spectator Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.
A N D R E A P E R E Z
Studio Leader
Most recently, Andrea was a senior interior designer at New York-based Stonehill Taylor creating and detailing high-end hotel interiors for Raffles Boston and Chicago’s Sophy. Andrea graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Spitzer School of Architecture. Previously at Whitehall Interiors she worked closely with both Yabu Pushelberg and Champaulimaud crafting high-end residential interiors for Manhattan’s new Waterline Square development. Tadao Ando is Andrea’s favorite architect both because he is self-taught and for his Zen-like approach to design.
S T E P H A N I E R E Y E R
Creative Director
As Creative Director, Reyer brings more than 25 years of experience developing award-winning exhibitions to the Suomi Design Works team. She began her career at the American Museum of Natural History, where she was responsible for the design of three permanent hall renovations, including the iconic Hall of Ocean Life. Reyer first worked with Michael Suomi in 2004 on the creation of a museum of rivers for the Heinz Foundation in Pittsburgh and has remained a colleague and collaborator since.
N O R A N E N T C H E V A
Design Consultant
Nora began her design career on US embassies, and later hotels including the Marriott Marquis Times Square and nearby Algonquin Hotel with Michael while at Stonehill Taylor. Prior to design, Nora’s first career was accounting, however she always dreamed one day of becoming an interior designer. Nora’s loves designing new spaces, a passion she shares in creating new recipes. She hopes to one day open a plant-based cafe with her mother in Bulgaria.
C A R L Y R O B E R T S
Senior Interior Designer
Bringing a sensible design perspective that stems from the combination of her Scandinavian roots and Midwestern upbringing, Carly Roberts joins the team as Senior Interior Designer. Roberts was formerly an Interior Designer with DHD Architecture PC, working on notable projects across both the residential and hospitality sectors, such as the ground-up construction of a home in Quogue, NY, and The Navy Yard Hotel in Brooklyn, NY.
A S H L E Y G R E G A
Interior Designer
As an interior designer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for crafting unique experience-driven spaces, Ashley brings a blend of creativity and functionality to every project. After receiving a degree in Interior Design from Drexel University, Ashley immediately dove into the dynamic realm of hospitality. Coming from a background in food and beverage design working in Philadelphia, Ashley has worked with notable hospitality clients such as MGM Resorts & The Schulson Collective on a variety of restaurant concepts
M E L I S S A W I L S O N
Interior Designer
Melissa Wilson earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Middle Tennessee State University. She launched her career in Nashville, TN, specializing in multi-family projects, with notable contributions to developments such as Athena at the Park and The Pike at Dickerson Pike.
K R I S M O R A N
Director of Storytelling
Kris’ focus is on building seamless realities and experiences to support narrative storytelling, and employs a distinctive simplicity and a playful freedom. As a motion picture production designer and artist who has worked with acclaimed film directors including Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster, and Steven Spielberg, Kris is a sought-after visual storyteller, contributing to the success of films including The Royal Tenenbaums, Asteroid City, Joker, and The Wolf of Wall Street.