Meet Our Interior Designers

Renee Russo Smith
Renee Russo Smith

Renee has over 20 years experience as an Allied Member, ASID interior designer and business owner in Wilmington, NC. She moved to Wilmington from California in 1991. Upon graduating from Virginia Tech she began her career in Los Angeles, managing the marketing for major retailers and fashion designers. Her design influence grew from her rich exposure to the coastal California lifestyle that instilled a clean, casual, yet sophisticated aesthetic that is always apparent in her work. She is inspired by a love of soft neutral colors, textures and layers of detail.

Renee is the recipient of the prestigious ASID "Otto Zenke" design award, which combines both residential and commercial interiors. Renee is featured in Wilmington Magazine's "Best of Wilmington" issue for a client's Wrightsville Beach home and she was voted 'Best Interiors' in Southports Parade of Homes.

"I enjoy every aspect of the design process, including the discovery of each client's 'true' style in order to achieve beautiful environments that are functional and timeless."

Education:

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
BA Marketing/Public Relations

CFCC, Wilmington NC
AA in Interior Design

Member:

Allied Member, ASID

Awards:

Top Carolina Kitchen design/2nd Place  Subzero-Wolf

Otto Zenke Competition, 2008/Sponsored by ASID Carolinas

Susan Gsell
Susan Gsell

Susan Gsell has been in the design industry for 30 years. Growing up in a military family provided her the privilege of living in many parts of the United States, as well as Europe and Asia. Experiencing the beauty of diverse cultures and people is a continuing source of inspiration.

Upon graduating from college Susan moved to New York City and worked for KNOLL International in the architectural design field before relocating to Wilmington in 1998. Since then she has owned businesses in marketing and interior design creating successful campaigns and innovative spaces. Her design career has involved work with highly esteemed architects, enhancing her deep appreciation for spatial and structural knowledge. From commercial to home projects, Susan's creative solutions are constantly in motion and thrive on challenges for each client's unique needs.

Education:

Marymount University, Arlington, VA
BA Interior Design
AA Fashion Arts

Member:

Allied Member, ASID

Awards:

Wilmington Historic Foundation, 2012
SOUTH FRONT APARTMENTS - Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse; Outstanding Achievement for Creative Rehabilitation & Adaptive Reuse of the 1940 Public Housing Project

SAINT JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Administration Building - The David Brinkley, Preservationist of the Year Award

 

American Society of Interior Designers Houzz DIY Network