Shawnasia Black

About Shawnasia Black

I\'m the Owner & Principal Designer of Asia B. Designs and an Interior Designer and Consultant who partners with architecture firms, developers, and general contractors to turn ideas into thoughtful, meaningful environments. Ten years in nonprofit, affordable housing, and multi-family design have taught me that a space succeeds when concept, FF & E, and execution are in lockstep, and when every decision honors the people who will use it.I hold a LEED Green Associate credential and WELL AP accreditation, and am M/WBE certified in New York City, bringing a sustainability, wellness, and equity lens to every project.What I bring to a project.• Strategic concepting and visual storytelling: mood boards, design narratives, and presentations that win stakeholder buy-in• FF & E mastery: specs, sourcing, finish palettes, procurement, and installation coordination• Full-cycle project delivery: budget management, value engineering, and construction administration that keep teams aligned• Technical rigor: interior elevations, drafting, and construction documentation• Human-centered design lens: a commitment to equitable design practice and spaces that serve their communitiesMy community-based work has been featured in The New York Times, and my advocacy with the IIDA NY Equity Council has appeared in Interior Design Magazine, I+S, and Commercial Property Executive. I also currently serve on the Advisory Board for the Interior Design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I help shape the next generation of designers.My previous experience.As a Senior Interior Designer & Interiors Manager at a New York architecture firm, I led 20 + projects from concept through punch list and mentored emerging designers. Those lessons shape the way I now collaborate, with a balance of big-picture vision and day-to-day precision.Let’s connect if you’re looking for:• Freelance or consulting support that plugs into your team and delivers results fast• Contract or project-based roles covering FF & E, drawing sets, or design direction• Long-term subcontractor relationships with firms who need a reliable design partner on recurring projectsI\'m ready to help your next project tell its story and serve its people beautifully!

Experience

1. Owner Principal Designer

   Asia B. Designs, Llc

   Jun 2023 — Present

   Founded and operate a solo interior design practice delivering furniture-driven and decorative solutions for residential clients.• Deliver end-to-end residential design services including space planning, FF & E selection, and sourcing within client-defined budgets.• Coordinate with vendors to procure furnishings and accessories, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with design intent.• Manage business operations including client intake, communications, proposals, and vendor coordination to ensure smooth project delivery.• Develop AutoCAD floor plans and visual concept boards in InDesign and Milanote to communicate design direction.• Guide clients through the design process, offering expertise on furniture, lighting, artwork, and material selections aligned with their goals and constraints.• Maintain positive, long-term client relationships by providing accessible design guidance and high-touch service.• Stay current on design trends through continuous research, trade shows, and vendor engagement to inform recommendation.

Education

• Fashion Institute of Technology

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Interior Design

  2014 — 2016

• Clark University

  Master of Science, Professional Communication

  2008 — 2009

• Fashion Institute of Technology

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.S.), Interior Design

  2012 — 2014

• Clark University

  Bachelor of Arts, Communciation and Culture; Psychology

  2004 — 2008