SUSAN HOPKINS, ASID

My interest in interior design began at age twelve. After rearranging my bedroom for the fifth time that year, my mom took me to the library, pointed me to the Interior Design, Decorating, and Architecture section, and said, ’There’s a career for what you’re doing.’

I devoured every design book available, deepening my appreciation for art and broadening my curiosity about the built environment. This passion led to four years in a rigorous art program, followed by four years at Drexel University’s top-10 Interior Design program.

Yet, my most invaluable training came from unconventional sources. Since childhood, I immersed myself in dance, singing, acting, fine arts, and all aspects of musical theatre - including choreography, and the design and physical creation of sets, props, and costumes. Working alongside passionate, gifted professionals in high-pressure creative environments taught me discipline, collaboration, and execution. These are the very skills that now define my approach to design, project management, and problem-solving.

Invaluable and irreplaceable foundational training for design and owning a business came from unconventional sources… dance, singing, acting, fine arts, musical theatre; choreography, and the design and physical creation of props, and costumes. Working alongside passionate professionals in high-pressure creative environments taught me discipline, collaboration, and execution—skills that now define my approach to design, project management, and problem-solving.

Ultimately, these experiences have shaped who I am today: a designer who understands that vision means nothing without execution.

DESIGN APPROACH

Designing transformative spaces requires the same precision, vision, and coordination as producing a seamless theatrical performance. Susan’s diverse background in the creative, fine, and theatrical arts has honed a unique approach to design, project management, and problem-solving. She possesses the rare ability to bridge the gap between abstract vision and physical reality, turning ambitious ideas into lived experiences rather than mere concepts.

CREDENTIALS + ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • EMMY® Award Winning Interior Designer | Project Manager for designing and being an on-screen talent for NBC’s George to the Rescue. The Emmy® was for the category of HUMAN INTEREST: PROGRAM/SPECIAL George to the Rescue “Hug Wraps.” October 6, 2012. (WNBC-TV)

  • Best of Houzz Design 2015, 2016, 2017

  • ASID Designer of Distinction 2014

  • NBC’s “George to the Rescue” – Invited to be Interior Designer and Project Manager to create two spaces for Brenda Jones who created HugWraps.org. Airing Saturday, October 6th @ 10:00am ET on your local NBC channel.

  • Philadelphia Interior Design Awards 2011 – Honorable Mention for “The White Library.” The room drew immediate sighs from the guests. It was described as “comfortable and serene.”

  • ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) – requires the highest qualifications and standards of any interior design organization. It takes years of education, experience plus passing the NCIDQ exam to achieve this level of distinction. Most importantly, the ethics and business practices required to be a part of ASID drew me to join this professional organization. What does it mean to you? I continually improve my skills and have a strong commitment to deliver the most professional business services to accompany my design skills.

  • NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) Certified Interior Designer – ensures that I have met or exceeded the qualifications for professionalism by passing a comprehensive exam that can only be taken by designers who have completed a minimum of education and practice in the field.

  • Bachelor of Science in Interior Design – Drexel University

  • NJ Certificate No. 21ID00044900

  • NCIDQ Certificate No. 024105