COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY:

Well versed in the complete circle of the home building process from conceptual planning to construction documents through model merchandising, Susan Berry is a Professional Building Designer (AIBD) and former Florida Society Director of the American Institute of Building Design. As a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) with her NCIDQ certification, Susan is recognized for designing period style and themed dramatic architectural details within the context of both new and existing homes.

For over 28 years, Susan has been active in both the Florida and National home design markets, employed as a designer with notable Architectural and Interior Design firms. Prior to founding Classical Home Design, Inc. in 2001, she was the director of Interior Architecture for Beasley and Henley Interior Design, one of Florida's most exclusive residential firms.

With a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida, College of Architecture, Susan pursued graduate studies in Classical Architecture, Urban Planning and Theatrical Design.  She spent several years with Walt Disney World in both the Resort and Show Design Departments creating concepts, designs, programming, and details for projects including Euro Disney.

Among Susan’s brightest gifts is her ability to bring to life unique custom home designs. Whatever the client can imagine, Susan has a knack for materializing. In essence, Susan wants each of her custom designs to resonate with the client’s personal lifestyle and vision.

In a recent Home and Gardens TV interview, Susan was asked what she would do if she didn't design homes. "If I didn't design homes, I would write romantic suspense novels that take place in exotic locations. Instead of building a picture or scene with words, I build stories with details. I design the homes so that there are different surprise elements as you turn a corner or enter a space, yet there is continuity throughout the home. I believe the saying that ‘Home is where your story begins’ and thrive on creating a home that is a reflection of the story of the individual client."

Her ability to research historical details and breathe new life into them in her designs is unparalleled by any other designer in the Central Florida area. Susan is a master at themed and period design projects incorporating true details and maintaining continuity of a design. Recent commissions include a historical 1940's colonial remodel,  a new Creole style river front home, an Old’ Palm Beach style show house, a French Country waterfront estate, a Mexican style courtyard home on an urban infill lot, and a 1920’s Cape Cod style getaway.

Susan's talents and insight as a trusted team player are sought by some of Florida's leading master builders.  Most recently, Susan provided plan and elevation reviews, interior detailing and material specifications services for six Street of Dreams Show Homes located in Orlando, Florida.  She was honored as the "Interior Architect" design team member on the homes that won the ‘Peoples Choice Awards’ of Best Architecture, Best Interior Design and Best of Show.

Susan thrives in a live design setting, because she loves to explore, problem solve, and delve into the relationship aspects of creative design. Winning the “by invitation only” 2004, 2005 & 2007 AIBD Aurora Concept Award at the Southeast Builders Convention was a true validation of Susan's design philosophy of honoring her clients program with creative and marketable ideas.

One of the many unique services Susan offers is an on-site live design Charrette session.  Each Charrette session is custom designed for the individual client’s needs. For example, she may review all or a select group of a builder’s plans, models, material selections and meet with their marketing team. She will offer unique solutions, options, sketches, ideas and concepts to enhance the builder’s product line. She stays aware of consumer trends in relation to both the builder’s target market and details to excite the home buyer. Builders enjoy the fresh ideas, efficiency and energy of these live Charrette sessions.

Susan is truly an idea oriented individual. She is intuitive, rational and inventive. Creating an atmosphere in each of her homes which is truly joyous, interesting and serene is her ultimate goal. In every home, she creates a story of “simply beautiful design.”