
Charity Hunter
Client-focused design professional with 17 years of experience
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About
Client-focused design professional with 17 years of experience guiding clients through complex, high-investment projects from first conversation to final delivery. Known for warm, consultative communication, deep product expertise, and the ability to translate client needs into exceptional outcomes. Skilled at managing multiple relationships simultaneously with clarity and care — whether resolving design challenges, coordinating across teams, or turning a frustrated client into a loyal one.
Currently running an independent design studio and shop, where owning every client touchpoint is the job.
Experience
Founder & Designer at Hi Friend (2025-01 – Present)
- Own every client interaction end-to-end — from initial consultation through sourcing, delivery, and follow-up — maintaining a high-touch, personalized experience at every stage.
- Built and grew a loyal customer base through authentic communication, product expertise, and consistent follow-through across multiple sales platforms and local markets.
- Serve contractors and designers on a freelance basis, providing clear, expert guidance that keeps projects moving and stakeholders aligned.
- Respond to inquiries, resolve issues, and manage expectations with the warmth and professionalism that turns one-time buyers into repeat clients.
Senior Interior Designer at Skout (2019-04 – 2025-05)
- Led an average of 15 concurrent $1M+ projects annually, managing client relationships with consistent communication, transparency, and follow-through from concept through installation.
- Served as the primary point of contact for clients, architects, and contractors — translating complex information clearly and keeping all parties aligned to deliver on time and on budget.
- Identified recurring friction points in project workflows and proposed process improvements that streamlined client communication and reduced delays.
- Mentored junior designers in client communication and relationship management, contributing to a collaborative, high-performance studio culture.
Senior Interior Designer at Gatehouse (2015-07 – 2018-06)
- Managed a portfolio of residential projects ranging from $500K–$1.5M, consistently expanding scope of work through strong client relationships and proactive communication.
- Led coordination meetings with clients and contractors, ensuring clarity at every milestone and resolving issues before they escalated.
- Streamlined project workflows to handle increasing complexity, demonstrating adaptability and ownership in a fast-paced environment.
Lead Designer at Frank Berry Designs (2014-07 – 2015-06)
- Guided residential and commercial clients through material selection and design decisions, creating cohesive outcomes that balanced their vision with practical constraints.
- Prepared clear construction documentation that reduced miscommunication between designers and contractors.
In-Store Design Lead at Pottery Barn Teen (2012-03 – 2013-07)
- Conducted multiple client consultations daily, developing tailored floor plans and design presentations with an average project value of $8,000.
- Guided clients through product selection and finish coordination, staying within budget while exceeding expectations.
- Collaborated with sales and installation teams to ensure accurate, smooth project execution — an early foundation in customer experience ownership.
Intern / Jr. Assistant Designer at Nathan Turner (2009-08 – 2011-09)
Supported a renowned designer on residential and commercial projects, contributing to concept development, material selection, and cohesive project aesthetics.
Education
Orange Coast College, 2003 - 2009
