Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, today announced it has hired Kim Brownfield, a 15-year veteran of the design industry, as director of procurement. In this newly established role, she will lead the firm’s procurement department with a focus on processes and operations for all aspects of FFE (furniture, fixtures and equipment) sourcing.
“Like many other industries, the design business is directly impacted by the supply chain issues we’re all continuing to experience. The delays and extended lead times around production and delivery of the products and materials we incorporate in our projects have made the procurement and installation side of our work far more complex than it was previously,” said Mary Cook, president and founder of Mary Cook Associates. “In this climate, we saw an opportunity to create a new role dedicated to the logistical considerations of getting FFE to our project sites on time and on budget. With her proven skills stemming from her impressive tenure in the procurement world, Kim will be instrumental to our team as we navigate these challenges and explore and implement new solutions.”
In her new role, Brownfield will collaborate directly with the MCA design team as she oversees all aspects of procurement including securing vendor quotes, budgeting, scheduling, managing installations, client communications, and resolving issues related to damaged goods, replacements and care and maintenance.
Brownfield joins MCA from IIG Design, an Indiana-based interior design firm serving hospitality, restaurant, multifamily and commercial projects. During her tenure with IIG she provided in-house and on-site procurement project management and oversight of day-to-day operations. She also previously served as business manager for Kaufman Segal Design, LTD. in Chicago, and was director of operations with Interior Image Group in Dyer, Ind. Brownfield is a graduate of Purdue University Northwest.
For more information about Mary Cook Associates, visit www.marycook.com.
About Mary Cook Associates:
Established in 1986, Mary Cook Associates (MCA) is a fully integrated interior architecture and design firm nationally known for creating innovative interiors for leading owners and developers of real estate. The firm’s projects include multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants, and hospitality environments. MCA’s work emphasizes functionality, showcases possibilities, and delivers a measurable Return on Environment (R.O.E.℠).
MCA’s team includes more than two dozen designers and architects that are strategic, imaginative and skilled at designing a wide variety of spaces that respond to demographic, geographic and lifestyle influences of target markets. Smart, functional spaces that establish immediate connections with their users and boost Living Better by Design℠, increase property value, and accelerate sales and occupancy rates are the hallmarks of the results MCA consistently achieves. In its 36th year, the firm continues to expand its national presence with award-winning work across the country.
