With over 20 years of international experience across the hospitality, retail, and residential sectors, I bring the technical precision and design maturity required to deliver high-fidelity spatial experiences with total autonomy. Having navigated large-scale global rollouts for brands like Starbucks, WeWork, and Four Seasons, I am now seeking a senior individual contributor role where I can focus exclusively on the craft—specifically FF&E development, technical detailing, and conceptual storytelling.

GLORIMAR SANTIAGO

With over 20 years of international experience across the hospitality, retail, and residential sectors, I bring the technical precision and design maturity required to deliver high-fidelity spatial experiences with total autonomy. Having navigated large-scale global rollouts for brands like Starbucks, WeWork, and Four Seasons, I am now seeking a senior individual contributor role where I can focus exclusively on the craft—specifically FF&E development, technical detailing, and conceptual storytelling.

Available to hire

With over 20 years of international experience across the hospitality, retail, and residential sectors, I bring the technical precision and design maturity required to deliver high-fidelity spatial experiences with total autonomy. Having navigated large-scale global rollouts for brands like Starbucks, WeWork, and Four Seasons, I am now seeking a senior individual contributor role where I can focus exclusively on the craft—specifically FF&E development, technical detailing, and conceptual storytelling.

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Language

Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Designer & Consultant at Gora Designs LLC
January 1, 2020 - Present
Operated an independent design studio specializing in high-end interiors, furniture, and exhibition design for international markets. Partnered with experience designers across Europe to translate complex conceptual narratives into physical environments. Executed full-scale design development including the selection of materials, custom fixtures, and furniture to create cohesive spatial experiences. Managed the end-to-end technical execution of projects from initial concept through to final installation.
Senior Interior Designer at Mood Design+Build
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Executed high-end residential and commercial design projects, applying a human-centered sensibility to sophisticated interior environments. Modernized studio capabilities by implementing advanced visualization workflows, including photorealistic renderings and immersive digital walkthroughs. Increased project profitability and client commitment by integrating custom product ranges into comprehensive design packages.
Senior FF&E Designer, EMEA & South Africa at WeWork
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Designed over 60 original furniture pieces in collaboration with manufacturers, specifically tailored for regional requirements and large-scale rollouts. Maintained FF&E standards across the EMEA region, developing the regional catalog to ensure design consistency and technical quality. Provided high-level technical support and design development guidance to multidisciplinary teams.
Senior Hospitality Designer at EDG Interior Architecture & Design
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
Delivered high-end hospitality environments for global brands including Four Seasons, Marriott, and Hilton. Executed design layouts and guest journey mapping where FF&E and spatial flow directly supported operational efficiency and commercial performance.
Design Manager, Latin America Division at Starbucks Coffee Company
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2015
Executed the design of over 50 Starbucks locations across Latin America. Developed regional design standards, color palettes, and curated local art programs to align with market-specific aesthetics.

Education

Master of Science in Industrial Design at Pratt Institute, New York, USA
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Psychology and Advertising at University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 2000

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Professional Services
    paper Google Campus, Playa Vista, CA

    Google Campus
    EDG Design + Architecture | Senior Designer
    Part of the design team that developed a comprehensive food and beverage program proposal for Google’s campus, encompassing multiple restaurants, cafés, and a speakeasy—each with distinct design narratives while maintaining campus-wide cohesion.
    Key Contributions:

    Developed design concepts balancing Google’s brand ethos with authentic hospitality experiences
    Created space plans optimizing guest circulation, service flow, and operational efficiency for high-volume dining
    Specified materials, finishes, and FF&E prioritizing durability, sustainability, and design impact
    Coordinated with food service consultants on front/back-of-house integration
    Produced design documentation including floor plans, elevations, material palettes, and FF&E specifications
    Developed concept and design direction for venues, balancing Google’s brand ethos with authentic hospitality experiences
    Designed space plans optimizing guest circulation, service flow, and operational efficiency across high-volume dining environments
    Specified all materials, finishes, and FF&E—prioritizing durability, sustainability, and aesthetic impact
    Coordinated with food service consultants to ensure seamless front/back-of-house integration
    Produced construction documents and managed design intent through construction administration

    The project required operational sophistication and design excellence across diverse dining typologies within a corporate campus environment.