Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Cook
Hi Rae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career at the height of the recession in 2009 designing kitchens at IKEA. It was a tough job, but I learned so much about the modern residential customer and the complexities involved in creating a functional kitchen layout. I did that for about 2 years before I was able to transition to the Communication & Interior Design department where I was able to design roomsettings and vignettes to help inspire and influence customer purchasing decisions. IKEA laid the foundation for my cost-conscious mindset regarding design. Now I create value driven designs for IHG Hotels & Resorts, and I’m grateful for how my background working with everyday people now helps to inform my design decisions for hotel brand programs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was very difficult to get a job in the hospitality industry. Because I spent so long working in retail, I felt like the interior design industry really looked down on me for not having traditional design firm experience or a high-end portfolio. What they didn’t consider is if I can make a space look great with a small amount of money, I can, in fact, do anything! Luckily, I kept pushing and found a good transition into the hospitality industry working hand-in-hand with restaurant franchisees. And turns out, franchisees are also at the heart of the engine that powers the hotel industry, which made me an attractive hire for IHG. I understand the cost-conscious mindset of an owner, and I know how to make a space look great with smaller means. Everything really came full circle with my IKEA experience, and I love that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I collaborate with internal stakeholders and external design partners to conceptualize, develop, approve, and execute new and supplemental solutions that support the current IHG estate, prototypical new construction, and conversion properties. How that comes to life can look different every day. I provide brand strategy, develop design guides, create custom FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), work on continuous improvement initiatives, manage RFPs (requests for proposals) or even help our partners troubleshoot design solutions for individual hotels.
My specialty is low-cost design, and I was able to flex this muscle last year when I led the design for IHG’s 19th brand, Garner Hotels which is considered a lower-midscale brand. I’m so proud of this experience because it contributes to the democratization of design in the hospitality industry. Just because you may not be able to afford a luxury experience, does not mean you shouldn’t have access to a well-designed hotel. We proved that with the launch of this brand.
I think what sets me apart from others is my optimistic attitude. No task is too big or too small, and I want everyone around me to feel valued. I honestly want us all to win.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making the path easier for those who come after me. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to mentor a handful of young black women in design and hospitality, and it makes me so happy to see these women get access to information and experiences that I did not have coming out of school. If I can make anyone’s career a bit less daunting or share truths about the industry that helps them get ahead, sign me up! It’s really important to me to make sure I leave this industry better than I found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chiclittleme.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rajaune/
Image Credits
Headshots: Ruth Brooks
