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Management Team


Rita S Wilkins, President
Rita is the President of Design Services, Ltd., as well as principal designer and project manager. With over 35 years of experience in design and management, her approach to design is both aesthetic and business-like. She is known to be a highly effective “hands-on” designer with extensive knowledge and expertise in dental, medical and commercial interiors.

She is a graduate of University of Rhode Island, attended Rhode Island School of Design and University of North Carolina. Having received numerous design awards, she has been published in a variety of national publications and is currently writing a book on using design as a business strategy.

Jeff Tirabassi, Business Manager Design Services, Ltd. is proud to welcome Jeff to our team as our new Business and Sales Manager. Jeff brings over 12 years of sales and management experience to our firm. He has previously worked for Brew HaHa! as District Manager and with Tile Market of Delaware as Sales Manager. Not only is Jeff's experience a great addition to our team, so is his positive energy, design sense and knowledge of both residential and commercial interior requirements. We look forward to expanding our marketing efforts and increasing our business opportunities with Jeff and our talented team of designers.

Neera Berry, Senior Designer, Project Manager
Neera is a senior designer and project manager with over 26 years of experience. She is widely traveled, bringing international experience ranging from palaces for the Royal Family, high-end residences and banks in the Middle East and the United Kingdom, as well as hotels in India and retail spaces in Canada.

In addition, Neera has extensive experience in retirement communities, hospitality and medical / dental projects. As a project manger, Neera is known for adhering to aggressive timelines to ensure that our client incurs minimal downtime during projects. A graduate of Delhi University in India, Neera has her NC/DQ Certification and is a candidate for LEED Certification.

Ann Bell, Senior Designer / Project Manager
Ann is a Senior Interior Designer and Project Manager with Design Services, Ltd. Ann brings over 15 years of experience in commercial and retail interior design. As a retail designer and construction manager for several national store chains, including Silo Electronics Stores, Zainy Brainy, and Bell Atlantic Mobile (now Verizon Wireless), Ann oversaw the project space planning, store and display design as well as the construction of over 65 retail and commercial office space renovations nationwide.

A graduate of University of Delaware in Interior Design, Ann has exceptional hands-on experience in bringing projects together on time – and on budget.

Pauline Brittingham
A rising star, Pauline Brittingham has also joined our team of talented designers. A recent graduate from the Art Institute of Philadelphia demonstrates an outstanding ability to learn and apply known skills to any situation. Upon graduation the opportunity to work full time at Wilmington Trust in the Commercial Real Estate department, led to direct Project Management roles. Commercial banking and Real Estate management merged into a design oriented program to evaluate space plans, equipment and an overall function of the occupants. She carries Project Management skills and conceptual design skills that are a value to anyone looking for design services.

Sean R. R. Wilkins, Director of Marketing and Business Development
As Director of marketing and Business Development, Sean is responsible for the formulation and implementation of marketing and business development strategies. Over the course of his career, he has held a variety of positions in the marketing and client services industries. He has a strong background in communications and branding.

Sean is a graduate of University of Delaware and attended American University in Washington, D.C.

Sally Barckett, Office Manager Sally, Office Manager for Design Services, Ltd., brings over 18 years customer service experience to the firm. Her background includes education, credit card and retail banking, textile quality control and construction administration in the Chicago and Delaware areas. Known for her ability to get things done, Sally manages all administrative functions at Design Services and assists with coordinating schedules and timelines.

Sally is a graduate of Central Methodist University, MO.

Beth Nestor, Senior Accountant
Beth, Senior Accountant, has worked with Design Services, Ltd. for 15+ years. Beth is responsible for financial management and reporting.



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Our Value Proposition

Let Design Services, Ltd. Become The Only Design Firm That You Want To Work With.

What to Expect?

Known as "the Business Persons Design Firm" Design Services, Ltd. works with you and for you as a trusted advisor and valuable partner throughout the design process to accomplish your goals.
What Distinguishes Us from Other firms?
With over 35 years of experience servicing clients throughout the United States, our team of accredited designers brings the following to each project:
Expertise and Experience

We have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the design and construction process, of coordinating subcontractors, deliveries, schedules and project management. On behalf of our client we are able to anticipate, preempt or prevent potential problems, conflicts and stress points in a project, saving our clients time and money.

...we have never missed a deadline in 35 years!

Innovative Design Solutions

We are known for truly listening to our clients "wants, needs, wish list and budget" before we design.

Our creative space plans and innovative, yet practical design solutions not only solve design problems, but they also reflect insight into cutting edge design and business trends and resources, as well as best practices in the industry.

...we are known for providing value!!

Design as Part of Your Business Strategy

By taking time at the beginning of each project to thoroughly understand our client's vision and goals, as design professionals and trusted advisors, we work with our client to strategically integrate space plans and designs that will support our client's business goals, time lines and budget.

...we are known for creating cost effective interiors that provide solid return on investment!

Making it Happen - Making it Easier For Our Clients

Confident that we have extensive experience and knowledge of the design and construction process, our clients frequently retain our firm to manage their project on their behalf, allowing them the time to work on their businesses.

...we are known for "making it happen" on time and on budget.

Best Design and Best Service

Why did I call my company Design Services, Ltd. over 26 years ago? Because of my strong belief and commitment to provide our clients with not only the best design, but also the best service.

We offer a clear "competitive" advantage to our clients for these two reasons:

*We are known as a "hands on" design firm, who is flexible, agile and able to meet changing needs and demands of our clients in a quick and timely manner.

*We are known for creating value by delivering our innovative designs and outstanding customer service more cost effectively than other firms.

Let Design Services, Ltd. Become The Only Design Firm That You Want To Work With.

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The Design Process

What Is The Process?

Sample Project Work from Concept to Completion


Interview client to thoroughly understand wants, needs, wish list, scope of work and budget
Project Assessment, measure, photo, create floor plan to include all existing conditions (HVAC, plumbing, furniture)
Design development (conceptual drawings, floor plans, elevations, resourcing, coordinate materials, finishes, furniture)
Design presentation to client
Necessary revisions to drawings, selections
Specification, Documentation phase
Bidding Phase
Design Proposal and approval by client
Order processing, coordinating and tracking
Coordination of subcontractors, schedules and project management
Coordinating delivery and installation
Follow up visits to ensure client satisfaction

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Our Services

Interior Design & Space Planning
Design Consultation
Computer-aided Design Services
Programming
Feasibility Studies
Long-term Master Planning
Project Management
Budget Estimate Preparation
Furniture/Finish Selection/Specification
Furniture Bid/Purchase
Contract Administration
Move In Coordination Services
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