Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Company: Collins Interiors, LLC
Location: Longboat Key, Florida, United States
Barbara Gardner, President and Chief Executive Officer at Collins Interiors, LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in interior design.
With decades of experience to her credit, Ms. Gardner has established herself as an esteemed figure in the field of luxury residential interior design. As the president and chief executive officer of Collins Interiors LLC since 2006, she has specialized in providing bespoke design consultation services across New York, New Jersey, and both Sarasota and Longboat Key in Florida. Her expertise in high-end residential interiors and waterfront homes is widely recognized, and her innovative use of the trademarked Design Deck tool ensures that each client’s unique preferences are meticulously understood and catered to. Her work has garnered acclaim from notable publications such as Sarasota Magazine, SRQ Magazine, The Herald Tribune, The Times, Design NJ and Princeton Magazine.
Before founding Collins Interiors LLC, Ms. Gardner held several prominent positions in the health care and education sectors. From 2004 to 2006, she served as the president and chief executive officer of the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation, where she focused on initiatives promoting women’s health. Prior to this role, she worked as the vice president of government and public affairs at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey from 1990 to 1995 and the senior vice president at RFB&D from 1995 to 2004. Her career began as a teacher in the management program at the University of Washington.
Ms. Gardner’s academic background includes graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in design from Calvin University in 1970. This educational foundation has been instrumental in her success as an interior designer, allowing her to blend her creative talents with her extensive experience in management and health care. Her ability to foster meaningful relationships with clients is a testament to the values instilled by her entrepreneurial grandparents.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Gardner is an active member of several industry-related organizations, including the Interior Design Society, the International Furnishings and Design Association, the International Interior Design Association and the International Design Association. Her contributions to the field have been honored with numerous accolades, such as receiving the Award for Excellence in Luxury Interior Design Services in Florida by Lux Life Magazine in 2020 and recognition as the Residential Interior Designer of the Year for Southwest Florida by Home and Garden Awards in 2022.
Ms. Gardner’s commitment to civic engagement is evident through her decade-long involvement with Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC). She is also a published co-author of “The Work and Family Revolution: How Companies Can Keep Employees Happy and Business Profitable,” reflecting her dedication to improving workplace dynamics.
Outside of her primary responsibilities, Ms. Gardner enjoys reading, writing, golf and traveling. She takes pride in creating beautiful, safe and comfortable homes for her clients while educating them on design choices that promote well-being. Looking toward the future, she aims to attract more high-quality clients who appreciate her work’s intricacies and plans to write a novel inspired by her experiences.
Ms. Gardner’s journey from health care executive to celebrated interior designer exemplifies her adaptability and passion for creating spaces that enhance lives. Her ability to blend two distinct careers into a successful enterprise highlights her innovative spirit and dedication to excellence in all endeavors.
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