Carol Velez, Owner,
CV Design Interiors, Inc.
dba Green Office Furnishings

What we do:
Green Office Furnishings provides full service design, space planning, consulting and quality reclaimed and new furnishings to clients throughout the Central California. Through our environmentally conscious designs we engage in waste prevention by reusing, recycling, reclaiming and thinking green. We are driven to preserving our environment by doing our part in preventing products from ending up in landfills.

Education:
California State University, Fresno, Bachelor’s of Art Degree in art,
Option in Interior Design

California State University, Fresno,
Master of Arts Degree – in progress,
Emphasis in art history

Age: 46

Family:
I am a first generation immigrant from Nicaragua. In 1998 I married the love of my life, Fernando Velez, a British immigrant from Spain. We have been married 25 years. We were blessed with three lovely daughters, Irene, Marisabel, and Anna who are our pride and joy. My unique coveted design style can be in part attributed to my world travel and experiences living in Nicaragua and Spain.  

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Please tell us a little about your career path to your current business, Carol.
I began my career as an assistant draft person for an architectural studio in Spain where my interest of art, architecture, and design grew. Having lived in Spain for five years allowed me to appreciate my surroundings.
Later I moved to the United States where I studied interior design while working for several architectural firms specializing in residential design and churches. I graduated in 1998 with high honors, and was able to land a position with a local firm.

In 1998 I acquired the Project Management position for a furniture dealership where some of my responsibilities were laying out office spaces, specifying their furniture and project managing installations. In some instances, I had the opportunity to collaborate with architects to create appealing spaces for the end user and the responsibility of documenting design projects I worked on.
After 15 years of working on multiple projects both large and small I decided to venture out and open my own design firm: CV Design Interiors, Inc. I believe I have a unique ability to hear what the client is asking for and to visualize their long-term goals. This skill has proved invaluable when developing projects for clients such as Cannery Row Company or Advanced Eyecare Associates because they needed to have a space that could transmit their culture. It is important to make these type of assessments early in the process to assure that each client’s unique situations are met effectively within budget and delivered on schedule according to their expectations.

What is the vision for Green Office Furnishings as an incubator for up-and-coming artists and designers, Carol?
The Green Office Furnishings gallery will be used to support graduate student artists by sponsoring featured artists with free gallery space to showcase and sell their work. Featured artists will also benefit from promotion through Green Office Furnishings online media and community events such as Art Hop hosted at the gallery. Our business model strives to strengthen the community that supports us through sustainable practices that lead to economic, environmental, and social improvements in the Central Valley.

As far as office furnishings, what are the hot trends in the industry, Carol?
Thinking green. Sustainable solutions such as purchasing high quality repurposed furnishings.

Did the economic downturn hurt your business, Carol? How did you manage to bounce back?
No, in fact it inspired me to innovate new sustainable solutions that save business owners 50 – 70 % off of original retail prices while also saving the environment.

Are there any organizations or causes close to your heart that you would like to mention, Carol?
Rotary Club International – Helping people is close to my heart and through Rotary I was able to organize a one-hour denture project in Nicaragua. We fitted 60 elderly natives with full dentures that greatly enhanced their quality of life.
Mentorship – My love of the arts has lead me to expand the business concept into a platform for graduate art students to display their talents free of charge.  

Pre-Columbian art – I am currently investigating monumental sculpture in the Intermediate area. I was awarded the Perenchio Museum Studies Internship and am currently working with the Fresno Art Museum on a collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts recently donated. As part of the project a catalog is be assembled and we are currently seeking funding for its publication.

What are your roots in the San Joaquin Valley, Carol?
My parents had a dairy farm in Hanford. After they returned to Nicaragua I remained in the Central Valley as our family grew. I have always valued the diversity and high level of morality in our community.  

What was your very first job and what did you learn from it, Carol?
My first job in Spain was as an interpreter for an architectural firm. I interpreted for British immigrants purchasing homes in the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

What do you like to do in your spare time, Carol?
 I love to read historical fiction.