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Cover – Carrie Riley – Riley Interior Design

Carrie Riley

A Splash Of Color

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Layout by Christian Lunardi

A tenacious professional with energy to spare, Carrie Riley has made excellence a habit.

Growing up, Carrie was attracted to interior design. Her parents owned a large flooring and counter top company, and at a young age she eagerly accompanied them to job sites. “I used to play interior designer,” she recalls. “I’d spend hours with remnant materials, putting together countertops, wood floors and tile accents to create and recreate dream homes.”

By 16, Carrie had garnered a position as an assistant at the Interior Design Firm in Omaha, where she capitalized on every opportunity to build her knowledge and skills. The job only reinforced her resolve to make an impact within the industry. She went on to earn a partial scholarship to the University of Nebraska, where she earned a degree in Architectural Interior Design while also pursuing her passion for dance as a member of the prestigious Scarlets dance team and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

It was telling that she so successfully balanced her academic career with her love of performance. Carrie’s organizational skills, paired with her impeccable attention to detail, allowed her to manage a diverse and demanding workload. She thrived under the challenge, and consistently excelled in her endeavors.

After college Carrie relocated to Sarasota with her now husband Jason Riley, a strength and nutrition coach who specializes in meeting the needs of professional athletes. Though in Florida she was “starting from scratch,” it wasn’t long before Carrie found her stride… and her stage. She launched her career with a noted interior design firm and found a unique way to connect with like-minded and accomplished women: she became a professional cheerleader with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people who shared my love of sports and dancing,” smiles Carrie, who adds that she was in great company. “I became friends with amazing women, entrepreneurs and professionals that included educators, lawyers and a dentist.” In her final season, Carrie was thrilled to become a part of history as the Bucs fought their way to a Superbowl victory.

With every success comes challenges, and as Carrie’s business grew, she was unable to dedicate the time needed to maintain her career as a professional dancer with the NFL. She maintains a presence in the industry as a choreographer and judge, and works with ProTour Productions, an organization that provides entertainment for military servicemen and women around the world.

Her driving passion, says Carrie, is her firm, Riley Interior Design. Launched in 2004, the company caters to clients with high-end residential projects and boutique commercial needs, as well as sports facilities around the country.

The Southside Village Design Studio is the setting for inspiration and Carrie’s home away from home

Riley Interior Design specializes in the ability to successfully marry form and function, to create spaces that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are practical. Achieving this balance, says Carrie, starts with a thorough understanding of each client’s distinct wants and needs. “We come in with an intention of creating a space that our clients love,” she explains. “Our experience allows us to consistently achieve a successful outcome.”

Professionalism meets personality with Riley Interior Design, and Carrie’s energy is present in every facet of the business. Whether she’s donning a hard hat as she collaborates with architects and builders at a new construction site, or meeting with clients in her studio (where her beloved dogs Keela and Kloee also hold court), she is attentive, detail-oriented and always driven by the big picture.

Left to Right: Carrie’s husband of 13 years, Jason, and their girls, Keela and Kloee

Carrie’s professional practice is marked by traditional values and a commitment to providing outstanding client care. “It can take a great deal of time to redesign, remodel or build,” she observes. “A key to long-term success is a mutual sense of trust and respect. We establish and nurture our relationships with consumers and project-related professionals, maintaining communication to ensure that we stay connected and cohesive throughout the course of a given project.”

Whether it’s a Key West-inspired home, a state-of-the-arts sports facility, or a chic boutique with a trendy Eastern vibe, Carrie incorporates a world of elements into her projects. “I’m passionate about what I do,” she reveals. “No matter where I am, I’m constantly gleaning ideas from great elements and interesting architectural and design features.”

Carrie’s final game cheering was a Super Bowl win. In addition to the football, the Bucs presented her with a Tiffany & Co. Super Bowl ring

She thrives on challenge, and appreciates the opportunity to continue to grow and evolve professionally. Through travel, research and a keen eye, Carrie hones in on the details that make a difference; the fusion of individual lines, colors and pieces that come together in a mélange of style.

Carrie continues to design her professional success, and looks forward to a vibrant future.