Carrie Nielsen NCIDQ, ASID

Senior associate, Director of Interior Design

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Carrie Nielsen, NCIDQ, ASID is a Senior Associate and Director of Interior Design at JCJ with more than 27 years of experience designing hospitality environments. Recognized for her thoughtful approach, meticulous attention to detail and collaborative leadership, Carrie works closely with clients, consultants and project teams to transform design concepts into interiors that are authentic, memorable and enduring.

With extensive experience designing branded and boutique hotels, Carrie guides projects through every phase of the design process, from programming and space planning to construction documentation, quality control and construction administration. Equally comfortable interpreting established brand standards or developing distinctive identities for independent properties, she understands that the most successful hospitality environments tell a story. Her approach thoughtfully incorporates the character of a place, its history and the experiences that make each destination unique, creating memorable moments that leave a lasting impression on guests.

Carrie combines creative vision with disciplined project leadership, balancing design intent with the practical demands of hotel operations. As Director of Interiors, Carrie mentors designers, encourages creativity and fosters an environment where ideas are explored with purpose and refined through teamwork. She believes the most meaningful interiors are shaped by thoughtful, intentional details that create a lasting connection between people and place.

Carrie earned her Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design, graduating at the top of her class, from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is NCIDQ certified and an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Awards and Recognition

  • IIDA Best Hospitality Hotel, Pennyweight Hotel, Boston (2025)
  • Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – The Brenton (2024)
  • Travel + Leisure – Brenton Hotel #5 Best Resort in New England (2024)
  • Conde Nast Traveler recognition – Sagaponack Inn, Sagaponack, NY
  • Hospitality Design Award Winner, Moxy Hotel, Boston (2020)
  • Gold Key Finalist, Moxy Hotel (2020)
  • Hospitality Design Award Winner, Envoy Hotel, Boston (2018)
  • Boston Society of Architects Design Citation, Envoy Hotel (2018)
  • Hospitality Design Award Finalist, AC Hotel Miami (2018)
  • Gold Key Finalist, Residence Inn (2018)
  • Gold Key Finalist, Envoy Hotel (2016)
  • Best New Hotel USA Today – Envoy Hotel (2015)
  • Designers of the Next Generation, Boutique Design 18 up-and-coming designer, Carrie Nielsen (2014)
  • Marriott CFRST Best Custom Project, Residence Inn Seaport, Boston (2014)
  • Gold Key Finalist, Residence Inn Seaport, Boston (2014)
  • Marriott Design Excellence Award
  • NEWH Top Interior Design Firm, multiple years – Group One Partners
  • Bed & Butter: The Hospitality Podcast: Special Guest
  • NEREJ Construction and Design Trends Panelist

Project Experience

  • Hospitality
  • Branded Hotels
  • Boutique and Independent Hotels
  • Adaptive Reuse Hospitality
  • Mixed-Use Hospitality Developments
  • Restaurants
  • Theatres

Representative Clients

  • Babson College
  • Boylston Properties
  • Emerge Hospitality Group
  • Hilton Worldwide
  • Marriott International
  • Hyatt Hotels
  • Maine Course Hospitality
  • Nexera Capital
  • Ogunquit Playhouse
  • OTO Development
  • Sheraton Corporation
  • Simone Development

Representative Projects

  • Babson College Executive Lodge and Conference Center – Wellesley, MA
  • Moxy Hotel – Atlanta, GA
  • Ogunquit Playhouse – Ogunquit, ME
  • Pennyweight Hotel – Boston, MA
  • Tempo Hotel DC – Washington, DC
  • The Brenton – Newport, RI
  • Six South – Hanover NH
Experience

28 Years

Capabilities
  • Hospitality Interior Design
  • Hotel & Resort Design
  • Brand Expression & Standards
  • Boutique Hospitality Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Concept Development
  • Design Presentation
  • Space Planning & Programming
  • FF&E Selection & Specification
  • Quality Control
  • Project Leadership
Professional Leadership
  • Senior Associate, JCJ
  • Director of Interiors, JCJ
Credentials
  • National Council of Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) certified
Education
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Architecture and Design, Maryland Institute College of Art
Affiliations
  • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
  • The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH)