DEDICATED TO DIVERSITY
DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) policy statement for CDG:
Since our founding in 1988 as a female owned business in a male dominated industry, CDG employees have come from all manner of races and cultures: Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Caucasian, Foreign, various forms of LGBTQ, and everything in between. Through the decades, our office has provided a diverse environment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, genetics, age, veteran status or species (see: Benson, below).
We are always looking to supplement our team with qualified applicants of various backgrounds and experiences. Our equitable, inclusive, and inspiring work culture fosters creativity and professional growth for each member of the team. Those interested in joining our office are encouraged to submit a portfolio and resume to info@cdgla.com.
CDG is a State Women-Owned Business Enterprise (SWBE) and a Disadvantage Enterprise (DBE) as certified by the California Department of Transportation. Our registration number is # 41716.
MEET OUR LEADERS
PRESIDENT
SUSAN CODDINGTON, RA
In 1988, Susan founded CDG Interior Design + Architecture (Chelsea Design Group, Inc.), in the Century City area of Los Angeles. The firm has grown as a direct result of its superb customer service, supporting local, regional and international clients in reaching their goals. Since commencement of her career in 1983, she has planned and designed successful environments for a broad range of clientele including corporate, legal and entertainment industry tenants, property management/ownership firms and federal and local government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations that offer housing and healthcare services. Together with co-founder, Robert A. Stinson, AIA, the firm has specialized in offering full scope architectural, planning, interior design and technology services, to support and integrated design process where all elements are coordinated by a cohesive in-house team.
Susan is registered as both an Architect and Certified Interior Designer in California. She is a professional member of the American Institute of Architects and the International Interior Design Association. The firm focuses on providing personalized service that delivers projects, which are creative, functional, and respectful of budget and schedule requirements. Susan graduated from the University of Texas, in Austin, in 1982, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. She then joined Regency Development Company in Houston as a space planner within the Department of Architecture. This experience gave her an in-depth understanding of commercial real estate and the important role that effective space planning plays in a successful lease transaction, as well as the foundation from which architectural and design solutions are developed.
After transferring to Los Angeles in 1986 as part of a development team to renovate, space plan and lease a 450,000 sq-ft commercial property, Susan joined Reback Design Associates as a Project Manager. While there, she was responsible for the space planning and design requirements of several West Los Angeles properties. Successful relationships with commercial real estate brokers and satisfied clients supported her goal to establish the firm in 1988. Many of these initial contacts continue to refer consistent business to CDG today. We believe that the greatest value within the business community is long-term, trustworthy relationships that are mutually supportive for all parties.
Susan has served as Chairman of the Board for the Century City Chamber of Commerce. As past Co-VP Advocacy, on the SoCal Board of International Interior Design Association (IIDA), she continues to participate as an ongoing professional member, she supports endeavors to advance the profession through outreach efforts to educate the public and legislation about the role of the interior designer in the design of commercial environments and the value of future licensing for commercial designers. Concurrently, Susan maintains professional membership status with the Los Angeles chapter of AIA. Susan has received commendations from the City of Los Angeles for outstanding community service. She feels immense satisfaction from helping people and businesses improve their quality of life by contributing to efforts that support our community and the well-being of its citizens.
Susan makes her home in Sherman Oaks, CA enjoying the ‘empty nest’ while her daughter pursues her post-college career goals. She enjoys hiking, travel, sailing, coffee, wine, and spending time with friends and family.
PROJECT ARCHITECT
Ashok studied architecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh after being exposed to unique buildings located in Singapore and Sri Lanka where he grew up. He moved to Los Angeles in 2005 where he has played a significant role on a variety of project types including a new church and community facility for the Home of Christians in Monterey Park, a custom contemporary residential duplex in Culver City and a flagship retail space for Versace in Beverly Hills.
aSHOK KANAGASUNDRAM
He participates in all phases of the project delivery process specializing in BIM, design development and construction documents.
Outside architecture, he enjoys plein air painting, photography and sculpting and pursuing a variety of community art classes. In 2014, he participated in a group art show entitled Rock, Paper Scissors, displaying abstract stone sculptures.
JOB CAPTAIN
Evan Collins
Evan Collins is an architect and design curator based in Los Angeles, with experience in interior design, BIM & managing projects in the retail, residential & commercial fields since 2015. Outside of his work in architecture he also cofounded and runs CARI, or the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute; a design research group dedicated to developing a visual lexicon of consumer design from the 1970s-present. Evan holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Columbia University and a Bachelors in Architecture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He enjoys hiking, exploring, travel, 80s new wave music, museums, and concerts.
ADMIN + MATERIAL RESEARCH
LORI HINES
Lori performs substantial research for the many inquiries our clients may have on a day-to-day basis. She plays a major role in making sure our clients feel that their space is exactly how they expect it to be, by ensuring their needs and goals are always perfectly met. Lori also manages our extensive on-site sample library, maintaining daily communication with the manufacturers, reps and vendors, on which we rely for product and finish specifications.
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
RICHARD OSBORNE
Richard is our IT guy. As the in-house information technologist, he oversees all installations from IT, AV, security systems, fire life safety, lighting, mechanical and electrical. He is without question our ‘go-to guy’ in terms of understanding IT related technical issues. He holds a degree in Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Auckland, NZ.
DEI SPECIALIST, INTERIOR DESIGN, & FURNITURE EXPERT
CHRISTINE Peter
Christine not only helps people create their dream spaces as a designer and project manager with expertise in furniture, she also is a certified DEI specialist and is the lead chair for the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee of the Southern California IIDA. A great team member, her decades of experience bring client projects in on time, on budget, and beautifully.
Christine has diverse experience and interests, with a longstanding commitment to giving. In addition to chairing the IIDA Inclusivity and Diversity committee, she is the IIDA VP of Advocacy (2014-present), Chair at 44 Women for Orangewood (2012-present), and a state certified Court Mentor.
Previously, she has also been the OC IIDA board chair for Professional Development, Students, and Advocacy (2010-2014), IDCC California Fundraising Chair (2015-2018), Founding member and Happy City VP (2012-2016), OC Business Council Board Chair for Community Colleges, OC ASID Community Outreach chair (2014-2015) and Board Advisor and member (2013-2015), and won a 2009 Calibre Award.
EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT
ROBERT A. STINSON
Robert A. Stinson, AIA is a registered Architect in several states and is a co-founder of CDG, since 1988. He currently maintains a private practice in New York City, specializing in bi-coastal corporate interiors as well as high-end residential design and architecture. He holds a Masters Degree in Architecture from Harvard University, leading design projects with over 35 years of expertise. His office in Manhattan gives CDG the logistical resources to design and manage projects on the east coast.
He enjoys travel, art and great food!
CEO (CHIEF ENTERTAINMENT OFFICER)
BENSON
Benson... well, he's just Benson - he keeps us smiling and focused!