About Us
An executive search firm specializing in Contract and Residential interiors, furniture and building material environments
where people matter.
The right people can impact the growth and profitability of any organization. Our experience has shown us that compassion, dedication and individual attention to every engagement is not only necessary, it’s the right thing to do.
A Word from the Founder
Deborah Allen
Deborah Allen is the Founder and Principal of Searchwise Consultants, a executive search firm specializing in the commercial and residential interiors, contract furniture and built-environment industries.
With more than 25 years in executive search—and a career in the contract furniture industry before founding Searchwise—Deborah and team bring an unusually deep understanding of the market, the companies and, most importantly, the people who shape it.
Her approach to recruiting is highly personal and relationship-driven. Deborah believes that finding the right person requires more than matching a résumé to a job description. It requires understanding a company's culture, leadership, business objectives and reputation in the marketplace—as well as what motivates a candidate to make a meaningful career move.
Over the course of her career, Deborah has developed an extensive national network of executives, sales leaders, business developers, designers, project managers and other professionals throughout the commercial interiors industry. Many of those relationships span decades.
Clients rely on Deborah not only to identify exceptional talent, but also for her candid perspective on the market, compensation, competitors and the realities of attracting and retaining top performers.
Deborah founded Searchwise with a simple philosophy that continues to guide the firm today: great recruiting is built on relationships, industry knowledge, discretion and trust.
Our Guiding Principles
Put People First
Our job isn’t done until everyone is thriving, using skills and resources to build a better workforce and a better workplace.
People matter and we will take every opportunity to bring hopes, dreams and just ordinary practicalities to the ongoing discussion about how to make life work for everyone.
See & Be Seen
The crucial difference between us and other firms is that our team is constantly out in the field. This means in person, at functions and gatherings, meeting with people and experiencing firsthand the current energy of the market. While it‘s tempting to think information can be easily obtained on the internet and staying in touch as simple as a phone call, a superficial search, “dialing for dollars,” as it’s known in the industry, is not sufficient. A “virtual tour” approach may yield information, but recruiting from the confines of an office will never fulfill the broader and deeper needs of either the candidate or company.
Interpret & Use Data
Our team is dedicated and talented and constantly looking for new ways to interpret and use data. Because data can provide not only facts but possible story outcomes – it’s a far richer source for us than previously thought – and our people are at the forefront of a new data movement that has more to reveal to us than boring, inscrutable numbers and “wizard code.” We research talent mapping, market mapping, company information, competitor information, and follow industry trends and recent news.
Stay Current
We stay current and pass on helpful tips and grand ideas alike because we believe it is an essential ‘nutrient’ for everyone, and we invite our audience to check out our many offerings.We support the efforts of such commercial real estate association as CoreNet Global and Bisnow. We attend as many Bisnow events as possible, because if you want to know what’s going on in your territory — attend a meeting! Similarly, we support CREWNetwork (women in commercial real estate) a groundbreaking and highly supportive women’s network that has meaningful impact far beyond real estate.