NEW YORK — September 16, 2024 — NELSON Worldwide welcomes Jowita (Jo) Abbott as Design Leader, Retail. In this role, she will enhance the breadth and profitability of NELSON’s interior design discipline on regional and global levels. Abbott will focus on delivering innovative and compelling design solutions tailored to clients’ evolving needs. She will lead design discussions within regional teams and ensure the successful delivery of projects through effective RFP responses, management structures, and mentoring interior design teammates across various offices.

With over 12 years of experience across the hospitality, workplace, and luxury residential sectors, Abbott is a seasoned interior design leader. This diverse background has shaped her perspective on retail design, enabling her to incorporate the essential elements of detail, functionality, and relationship-building from these fields. By thinking creatively and prioritizing human-centric solutions, Abbott has crafted retail spaces that go beyond functionality to deeply resonate with users—spaces that have a soul and a strong connection to the people they serve.

Inspired by the NELSON environment that prioritizes transformation, progression, and engagement, Abbott is eager to collaborate with a forward-thinking, creative team and introduce her leadership style to the firm. Her passion for sustainable, functional, and immersive spaces aligns with NELSON’s commitment to purposeful design. As Design Leader, Retail, Abbott will actively oversee the quality control of select interior architectural projects, ensuring the highest standards are upheld throughout all phases of development. She will also be the bridge between creative teams and project management while serving as a key liaison to the Leadership Team.

In her previous roles, Abbott led teams on projects for clients including Bloomingdale’s, Amafi, Meta, T-Mobile, Micles, and Stylex, among others. As a board member of the Retail Design Institute (RDI) NY Chapter, she co-creates engaging events that foster community and growth within the industry. Abbott was recognized as one of Retail TouchPoints’ 40 Under 40 and is a recipient of VMSD’s Designer Dozen award, highlighting her dedication to pushing the boundaries of design across diverse sectors. Abbott’s extensive experience, from luxury to tech, underscores her ability to deliver exceptional results across various scales and sectors.

At NELSON Worldwide, Abbott will leverage her unique perspectives in retail design, team leadership, and business development to enhance the firm’s market impact, driving innovation and success across projects. Her role will extend beyond the office, requiring a strong presence in both local and national industry organizations to foster connections, drive business development, and elevate NELSON’s profile in the design community.