Suzanne started her career at Pei Cobb Freed and Partners. She was design team leader on the following key projects: The Buck Institute for Research in Aging, Vencor Headquarters, and the Westchester County Courthouse. Following her work at Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Suzanne founded the architecture firm; MUSHO Architecture and Design. Suzanne led as the managing principal and creative director for this firm that achieved great acclaim as a pivotal design firm in New York City. MUSHO designed approximately 200 projects including The Surrey Hotel, the Corporate Headquarters for LERA, the Boomer Esiason Foundation and Maverick Headquarters, to name a few.

Throughout her career, Suzanne has volunteered her design and management talents with many non profit organizations. As examples, Suzanne was the lead project manager and interior designer for Dominican Academy Barbara B. Robotti Science Lab, and the project manager and community organizer for the largest residential solar array in New York City and Kips Bay Towers. This work is featured in the video by Network for New Energy Choices; Solar Towers.

Suzanne has always been committed to providing designs that respond to her clients’ needs and also provides change in the way people think about their spaces and how to use them. Suzanne worked with The School at Columbia University, as their chief architect and director of operations, to develop their full renovations, of every grade level. Through active programming, including teaching an eighth grade course in architecture, each grade level design was responsive, and proactive, to their future needs.

Currently, Suzanne is vice president at Zubatkin Owner Representation. Suzanne is leading major projects at Zubatkin including the new building at the American Museum of Natural History, and the Jackie Robinson Museum. Suzanne is adept at consensus building with multiple, diverse stakeholders and ensuring projects meet overarching, pivotal worldwide goals. Suzanne’s experience is multifaceted, enabling her to be the key driver in research and decision making in project design and planning, budgeting, and feasibility. Whether Suzanne is designing a large project, or managing and developing the team, she ensures the entire process; from concept, to the built form, is inspirational and mission driven.

Suzanne, as an architectural industry leader, is a consistent public speaker about architecture and inspiration. Suzanne has delivered presentations at prestigious conferences such as the Mid Atlantic Association for Museums (MAAM), Designing with Natural Stone in Portugal, and the Marmomacc TISE Conference in Las Vegas. Suzanne has also served on Design Competition juries such as; the Society for American Registered Architects National Design Competition, and the National Stone Institute Pinnacle Awards.

Suzanne also has an amazing family; her husband; David Downey and their three children; Jacquelyn, Cyril and Genevieve. They provide inspiration to her every day.