Before launching an art and framing solutions company over 30 years ago, FrameWorks Co-Founder and President Cris Sweeny knew one thing: whatever business she started, it had to be about the people.
“Who we are and how we think is the foundation of FrameWorks today, and has been even before day one,” said Sweeny. Co-Founder Claire Lardner couldn’t agree more. “At our core, we believe in ‘limitless possibilities’ and we live this every day in front of our hospitality clients, in the background of our workroom and outside in the community.”
The diverse and inclusive 33-person FrameWorks team works out of its 20,000 square foot studio and showroom facility in Miami. Geographically positioned near cruising clients, FrameWorks offers “concept to crate” service, with full in-house fabrication capabilities.
How FrameWorks is championing diversity
Two years ago, Sweeny and Lardner looked around the workroom and noticed an opportunity for greater representation in their workforce. They partnered with Miami’s de Moya Foundation, a non-profit organization that creates employment opportunities for young adults with unique abilities. As part of this partnership, FrameWorks set out to expand their team and further foster inclusive collaboration. Two new employees are now part of FrameWorks’ fabric. The company has consequently benefited from their unique skill sets and differences.
When de Moya Foundation approached FrameWorks this year to partner beyond the workroom, Sweeny said a quick “Yes!”. This June, 10 FrameWorks employees are travelling to Orlando for the State Finals for the Special Olympics. They will cheer on three bocce ball and two running participants at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
“Diversity and simply being human are who we are,” says Sweeny. “When we see an opportunity to champion these values, we grab hold of it, together as individuals and as a team. FrameWorks is truly a culture that values differences and I believe that is why we lead in design and framing today.”
Want more of this?
Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Americas blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Americas is the world’s only exhibition and conference exclusively dedicated to connecting the buyers and suppliers of the cruise design industry. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 June 2025 alongside Hotel & Resort Design South and Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center.