Celebrating Excellence: Systemcenter’s Design Manager Elizabeth Schnelker Named Haworth Dealer Designer of the Year
When it comes to creating spaces that inspire, Elizabeth Schnelker, Systemcenter’s Design Manager, does it with the heart, precision, and unique vision. This year, we’re proud to share that Elizabeth has been recognized as Haworth’s Dealer Designer of the Year—a prestigious honor celebrating design acumen, product expertise, and embodiment of Haworth’s core values.
Each year, Haworth invites Dealer Designers from across the country to submit projects that showcase exceptional use of Haworth products and a deep understanding of design intent. Entrants must demonstrate how they live out Haworth’s core values—from leading with design to creating meaningful value for clients.
How Elizabeth Designed Her Way to the Top
Elizabeth’s submission embodied everything this award celebrates. As she put it,
“I truly listen to customers, ensuring their vision is honored while guiding them toward solutions that are both functional and beautiful. Success is never achieved alone—I rely on collaboration with my teammates and manufacturing partners to deliver the best possible outcomes. By leading with design, I create environments that not only meet project goals but also enrich the lives of end users.”
Her entries—Hawaii Pacific University’s Executive Offices and Lendlease Management Office—demonstrate her deep product knowledge, refined aesthetic, and leadership in bringing Haworth’s design philosophy to life.
The Spaces That Set Her Apart
Hawaii Pacific University – Executive Offices
Elizabeth transformed a blank slate into a refined executive workplace using Haworth Enclose Walls to maximize natural light and create flexible, private offices. The result is an environment that supports collaboration, focus, and brand continuity across teams—particularly in the Marketing and Communications department, where open workstations and private focus areas strike the perfect balance between teamwork and productivity.
Lendlease Management Office
For Lendlease, Elizabeth crafted a space that blends sophistication with adaptability. Utilizing Haworth Enclose, Intuity workstations, and executive furnishings, she built an environment that reflects the company’s brand while supporting diverse workstyles and future growth.
The Journey That Shaped a Leader
Elizabeth’s path to this recognition is as inspiring as her designs. Originally from Michigan, where Haworth’s headquarters resides, she began her career at a furniture dealership there before discovering Systemcenter while planning a move to Hawaii. Our President, Stephan Edwards, met her for the first time at NeoCon in Chicago—and immediately knew she was a “no-brainer hire.”
Starting as a Junior Designer, Elizabeth quickly became a cornerstone of the team, earning her place as Design Manager overseeing 15 designers. She collaborates closely with department heads, ensuring every project aligns seamlessly with design intent and client vision.
Her humility and determination set her apart. In her own words:
“I’m not typically someone who would go out of my way to toot my own horn—but I’m proud of the work I’ve done and how far I’ve come. Being in Hawaii means we often learn through resourcefulness, late nights, and hands-on problem solving. Everything I’ve learned has come from on-the-job experience and a deep desire to make workplaces better through ergonomics and beautiful design.”
For all of us at Systemcenter, Elizabeth’s award is more than individual recognition—it’s a reflection of our shared philosophy: having the right person in the right seat, both literally and figuratively. She leads with empathy, lifts her team, and designs with purpose—embodying what it means to create spaces where people can inspire, connect, and thrive.
Congratulations, Elizabeth—you make us proud every day.
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