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Meet Your Team

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Christine Smart

PRESIDENT

Hello, my name is Christine Smart, and I started business plans for Designing Moves LLC® in the Fall of 2008. I have lived in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area for over 25 years. I received an associate degree from Kirkwood Community College in Interior Design and Business. I have free-lanced and worked at design oriented furniture stores in Cedar Rapids. I enjoy volunteering to help other women grow. I trained with Barbara Morris in February 2009. Barbara founded Smooth Transitions®. She is also co-founder of NASMM. Our team is a member of the Cedar Rapids Elderly Consortium and P.E.O.


Launching Designing Moves LLC® has given me a sense of living my life on purpose and making a difference in other peoples lives. We are all here for a reason and as I look back over my life, many experiences I have encountered since I was a child have prepared me for Designing Moves LLC®!

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Lorie Smith

ACCOUNTANT

My name is Lorie Smith and I manage Designing Moves LLC finances; from bookkeeping and billing to payroll and payroll reporting and taxes. I have a Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Management and Accounting with a minor in IT.  I’ve been associated independently as an accountant with Designing Moves LLC since the beginning days and it has truly been a blessing to see the growth that has occurred. 

The elderly and persons with special needs have always captured my heart and I feel it is important to put forth extra personal care to ensure needs are met and joy is felt in their hearts. At Designing Moves LLC we are a professional team that truly cares for those that we serve. Each team member brings their own unique qualities to the mix and together we bring to the public personalized, professional services graced with integrity and focused on providing top quality client services, completed in an efficient timeframe.

Lorie Smith
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Megan Bartos

Project Manager

I am Megan Bartos, Project Manager for Designing Moves! Graduating from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a social science degree in 2011,

I dove into hospitality management and event planning. That experience brought me to Cedar Rapids nine years ago and I have been immersed in the Eastern Iowa community ever since.

 

Through personal experiences I found my way to Designing Moves in early 2023. Two time attendee of NASMM's annual conference, with dozens of projects completed, I am currently working toward a Certified Move Manager certificate. Working for Designing Moves has been an incredibly impactful experience. I look forward to each new client we meet and will be honored to serve our community for years to come!

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Emily Qual

Operations Manager

My name is Emily Ann Qual, Designing Moves Operations Manager. I joined the team in 2024, transitioning from a 20+ year career in hospitality and event management. A native Iowan, I have had the opportunity to create and contribute to amazing businesses and projects in the Corridor- now including Designing Moves! 

 

When I’m not supporting our clients and  team , I am active in the kitchen, in the garden or working on community events. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Instructor at Breathing Room Yoga Studio, in downtown Cedar Rapids. 

 

My home is a sanctuary for six cats, which makes everyday an adventure! 

 

Christine Smart and the Designing Move staff are inspirational. The client-focused philosophy, ethical standards and attention to detail are truly part of the company culture. I am proud to work for the only NASMM A + accredited Move Management company in Iowa!

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Joe Schreder

Project Assistant

I have lived in Cedar Rapids a good part of my life. I am a local Jefferson High School Graduate.  My spouse Jackie and I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and then I graduated from the University of Iowa with a graduate degree in Human Resources /Industrial Relations. Jackie and I have been married forty years, have four children and six grandchildren.  

 

I retired in July 2019 and met Christine a relatively short time later.  

 

I enjoy being a part of the Designing Moves mission, helping people transition. I particularly like working in the "shop" and in the garage as the downsizing process evolves.  

Emily Qual
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Monette Waller

Project Assistant

Designing Moves found me, in 2022.  I was helping a friend downsize and met Christine Smart for further knowledge in the process - with great results.  We could see how our knowledge and desire was a perfect fit and Christine asked me to join her team.

 

My husband Gary and I have lived in Marion most of our lives. We have one daughter, a son-in-law and beautiful granddaughter who live in North Liberty. This is a great area to raise a family.

 

We enjoy traveling across the US as well as camping in our free time. Quilting and paper crafting are my true passions second to spending time with our granddaughter Holland.

 

I truly enjoy many parts of the job with Designing Moves, however, helping our clients unpack and settle in to their new home is probably my favorite.

We often hear "I had no idea there were people to help do what you just did for me! You have no idea how grateful I am for all Designing Moves did for me"

Emily Qual
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Deb Voss

Project Assistant

My name is Deb Voss and I’ve been a Project Assistant with  Designing Moves since 2022. I obtained a Bachelor Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the Universtiy of Northern Iowa, which led me to Cedar Rapids to begin a teaching career thirty years ago. Since that time, I have taught kindergarten, worked in the service industry, married, raised a couple of sons, owned a bookstore, and volunteered in various roles. 

I have a love for reading, learning, volunteering at my church, time spent with family, organization and all kinds of outdoor activities- biking, running, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. Part of my passion in life is serving others, problem solving and connecting with the world and others. Designing Moves gives me an opportunity to use these passions as we work in the community.

I can say with deepest sincerity that Designing Moves is a special sort of company. There is a genuineness and grace filled atmosphere that doesn’t always exist elsewhere in the world.  The gentleness, support, attention to detail, and genuine care that Designing Moves provides to their clients is an honor to be a part of.

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Nancy Cortez

Project Assistant

Hello, I'm Nancy Cortez, a Project Assistant at Designing Moves. With over 33 years of experience in retail, specializing in sales, merchandising, and display, I bring extensive expertise to my role. I reside in Fairfax with my husband and our family, which includes two sons, a daughter, and a daughter-in-law. I am passionate about being part of the design team, particularly in assisting clients as they transition and settle into their new homes. In my leisure time, I enjoy watching my kids sporting events and embracing the outdoors through biking and walking.

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Sam Messerli

Design & Office Assistant

My name is Sam and I've been working with Designing Moves for a little over a year now.

I've lived in Cedar Rapids my whole life and graduated from Prairie in 2023!

Some of my hobbies include vintage and music. I'm thankful to work for this company because I get to hear stories about clients' belongings that now can be described as vintage.

My favorite part overall is getting to work alongside some of my favorite people as well as meeting clients who become like friends to me!

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Office: 319-377-6891

Mon-Thur  10am to 5pm

Phones answered during these hrs:

Friday 10am to 4pm

Closed Sat & Sun

(Office hours by appt. only)

309 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2

Marion, Iowa 52302

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© 2025 Designing Moves® L.L.C. |  319-377-6891

309 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2, Marion, Iowa 52302

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