Qualifications
A diverse career in art and design spanning more than 25 years; highly creative in my use of materials and approach to design; an innate sense of space and the economy of its use; a positive attitude and high level of productivity, even when learning new things in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining close attention to details; lifelong and adept learner, adaptable, flexible and calm under pressure; mature and grounded, but never stagnant. I am resourceful, reliable, and energetic; highly collaborative and a problem solver capable of leading a team to completion of projects on time, within budget, with the best results.
My work has included religious facilities, medical/dental, high-end residential & model homes, clubhouse, kitchen & bath, sales & design centers, turn-key executive, custom furnishings, visual merchandising and commercial art. I have worked with upscale materials, finishes, and furnishings such as Spinneybeck, Brown Jordan, Forms & Surfaces, Scalamandre, Stroheim, Donghia, Schumacher, Knoll, and Marge Carson; and I’m familiar with several lines of systems furniture.
Technical Skills
AutoCAD v 14-2000, AutoCAD LT 97-2002 – 8 years experience, currently using LT 2002
Other computer assisted design software: FormZ 3-D modeling, 20-20 and other proprietary cabinetry programs
MS Office Suite Professional (Word, Excel, PP, Publisher & Access) – proficient with 20 years current experience
CorelDraw & PhotoShop – proficient with 8 years current experience
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Contractor – San Francisco Bay Area (Jun 2003 – present)
Residential and religious projects
RPI – San Jose CA (May 2003 – present)
Project Manager.
Streamlined the processes for feasibility studies and management of projects resulting in more effective and efficient processes; Implemented a collaborative model for employee input & information, boosting morale, and productivity levels; reorganized and revitalized the annual visual arts and architecture awards program.
Independent Contractor – Colorado Springs CO & Atlanta GA (Dec 2000 - Jul 2002)
Commercial, residential & religious facilities.
Of note: Dance studio installation renovation of a 100+ y/o building, including 6,000sf dance floor, offices, restrooms, media room and lounge, using the building’s character and materials as the inspiration for the design.
Great Things Interiors & Kitchens – Colorado Springs CO (May 2000 – Dec 2000)
Designer, specifier, space planner & project manager for high-end client base.
Brought unique & sophisticated design ideas to projects which resulted in larger budgets and higher margins; Streamlined design development which increased the number of contracts written within a given period of time.
Kitchen & Bath Ideas – Colorado Springs CO (Nov 1999 – May 2000)
Designer and specifier using American & Canadian cabinetry for mid to high-end client.
Redesigned & updated showroom vignettes to feature more upscale materials and current trends; Implemented upgrade to industry standard design software (20-20).
Brown, Smith & Jarvis Architects – Colorado Springs CO (May 1998 – Oct 1999)
Staff Interior Designer/Liturgical Design Consultant
Religious facilities design, space planning & custom furnishings for worship and auxiliary spaces.
Developed and managed a method to more involve the client in the architectural process, including regular updates and communications, which resulted in greater client satisfaction; Learned and became proficient with AutoCAD v 14 and FormZ 3-D software and together with the intern, “built” the company’s first computer models and walk-through videos.
Independent Contractor – Atlanta GA (Oct 1996 – May 1998)
Liturgical Design Consultant for religious facilities
Cunningham’s Decor & Furnishings – Lawrenceville GA (Aug 1997 – Apr 1998)
Part time interior designer & sales consultant for small furniture boutique
Wollaston Smith International – Atlanta GA (Mar 1996 - Nov 1996)
Lead designer and project manager for high-end kitchens, baths & libraries specifying European cabinets (Snaidero) and other Canadian & Amer. Lines.
Transitioned company from hand-drawn to computer aided design resulting in higher designer productivity and more efficient design development. Introduced more complex concepts integrating other living areas, resulting in contracts with larger budgets, and higher margins.
Independent Contractor – Columbus IN (Oct 1991- Dec 1995)
Residential design and dental clinics.
Integrated new cutting edge technology into dental clinic design. Developed solutions for housing computers and components for use in a sterile environment.
Independent Contractor – Rancho Mirage CA (Jun 1989 - Oct 1991)
High-end residential clients. Custom case, occasional, and upholstered furniture designs.
The Club at Morningside – Rancho Mirage CA (Feb 1988 - Jun 1991)
Design Center Manager/Staff Designer
An upscale development of $1.5-2M homes on a Jack Nicklaus golf course. I was hired as the assistant to the Des. Ctr. Mgr., but within 4 months I replaced her, becoming the project’s designer, interior specifier & project manager for all inventory homes, turn-key guest houses, and homeowner selections process, and co-designer & manager of clubhouse renovations and new model homes. Accomplishments:
Renovation of design center. Upgraded & expanded sample displays, workrooms and client hospitality area. This established expanded, full-service design options for the residents, creating an additional source of revenue for the design center, and added administrative staff.
Renovation of old model homes, guest houses and executive houses, resulting in viable resale inventory.
Design of new sales offices and design center with integrated floor plans, resulting in a seamless client experience between the sales offices and design center.
Free Lance Artist/Interiors consultant – AZ, CA, NV, TX, VA (1966 – 1988)
Graphic arts & visual merchandising; office & residential interiors; seasonal retail & hospitality display.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Education:
AZ State Univ., Tempe AZ – BS Media Art (graphics & illustration)
Chapman College, Palm Desert CA – 3-yr Certificate Interior Design
Catholic Theological Union Inst. For Liturgical Consultants, Chicago – 3yr Cert. Sacred art & Architecture
Continuing Education
Local, regional and national conferences, markets & workshops
OSHA Regulations in Health Care
Additional college coursework – Kingwood College (TX) & Dekalb College (GA)
Field Studies (art & architecture) – Spain (3 yrs)
INTERESTS & VOLUNTEER WORK
Ballroom dancing, painting & drawing, decorative painting, and sewing. Volunteer work includes parish committee work, workshops, presentations & training.
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