work experience

Desmone Architects |Pittsburgh, PA - August, 2016 - Present

Senior Interior Designer | Studio Leader

  • WELL project administrator / technical expert for 21,000 sf addition - 2 Doughboy Square WELL Certified Gold. WELL Facility Manager leads team of 5-7 coworkers in ongoing documentation and re-certification efforts
  • Successful completion of over 50 tenant fit-out projects. Ensures designs meet applicable local building codes: life safety and accessibility requirements 
  • Works independently on concurrent projects of various sizes. Leads the entire process or may assist as a technical expert
  • Experience in all areas of design and construction, from schematic design to construction administration - proposal writing to billing
  • Go-to-person for code compliance, accessibility requirements and constructablity
  • Key member of Drawing Standards Committee responsible for developing and documenting drafting standards based on industry standards

Kossman development company | Pittsburgh, PA - April, 2014 - August, 2016

Interior designer

  • Collaborate in cross functional teams driving the design build process, contributing to 9 property renovations leading to 4 million dollars revenue
  • Lead interior design development through concept and schematic phases, design development and construction documents and all construction phases
  • Forecast & implementation of standard interior design packages for tenant spaces.
  • Knowledgeable of furniture, fixtures & equipment: commercial interior, retail, hospitality and kitchen
  • Development & production of construction documents, utilizing cost effective detailing
  • Ensures designs meet applicable local building codes: life safety and accessibility requirements

giant eagle |Pittsburgh, PA - November, 2010 - April, 2014

Retail Store Designer

  • Responsible for managing project expectations and negotiating needs of business leaders, providing high levels of customer service ensuring the client’s needs are fulfilled
  • Organize multiple project budgets and deadlines, executing 5-10 projects simultaneously
  • Coordinate the design of space plans with equipment buyers and construction managers  ensuring budget goals of 4 to 6 million dollars per project
  • Administered the roll out of 20 bank installations, strengthening relationships with external clients, contractors and consultants
  • Valued team member – participates on the “Respect for People” committee, involved in updating standard operating procedures
  • Develops and maintains space branding of “Market District” format in conjunction with advertising department and visual merchandising team 
  • Synchronizes multiple consultants (architectural, electrical, kitchen design & refrigeration) and vendors ( mill work, exterior sign & specialty fixture) to deliver projects from initial design to grand opening  
  • Leads small project initiatives developing prepared food offerings, fixture designs, and coordinating sourcing of equipment with internal clients
  • Coach and lead drafters on delegated tasks ensuring deadlines are being attained

Dick and Fritsche Design Group |Phoenix, AZ: 2005 -2008

Architectural interior designer

  • Over one million square feet of project experience; Designer, Project Manager, AutoCAD Drafter & Construction Administrator
  • Understanding of the education, commercial development, library and faith based markets.
  • Experienced construction document developer and detailer
  • Familiarity in a variety of structures ranging from parking garages to corporate offices.

Arizona State University, Herberger Institute School of Design Innovation |Tempe, aZ: 2005 - 2008

Associate Professor

  • Transformed the traditional hand drafting curriculum into an AutoDesk / AutoCAD based curriculum, a first for the School of Interior Design at ASU.
  • Taught students basics of 3 dimensional thinking to development of basic construction documents
  • Responsible for preparing and delivering lectures and leading classroom discussions in traditional classroom environments and in digital based studios for 20 to 70 students.
  • Administered, graded examinations and delegated tasks to teaching assistants.
  • Provided consultation to students and teaching assistants.

U.S. Navy: U.S.S. Kearsarge & White House Communications Agency: 1993 - 2001

2nd Class Petty Officer |Photographer

  • Significantly increased the photography labs production, while only staffed at 70%, averaging 15,000 prints monthly.
  • 1 of 5 technicians out of 19 personnel, qualified to process original Presidential negative film.
  • Managed and procured an inventory of photographic equipment valued at $1,000,000.
  • Reconciled and managed an annual budget of $500,000.
  • Led a staff of 8 -10 photographers from various military branches.

Education

A. S. Computer Aided Drafting, Pittsburgh Technical Institute - 2011

B. S. Design, Interior Design, Arizona State University, Summa cum Laude - 2006

A. A. Business Administration, Strayer University, Summa cum Laude - 2000

Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building - LEED Gold - Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
Construction Administration: Perkins + Will and Dick and Fritsche Design Group
Awards: AIA Arizona Council - Citation Award & SRP Sustainability Award