Archinect
Inga Newsom

Inga Newsom

Los Angeles, CA, US

 

About 

My varied experience has allowed me to flourish not only as a design professional, but as an effective researcher and project manager as well. With a background in Intensive Psychology and Interior Architecture, I am profoundly interested in the human experience of space and physical environments. The way in which a person grows, learns, and explores is highly dependent on their associations with and interpretations of their surroundings. An effort to develop user-based spaces can transform not only the ultimate improvement of the human experience, but can also revolutionize design through validated research.

Having worked on a multitude of design projects built on the tenets of evidence-based, qualitative research, I have contributed to the development of newly innovated consumer products, state of the art medical devices, and restructured business strategy approaches with both corporate and small-scale clients, such as Procter and Gamble and Kohler. My education in Interior Architecture has introduced me to the essential principles of the interior design and architecture industries, flourishing my design vocabulary and competence in fieldwork. Using an interdisciplinary approach has helped promote a collaborative interaction with industry partners and clients, creating environments that foster user-based solutions and value-driven services. With this in mind, I believe my skills and experiences can help develop the design and architecture world's greater mission and overall objective of creating innovative and effective spaces. 

Employment 

AC Martin, Los Angeles, CA, US, Designer

Oct 2014 - current
 

Karten Design, Marina del Rey, CA, US, Design Researcher

• Preparing, conducting and participating in a variety of research approaches and opportunities, including both primary and secondary research
• Reviewing primary research and analyzing and synthesizing research data for clients and designers
• Working with Senior Design Researchers and Project Managers to recruit unique and specific participants
• Efficiently collaborating with teams of researchers, industrial designers and engineers and actively participate in brainstorming, concept development and strategy sessions
• Supporting Senior Researchers and Project Managers with designing, conducting, analyzing and presenting the results of Research and Strategy with various methodologies • Supporting Senior Researchers and Project Managers to develop comprehensive
work plans for the execution of DS&R projects. This includes participation in creating protocols and research guidelines, as well as generating final deliverable and presentations
• Actively participating in cross-disciplinary collaborations internally and with clients
• Conducting thorough synthesis to understand diverse research topics, identify trends,
key themes and high-level insights
• Presenting and delivering research findings and insights in a clear and professional manner
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and understanding of various qualitative and
quantitative research methods to be applied and adapted to client needs

Sep 2013 - Oct 2014
 

TASCHEN, Beverly Hills, CA, US, Assistant Store Manager

• Exceeding responsibilities of Store Assistant
• Facilitating inventory orders and organization, including serialization of Limited Edition items
• Working closely with Store Manager to enhance store management and general progress
• Working with Store Manager and Retail Director to develop and meet sales goals
• Assisting in managing a team that was the national top producing store in 2012, grossing one of the store’s highest years ever; achieved gains second only to TASCHEN’s leading international retail location (Store Paris)
• Spearheading event planning and community involvement for receptions and book-signings for significant artists, designers, and architects, such as Christo, Marc Newson, and Tadao Ando
• Responsible for interacting with collectors, artists, and professional clients in a retail environment
• Producing sales of limited edition items
• Coordinating events and receptions, such as book signings with influential artists, designers, and architects.
• Representing TASCHEN at various events, such as lectures and book signings at the Hammer Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and ASID events
• Writing daily personal communications to high profile clients
• Compiling inventories and evaluating existing stock
• Merchandising stock on the sales floor for optimum visibility and effective display of books and photographic prints
• Facilitating general organization and cleanliness of store interior and exterior

Nov 2010 - Sep 2013
 

Via Deca III, Los Angeles, CA, US, Project Assistant

• Assisting in the remodel of three apartment units to be rented out, including interaction and correspondence with various departments of the Los Angeles County & City
• Overseeing various levels of remodel work such as plumbing, electrical, landscape, and general design
• Providing input and contributing to changes in architectural structure and design elements of the spaces
• Acting as liaison between property owners and contractors/site supervisors

Jul 2011 - Dec 2011
 

CS&A Contract Furniture, Textiles, & Arch. Glass, Los Angeles, CA, US, Showroom Intern

• Assisting in organization of showroom, including proper arrangement of textiles and pieces
• Compiling inventories
• Completing orders with textile selection and organization

Jun 2011 - Dec 2011
 

Education 

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA, US, Masters, Interior Architecture

Sep 2013 - Dec 2014
 

UCLA Extension Arc-ID Program, Los Angeles, CA, US, Interior Design

Mar 2011 - Aug 2013
 

University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), Santa Cruz, CA, US, Bachelors, Psychology

Sep 2006 - Jun 2010
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills