Robert Frank

Starbucks Coffee, Seattle, WA, US, Design Manager

Design leader focused on directing Middle East and Central European-based and in-house design of an average 90 new stores per year, and managing country-specific existing store portfolio (Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, U.A.E., Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, and Russia)
Awards:
 Winning design solution for Le Louvre Museum, Paris, France’s retail competition for design of Paris Flagship store (which won MAPIC Cannes award 2007)
 Store Design of the Year finalist in 2008 for opening of Russian market; assisted in development of concept design solution for exterior kiosk and developed concept design solution for small-footprint store
Key contributions:
 Responsible for $12M yearly budget; managed and created designs for the entire year’s store count.
 Guided in-house production design team in providing feasibility studies, schematic design and space planning, finish and artwork selections, design drawing implementation.
 Provided executive direction and leadership to local store development teams via market visits, design clinics and training, store tours, on-site construction support, and daily project communication
 Ensured that design execution reflected consistency with company objectives and architectural standards as well as maintaining integrity of brand image
 Developed comprehensive renovation strategy for Middle East region’s existing store portfolio (200+ stores)
 Communicated market status and deliverables to executive leadership team
 Identified and managed resources needed for design team to meet agreed schedules; anticipated needs to meet workflow
 Provided team members with coaching, feedback, and developmental and career opportunities while building effective teamwork practices
 Participated in developing new concept designs to lead Starbucks store designs into the future