Independent Interior Designer, changing careers from Finance and Technology seeks position in design firm to contribute to your organization’s success through exceptional design skills and collaborative customer service.
Catsoma Designs (dba Anna Harris Designs), Monrovia, CA, US, Principal/Owner
Managed the design process from business development to space planning, instructions for tradespersons and material specifications for several projects, including residential projects:
• Remodel (1300 square foot) and addition (~800 square foot) while changing the aesthetic from traditional to modern in Pasadena. Worked with the City and the owner’s neighborhood group to assess impact of recent building restrictions.
• Various kitchen remodels in traditional and transitional styles, included work with contractors and vendors for special needs clients who required special ventilation and materials, such as adhesives to be used.
• Landscape remodel including material specification and art installation in Altadena.
Commercial projects:
• Safety, color and material recommendations for a Physical Therapy office in Arcadia.
• Tile design for a winery tasting room in Napa.
The Walt Disney Company, Burbank, CA, US, Senior Manager, Finance
Managed the oversight and governance of all global finance computer applications, specifically in the areas of account receivables, account payables, banking, purchasing and business travel management. Activities included the coordination and project management of global initiatives, regular communication and strategic development with stakeholders while managing and motivating a team of managers, staff and the department intern pool.
• Partnered with other departments and vertical markets on their projects:
o Treasury department installation of a netting application that reduced the need for international wire transfers by 85%.
o Studio segment stabilization and improvement of their Business Intelligence reporting process.
• Prepared documentation for transition to off-shore IT staff regarding business processes and expectations of support.
• Participated in PMI and LEAN classes. Incorporated several strategies into future projects.
• Developed quarterly metrics to gauge areas for improvement and measuring that improvement.
• Developed more efficient models for collecting feedback from global partners, regardless of time zone which included a standard format for providing status and budget inquiries.
• Developed yearly goals for team, methods for tracking said goals and standardized the annual review process. Conducted quarterly team meetings aimed at keeping each other informed and as a way for individuals to help each other. Improved accountability and championed their ideas for improvement.
Lynda Murray Interior Design, Sherman Oaks, CA, US, Freelance Contractor
Completed renderings for client review for fast-paced firm combining the client’s needs and designer’s aesthetic. Projects included:
• Hotel plan and material specification/estimation for project bid at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.
• Modern living room and master suite in Malibu Colony.
• Traditional executive office lobby at Avatar Studios.
Bondanelli Design Group, Los Angeles, CA, US, Freelance Contractor
Created a virtual 3D model of a 3,500 square foot custom built home in Los Angeles (Mulholland) in preparation for expansion/remodel, including FF&E.
The Walt Disney Company, Burbank, CA, US, Project Manager and Process Manager
Directed and managed team members located worldwide to facilitate the introduction of a global financial system.
• Project management included the development and communication of the plan to stakeholders, the execution and monitoring of the plan and the regular reporting of status including timeline, budget, accomplishments, challenges with mitigation plans and key risk factors.
• Creatively prioritize project needs and available resources in order to stay on track.
• Coordinate change management functions such as training and support for the field. This included travel to sites when the cutover to the new tools.
California State University, Chico, Chico, CA, US, Art & Pyschology
General studies with focus on my dual majors; Art and Psychology.
NOTE: I am not currently enrolled, nor did I complete the BA.
UCLA Extension Arc-ID Program, Westwood, CA, US, ARC-ID Interior Design Certificate
GPA 3.86
Completed coursework in classes ranging from design concepts and principals, material specification, drafting and rendering, computer aided design and studios.
The work from my final Studio class was honored as a Finalist for the Northcutt award in 2011.
James R. Northcutt Scholarship, Honorable Mention
These scholarships are open to students in the Professional Level Program in Interior Design.
At the time, only students taking a Studio course were eligible.
