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Kel Komenda

Kel Komenda

Northampton, MA, US

 
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About 

I am seeking employment in the architectural/design fields as a Project Manager. I most recently worked as a Project Manager for an exclusive architectural metal working company. I managed multi-million dollar projects originating from the design offices of Peter Marino, Nicole Hollis, and David Scott. My job responsibilities included creating and submitting bids to clients, drafting three-dimensional models, creating shop drawings for architectural approval and production, overseeing fabrication in the shop setting, and traveling on site to oversee the installation of complex architectural millwork projects. I worked closely with architects, interior designers, contractors, site supervisors and tradespeople to ensure that client expectations were both met and exceeded. I developed relationships with clients that resulted in the procurement of ongoing contracts in elite residential spaces while ensuring the protection of client identity throughout Manhattan, Los Angeles, San Francisco and various locations overseas. 

I am an incredibly motivated, community-oriented individual who views the design/build world as an opportunity for collaboration and exploration. I am a seasoned builder and problem solver with over ten years of woodworking and furniture making experience.  I have continuously pursued educational opportunities that have helped expand my skill set throughout my career, including pursuing work with seasoned makers, studying and teaching at craft school and enrolling in continuing education courses. I have experience working with Rhino, SketchUP, AutoCAD, Autodesk Maya, and VCarve Pro software. In addition to creating technical drawings and specs for machinists, I have personal experience operating a ShopBot CNC. I know how to manage multiple projects at once and hot to coordinate the logistics involved in producing high volumes of work with folks of varying skill levels and job responsibilities. I am a responsible leader, I am organized, I have clear communication skills, I know how to delegate tasks, and I know how to ask for help.

Education 

Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC, US, Wood Studio

Japanese Doormaking class with Yann Giguere.

Mar 2013 - Mar 2013
 

Bucks County Community College, Newton, PA, Furniture and Cabinetmaking

Portfolio development in a program led by world-renowned woodworker Mark Sfirri.

Aug 2010 - May 2012
 

Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC, US, Wood Studio

Spring Concentration with Sabiha Mujtaba

Mar 2010 - May 2010
 

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, US, Wood Studio

Table making class with Jenna Goldberg

Jun 2009 - Jun 2009
 

Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN, Bachelors, Philosophy

Double major in Philosophy and English Literature with a minor in Women's Studies.

Aug 1998 - May 2002
 

Awards 

The Furniture Society Educational Grant, 1st Place

Recipient of 2013 Educational Grant to attend Japanese Door Making class with Yann Giguere at Penland School of Crafts

2013
 

Juried Show Winner, 1st Place

Invited to exhibit in Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation Exhibition; win resulted in invitation to attend Echo Lake XVIII artist collaboration with world renowned makers.

2012
 

Work Study Scholarship Penland School of Craft, 1st Place

Awarded a work/study scholarship for the Spring Concentration in Wood.

2010
 

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts Scholarship, 1st Place

Recipient of the Samuel & Eleanor Rosenfeld Scholarship in Wood to attend the Wood Studio

2009
 

Peace and Justice Writing Award, 1st Place

Paper entitled "The Right to Found a Family" awarded Saint Mary's College school-wide Peace and Justice Writing Award.

2002
 

Philosophy Writing of the Year, 1st Place

Paper entitled "The Right to Found a Family" awarded Saint Mary's College school-wide Philosophy Writing of the Year.

2002
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills