Intermediate Designer, Designer III | Architecture & Interior Design, 6+ Years Experience
I am an entrepreneurial and global-minded designer with a passion for problem-solving. I have a proven track record of leading initiatives that streamline design standards and increase productivity, leading to major gains in profitability and safeguarding jobs. I am also a creative thinker who is able to see untapped opportunities for design solutions.
At Populous, I designed and rendered hospitality spaces, including lobbies, hotel suites, and bars. My work resulted in visually stunning and functionally intuitive guest experiences. I also gained deep insights into the inner workings of sports stadiums and used this knowledge to create interior designs that enhanced the fan experience.
Peak pandemic, I made a significant impact in shaping the culture at Perkins&Will New York by leading discourse that focused on the engagement of our peers during a time when fear for health and well-being, job security and loneliness were at an all-time high. We showcased young talent within the studio, led design discussions as they current events, and created a digital refrigerator.
During my 5 years at Perkins&Will, I gained experience in a variety of project types, including mixed-use residential & hotel buildings, mixed-use residential & commercial buildings, interior tenant improvements, and small-scale design-builds. My design work on the SFU stadium opened the door to an opportunity at Populous.
Prior to joining Populous and Perkins&Will studios, I founded a stationery company, Sarita Mann Design Studio. This entrepreneurial experience gave me valuable skills in fostering excellent relationships and managing multiple projects simultaneously. I am also proficient in 3D modelling and visualization software, including Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Enscape.
I am excited to use my skills and experience to make a positive impact on the world through design. I envision enriching communities and advancing social equity through savvy design that nurtures meaningful connections between people.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
VOCATIONAL SKILLS:
LEARNING:
Populous, New York, NY, US, Designer III
• Designed and rendered the lobbies, hotel suites and bars within the hospitality typology, resulting in a guest experience that was both visually stunning and functionally intuitive.
• Gained deep insights into the inner workings of NBA, MLB, NFL stadiums, and used this knowledge to create interior designs that enhanced the fan experience.
• Tracked design intent for the RFA drawing set and finish narratives, ensuring that all projects were completed on time and within budget.
• Developed millwork drawings in the DD and CD phases of projects, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and a mastery of construction techniques.
Project Contributions:
Confidential Hospitality Project
NY State
Phase: Schematic Design
Deliverable: RFA Submission
Buffalo Bills Stadium
Buffalo, NY
Phase: Design Development
Populous is a global architecture and interior design firm with a focus on creating innovative people forward experiences for sports, entertainment and hospitality design that inspire and engage. With a portfolio that includes iconic stadiums around the world, Populous is known for its expertise in blending design and technology with fan experience.
Populous, New York, NY, US, Designer II
• Delivered a masterplan that expanded the building to be a destination for hospitality.
• Outperformed client expectations with a proposed 74% increase in ROI generating square footage.
• Facilitated user group meetings to capture client perspectives.
• Developed millwork drawings in the DD and CD phases of projects.
Project Contributions:
Confidential Hospitality Project
NY State
Phase: Schematic Design
Deliverable: Masterplan Submission
US Bank Stadium
Minneapolis, MN
Phase: Schematic Design
Rogers Center Blue Jays
Toronto, ON
Phase: Construction Documentation
Perkins&Will, New York, NY, US, Designer II
• Led initiatives to streamline design standards on projects, increasing productivity and profitability.
• Developed the structure and strategized topics for Design Discourse, a grassroots weekly studio initiative to discuss design as it was relevant to current events, spotlight values of inclusion, diversity, creativity, and young talent at the studio.
• Generated innovative design ideas, concepts, and solutions as an integral member of the design team.
• Coordinated effectively with external consultants (mechanical, structural, etc.)
• Demonstrated increasing ownership of project tasks and studio activities.
• Worked independently and mentored junior designers on my team.
The Perkins&Will New York studio values identity, a sense of belonging, and community. During the pandemic, they built and moved into their new home at Nomad Tower; a resilient design proved to be a case study for “future workspaces”—a learning laboratory to test new ways of collaborating, visualizing, and producing responsive and exciting design solutions.
Perkins&Will, Vancouver, BC, CA, Designer I
• Generated drawings and recommendations for projects in various phases of the design process, ensuring compliance with industry codes and legal standards.
• Problem solved and modified designs based on feedback from management and clients, resulting in satisfied clients and successful projects.
• Assisted the team with programming and space planning, assessing client and project needs to ensure that projects met the needs of all stakeholders.
• Researched materials and systems for the preparation of project specifications, ensuring that projects were built with the highest quality materials and systems.
• Coordinated the selection of materials and finishes, ensuring that projects were aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The Perkins&Will New York studio values identity, a sense of belonging, and community. During the pandemic, they built and moved into their new home at Nomad Tower; a resilient design proved to be a case study for “future workspaces”—a learning laboratory to test new ways of collaborating, visualizing, and producing responsive and exciting design solutions.
Perkins&Will, Vancouver, BC, CA, Designer, Model Maker
•Achieved a 70% cost reduction on a project by leveraging relationships with design-builders.
• Collaborated with up-and-coming lighting designer Matthew McCormick to showcase his work at Perkins&Will Vancouver's Annual Client Event. His fixtures were a hit with clients, developers, and industry professionals, and he has since established himself as a leader in the lighting design industry.
• Managed the renovation of the studio lunchroom, including creating millwork drawings and overseeing the installation.
• Presented design and material concepts to stakeholders.
• Trained the new Model Maker employee on all aspects of model making, including safety, software, and equipment.
• Created scale models of proposed construction projects to help visualize designs and communicate with stakeholders.
Sarita Mann Design Studio, Vancouver, BC, CA, Owner & Creative Director
In 2011, after graduating from Dalhousie University, School of Architecture, I founded a stationery company, Sarita Mann Design Studio. My background in architecture and fine arts (School for the Contemporary Arts, Simon Fraser University) gave me the confidence for this personal creative pursuit. With over 100+ unique product offerings I was able to get my brand into 150 boutiques across North America.
This endeavor was a small departure and reconnection from architecture as the core of the studio was tethered to design in all facets! Through this entrepreneurial experience, I gained valuable skillsets such as fostering excellent relationships.
The most significant growth I experienced was in my ability to think strategically and creatively. As a business owner, I was constantly faced with challenges that required me to come up with innovative solutions.
Andrea McLean Studio, Vancouver, BC, CA, Design Coordinator
• Assisting in the construction of the Bottega VIP Lounge at IDS Vancouver. This involved working with contractors, vendors, and clients to ensure that the project was completed on time and within budget.
• Preparing pursuit proposals and client invoices. This required me to have a strong understanding of the studio's services and pricing.
• Coordinating photo shoots. This involved working with photographers, stylists, and clients to create beautiful images of the studio's work.
• Handling interior finishes for various projects. This involved working with vendors to select and install finishes, such as flooring, wallcoverings, and lighting.
Focusing on a rebranding effort for the studio. This involved working with a branding agency to create a new visual identity for the studio.
• Developed strong skills in project management, client relations, and marketing.
Andrea McLean Studios creates timeless residential/commercial interiors and modern buildings. The studio strives to find the best solutions for each project given the unique existing conditions with a strong emphasis on space planning, materials, and minimalism.
www.andreamclean.ca
Gair Williamson Architects, Vancouver, BC, CA, Architecture Intern
During my architecture internship at GWA, I assisted with various aspects of building design, including:
• Preparing conceptual sketches and design drawings
• Preparing comprehensive submission packages
• Creating content for client meetings
• Making scale models and observing site visits
I was particularly involved in The Stables, 120 East Cordova Street project, which went on to win the 2011 Lieutenant Governor’s Award, 2011 Heritage Vancouver Awards, and 2011 Heritage BC Award.
I believe that my experience at GWA has given me a strong foundation in architecture, and I am eager to apply my skills to new projects.
Founded in 2002, GWA focuses on affordable housing, urban densification, and the pursuit of adaptive reuse projects in the search for the retention of cultural memory; a clear distinction between the existing urban fabric and contemporary interventions.
www.gwarchitects.ca/selected
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, CA / School of Architecture, Bachelors, Professional Architecture Program
BEDS, Bachelor Of Environmental Design Studies
Free Lab: Shelter, Spencer's Island, NS, 2010
This free lab has been an ongoing project since 2007. Every year a new student team is selected to work collaboratively in a design-build, creating a structure that fits cohesively within an existing maritime coastal site. The team created a minimal dwelling for an artist-in-residence using a site-specific design that complemented the existing gallery, pier building, and projection screen.
