Samsung Telecommunications America, Mountain View, CA, US, Store Design Manager III

Hired as a Design Manager focused on delivering innovative and original retail environments and fixture designs, reflecting the Samsung Brand.
Key Contributions:
Collaborated in the development of innovative and original retail environments and fixture designs, that reflect the Samsung design ethos, support retail business targets, and enhance the consumer retail experience.
Delivered a consistent image and impactful experience for the Samsung brand at retail, inclusive of carrier and retailer environments, & shop-in-shops.
Lead designer on the re-imagining of the Samsung brand in the retail environment, this included a complete re-design of the Samsung retail fixture fleet.

The Argonaut US, San Jose, CA, US, Senior Architectural Retail Designer

Architectural retail designer focused on designing retail design spaces for Apple Computer Co. in international markets
Key contributions:
 Interpreted design briefs received from international market partners to design spaces to meet needs of both markets and customers while maintaining brand standards
 Responsible for managing internal design team, including project managers, drafters, and Cinema 4D rendering team
 Created Apple Shop layouts, including fixture placement and integration, site survey reviews, shop drawings, renderings, and BOMs
 Ensured that design execution reflected consistency with company objectives and architectural standards as well as maintaining integrity of brand image
 Worked with senior executives and development teams to create, manage, and implement fleet-wide initiatives
 Participated in developing and presenting new design concepts
 Completed 408 design projects in the last year, including introduction of Apple Shop to major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Best Buy

Starbucks Coffee Company, 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