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Laura West

Laura West

Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

 

About 

My goal as a designer is to “combine technology, cognitive science, human need, and beauty” to design and create buildings that, in essence, breathe with nature. My passion for music, art, religion, people, and education, has inspired me to want to design buildings such as musical amphitheaters, art museums, religious centers, hospitals, and educational buildings.

I am interested in the arts and the human mind, having studied both Psychology and Art at the University of Central Florida and Interior Design at Florida State University. In my last semester at Florida State, I successfully juggled an internship at Designs Unlimited located in Tallahassee, Florida, a part time catering job for Andrew’s Capital Grill, and another part time serving job at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill. Recognizing my hard work and dedication, I have been honored the Golden Key International Honour Society, rewarded for Dean’s List, and graduated Cum Laude.

Upon graduating from the Interior Design program at Florida State University in August of 2011 I have passed my LEED GA exam, and landed a summer design internship located on
Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, as well as an assistant designer position for a commercial
design firm located in Hollywood, Florida. I have also worked on freelance projects for P.F. Chang's  Asian Bistro located in the Sawgrass Mall, set designs for Shuzz Fashion and Art Show, artwork for Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital as well as murals for residential clients in the Plantation area and more.

I have recently been admitted to the Masters of Architecture at Florida International University and will start in August of 2013. I am thrilled to learn more as well as prepare myself further for my career in the architecture and design field.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

P.F. Changs, Sunrise, FL, US, Bartender / Server

Welcome customers, balance sidework, wait tables, make drinks, and keep areas clean.
This is to pay my bills as well as learn management and gain confidence in presentation.

Aug 2011 - current
 

Karen Hanlon Design, Inc., Hollywood, FL, US, Interior Designer

FF&E Specifications, Presentation Boards, and Custom Fixtures in REVIT
Produced design solutions and creative ideas for different projects
Created purchase orders and invoices for both vendors and clients

Oct 2012 - Mar 2013
 

BRG International, Miami Beach, FL, US, Design Intern

Created floor, furniture, and finish plans, elevations & 3D views in AutoCAD & Revit
Specified furniture as well as designed & built custom furniture in AutoCAD & Revit
Hand rendered a luxury beach home for company branding

May 2012 - Aug 2012
 

Cream of the Crop, Fort Lauderdale, FL, US, Event Coordinating Assistant

Registration and on-site staffing
Meetings and events produced nationally and internationally
Production, staging, and lighting

Aug 2011 - Dec 2011
 

Designs Unlimited, Tallahassee, FL, US, Design Intern

Collaborated with designers for creative design ideas and solutions
Designed and hand crafted items for specific interior spaces
Maintained sample library as well as updated through supplier communication
Assisted and involved with purchase orders, shipments, and delivery of products

May 2011 - Aug 2011
 

Education 

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, US, Art / Psychology

Attended 3 Years: studied Art Studio and Psychology
Dean’s List and Member of National Scholars Honor Society

May 2006 - May 2009
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills