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Maureen McMenamin

Maureen McMenamin

Philadelphia, PA, US

 

About 

I am looking for an opportunity to utilize my passionate interest in design and problem-solving skills. I have a strong interest in healthcare, multi-unit housing, hospitality, and in biophilic design, sustainability and adaptive reuse. I have both interest and experience in residential, commercial, health care, and education design markets. 

I have completed my Masters in Interior Architecture + Design at Drexel University and have been working as an Interior Designer at a small architecture firm. During this time, I have surveyed buildings, developed construction documents, specified FF+E, prepared presentation documents, held or participated in client meetings, and presented design concepts to clients. I've worked on two large projects: Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, a 245,000 Sq. Ft. project and New Hope Solebury High School, a 150,000 Sq. Ft. project, as well as smaller projects. I have recently taken the lead to manage the construction of our interior renovations at Lower Providence Community Library.

I have been a consulting designer for over three years, working with several Interior Designers, on projects that range from small to very large. I assisted Viola Design with the redesign of a 1,800 Sq. Ft. office, and several residential projects including an aging-in-place bathroom. I’ve produced a 3D model and provided rendering services for Lenhardt Rodgers. I’ve assisted Bradberry & Kheradi with multiple projects including a corporate headquarters relocation, a 125,000 Sq. Ft. project. I was a residential kitchen & bath designer for 10 years before returning to school to further my education.

During my time at Drexel University I had the opportunity to work on several projects that also benefit the Philadelphia community. I participated in a multi-disciplinary design competition to provide an accessible, functional, and adaptable van for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. I am happy to report that the van was completed and some of my team’s ideas were incorporated into the final product! I took on an independent study in the spring of 2013 and worked on renovations to the non-profit Chinatown Free Clinic. The project involved the remodel of 3 rooms including schematic design, code evaluation, and construction documents. I completed the project pro bono as it needed more attention than one term at Drexel could suffice.


I have recently passed the IDFX (Interior Design Fundamentals Exam), and am preparing for the IDPX, as I work toward completing my NCIDQ certification.
 

My work is informed by my interest in Art and art history and influenced by my interest in Abstract Expressionism, Color-Field, DeStijl, and other styles.  My work is influenced by the architectural styles of post-industrial Europe and North America but it is accented with historical international motifs.

I am especially interested in pattern-making and the cultural language that is communicated through pattern.

Employment 

Godshall Kane O’Rourke Architects, LLC, Ambler, PA, US, Interior Designer

Major Projects: Additions and Renovations to: Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, 245,000 Sq. Ft.,
New Hope Solebury High School, 150,000 Sq. Ft., & Lower Providence Community Library, 1,500 Sq. Ft.

Performed site surveys

Developed and revised construction documents

Produced Three-dimensional Models, Finish Boards, and Presentation Documents

Lead client & job meetings and provided Construction Administration for the Lower Providence Community Library renovations through to completion

Dec 2014 - current
 

Consulting Interior Designer, Philadelphia, PA, US, Interior Designer

Client: Viola Interior Design, LLC
Merion Station, PA
Major Project:
Renovation of Independent AFLAC Office, 1,800 Sq. Ft.
- Assisted in site survey
- Developed and revised space plans, elevations, sections, details for commercial & residential projects
- Provided 3d modeled renderings

Client: Lenhardt Rodgers
Fort Washington, PA
Major Project:
Renovation of Simpson House, Assisted Living Community
- Provided 3d modeled renderings

Apr 2014 - current
 

Bradberry & Kheradi, Wayne, PA, US, Junior Interior Designer

Major Projects:
Relocation of Headquarters, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, 125,000 Sq. Ft.
Renovation of Princeton University’s Office of the General Counsel, 4,300 Sq. Ft.

Developed construction documents, including space plans, details, and elevations

Researched finish, furniture, and fixtures including architectural salvage and performed value engineering

Composed specification documents, bulletins, and schedules

Used Autodesk Revit to produce 3D models and provide rendered perspectives for clients

Maintained the materials library

May 2013 - Apr 2014
 

Luxe Home, Philadelphia, PA, US, Design Assistant/ Sales Support

Assisted in the development of marketing materials, maintained content of company website

Designed, planned, and made furniture and material selections to assist sales staff

Sep 2011 - May 2013
 

VKC, Inc., Levittown, PA, US, Kitchen & Bath Designer

Assisted this new company in development of marketing materials and company website and maintained content

Implemented and maintained pricing structure and all sales reports

Facilitated customer satisfaction through measuring, planning, designing, selecting materials, and adhering to budget for their projects while developing and maintaining rapport

Designed several kitchens and baths per week as well as other rooms using custom and semi-custom cabinet lines

Processed all sales and orders with extensive follow-up work with manufacturers, fabricators, and installers

Managed projects from initial consultation and measuring through to completion

Jan 2008 - Nov 2008
 

Lowe's Home Improvement, Philadelphia, PA, US, Cabinet Sales Specialist

Assisted customers in design, material selection, establishing a budget, and financing their projects

Designed numerous kitchens per week

Expedited orders with extensive follow-up work with manufacturers, fabricators, and installers

Managed orders until job completion

Consistently exceeded monthly sales goals

Lead the department in annual sales each year

Trained new associates using National Kitchen & Bath Association Guidelines and Lowe’s Company policies

Organized and created training materials to facilitate understanding of difficult concepts

Managed the pricing and inventory of the department

Oct 2004 - Jun 2007
 

The Home Depot, Philadelphia, PA, US and New Castle, DE, US, Department Supervisor

Trained and supervised 12 associates

Coached new associates using National Kitchen & Bath Association

Guidelines and The Home Depot policies

Collaborated in candidate selection and interview process

Prepared and maintained training and sales tracking programs

Managed departmental budget and inventory levels

Aug 2002 - Oct 2004
 

The Home Depot, Philadelphia, PA, US, Kitchen Designer

Helped customers in planning, design, material selections, establishing a budget, and financing for their project(s)

Initiated all designs for the staff, up to 20 per week

Reviewed colleagues’ designs to avoid errors (approximately 1600 kitchens per year)

Met or exceeded sales goals consistently

Oct 1998 - Aug 2002
 

Education 

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, US, Masters, Interior Architecture + Design

I graduated with honors from Drexel University in June of 2013 with a BS in Interior Design and a minor in Art History. I worked concurrently on my Masters Degree at Drexel and anticipate my upcoming June 2014 graduation.

My interest in design for those with disabilities has provided me with multiple opportunities at Drexel. I participated in two multidisciplinary team design competitions. The first was a design charette to integrate student ideas into Drexel's new master-plan. The other was the design of a mobile outreach and assessment unit for Autism. The completed van was custom-built using some of the ideas from all of the placing teams. I designed and planned the renovation of a free clinic serving the uninsured immigrant Chinese population in Philadelphia as an independent study. This project is nearing the construction phase.

I'm currently working on my Masters thesis, an investigation into the quality of life for those with dementia and their caretakers. My research on this topic has informed the design project - a master-planned community designed with intent for those with dementia and the community that cares for them.

Graduate Interior Studios: Residential for Aging In Place, Retail, Commercial, Hospitality, Conceptual, and Healthcare

Graduate Special Topics Courses: Revit, Architecture & Interiors of Paris, Architectural Classicism, Advanced Architectural Drawing, Autism Assessment Unit

Jan 2012 - Jun 2014
 

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, US, Bachelors, Interior Design

Graduated Cum Laude with a Minor in Art History

3dsMax
Architecture & Society I - II
Sustainability I
Interior Studios: Residential, Retail

Sep 2009 - Jun 2013
 

Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, US, Sociology

Sep 1993 - Jan 1995
 

Awards 

ASID Student Career Day Portfolio Competition, 1st Place

Students submitted their portfolios to be judged by a panel:
Amanda Maier, ASID - Amanda Maier Design
Candis Mirande, Allied ASID - Tailored Interiors
Curt Meier, Industry Partner - Lee Jofa / Brunschwig & Fils

2014
 

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Mobile Assessment Unit Design Competition, 3rd Place

Participants in this competition worked, as part of a four person team, to research the various needs of children while they are being assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The mobile unit provided participants with spatial and privacy challenges. Through research, our team developed a program which focused on themes derived from Water and Snoezelen (controlled multi-sensory environment) therapies within a fully adjustable interior environment.

2012
 

Sophomore Design Competition, jBH3 & Associates, 2nd Place

Lisa & John Hibberd of Jbh3 Associates, come to review Sophomore Spring projects for a competition they award each spring term.

2011
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills