Sara Russell offers five years of experience in the design industry she has accomplished an accumulation of skills from model making, working on different computer programmes, fire safety and lighting layouts. Each of these different skills is a strategic and tactical part of the design industry, which proved that Sara has great team working skills as well as leadership skills.
Sara is a British citizen and attended Middlesex University in London England where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Architecture and Design. While still at school Sara began her career working as a trainee interior designer at Ibi Design Associates where she learnt about British planning permission, residential renovation design and administration. After Sara had finished University she sort employment in the U.S. and was given the opportunity to work on a year J-1 visa for Perkins and Will at their Atlanta, Georgia office where she stepped up to Interior Designer level 1 and learnt a multitude of skills which include model making, fire safety, dealing manufacturing representatives, materials such as crypton which is used in healthcare, corporate interiors, K-12 and major construction.
Just before Sara finished working on her J-1 visa for Perkins and Will she had the opportunity to be one of the main designers on KSAU (a major construction programme in Saudi Arabia which was measured in metric). She had the chance to work on the project from the very beginning of the initial conceptual design process before her J-1 visa finished.
Throughout her career, Sara has had the opportunity to work in England as well as the U.S learning about the different design, planning processes and attitudes when it comes to the architectural design culture of these different countries. The scope of her experience has spanned almost all aspects of interior architecture and design, which has attributed to her current success in her profession.
VipKars, Marietta, GA, US, Administrator and State Registered Title Clerk
• State Registered.
• Submitted all information to the state's department of motor vehicles.
• Processed registrations for vehicles to be titled.
• Processed and registered warranties and extended the service contracts of various vehicles.
• Updated inventory for new vehicles, trade-ins and work completed on vehicles.
• Visited the county title office to get titles and tags for customers.
• General Office Duties.
Asda PLC / Walmart, London, GB, Personal Shopper
• Secured products that were readily available on the shop floor to meet the customers home order specifications.
• Ensured the ‘Made to Order’ report was passed to the counters and Bakery colleagues as soon as it was available.
• Finalise orders and use the checkout process accurately.
• Ensured I gave customers a fantastic Asda Home Shopping experience as it is vital that the products secured are to the standard that both Asda and its customers expect.
CCA International, London, GB, Telesales Agent
• This was a two month temporary position.
• Worked on the BT Sales campaign through inbound and outbound calls.
• Expanded on my already strong sense of customer service.
• Talked to new and existing customers about BT products and deals.
• Learned and put into practice how to persuade and to manage disputes with clients through my ability to adapt and anticipate.
• Dynamism, responsiveness, self-control
• Demonstrated a strong sense of rigour through all aspects of my work; from paperwork to call to clients.
Tottenham Magistrates Court, London, GB, Witness Services
• Talk to witnesses about how they are feeling before and after a trial.
• Gave witnesses information about what to expect in court, including a chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures.
• Provided a quiet space for witnesses to go before and after a trial.
• Administrative duties.
Freelancer, London, England / Atlanta, GA, Interior Designer
• Helped create initial proposals for presentations (mood boards).this involved advising clients on
interior design factors such as space planning, layout and utilization of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.
• Coordinated with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers and to ensure job success. This involved attending regular group discussions.
• Used computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents such as InDesign and SketchUp.
• Gained knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records.
• I verified that there were no irregularities on drawings and noted corrections that needed to be made. This involved being meticulous and accurate to ensure that there were no errors missed.
Perkins&Will, Atlanta, GA, US, Interior Designer Level 1
• Used computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents. This involved designing large and small US and International projects with Auto CAD 2005. This allowed me to gain knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Worked with different materials and fabrics researching which properties would be suitable for each project. This involved working with different manufacturing representatives and attending various lunches and breakfasts with different reps while they promoted their existing and new products. This also extended my existing knowledge of FF&E.
• Gained ADA, CEU and Interior Design certificates as credits to classes
• Learned how to Work in a team of large and small proportions with different people from different sectors of the design field and in different offices within Perkins and Will
• Helped create initial proposals for presentations (mood boards).this involved advising clients on
interior design factors such as space planning, layout and utilization of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.
Ibi Design Associates, London, GB, Trainee Interior Designer and Architect
• Designed on Auto Cad 2002 and 2004 new and remodeled homes, apartments, play centers and shops. This allowed me to work with clients on large and small projects as well as being more self motivated and organized.
• Went on many site visits to check progress of the project. I did this by taking pictures and measurements. This also involved me dealing with the British planning department for planning permission.
• Helped create initial proposals for presentations.
• Gained and developed knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings. I did this by Reviewing detailed shop drawings for construction plans.
• Administration and Management — Developed knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning and coordination of people and resources.
Makro Plc, London, England, Sales Associate
• While working with different types of customers I gained experience and knowledge on handling pressure while keeping a good working relationship.
• I handled cash and credit transactions of large and small amounts. This involved being meticulous and accurate to ensure that there were no errors.
• Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This included marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
International Career Institute, London, GB, Paralegal Secretarial
The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College, Surrey, GB, Interior Design
I gained a foundation studies certificate in art and design.
