STEVEN J. GARDNER

**** ******** ******, **********, **** 45211 acdne1@r.postjobfree.com

513-***-****

PROFILE

My architectural retail career spans thirty-five years, so far. It began with the utilization of CAD when the technology was

emerging and evolved, somewhat naturally, to roles in project management, client relationship management, operations

management and ultimately Studio Leader for the Department Stores and Large Format Profit Center for a multi-discipline

retail design firm that specialized in Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design and Brand Strategy. My experience

ranges from developing project solutions for complex multiple rollout projects to managing a single store renovation. I am

highly organized and efficient in creating a customized process and assembling a project team that complements the

business objectives and team structure of retail clients. I am accustomed to working with top-level retail executives, as

well as hands-on project managers to establish schedules, deliverables and design objectives appropriate to the projects

priorities. I am considered a hands-on manager and have been recognized for my ability to coach, mentor and motivate

teams to achieve high levels of performance.

Problem Solving and Process Development for all sizes and complexities of retail projects

•

Orchestration of Design / Planning / Documentation / Construction Management

•

Application of CAD & BIM technology to project execution

•

Communication & Presentations

•

Teaching & Mentoring

•

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Studio Leader FRCH Design Worldwide 2006 – 2013

Accountable for the efficient operation of the Department Stores/ Large Format profit center. The multi-discipline studio

included expertise in: Interior Design, Graphic Design, Documentation, Planning & Merchandising, and Construction

Administration. The work ratio was approximately 40% domestic and 60% international projects, and was managed to

profitability, even during a down economy. Our studio size ranged from 15 people to as many as 45 people. Profitable

and award winning, our team designed and documented more than one million square feet of retail space annually.

Authored yearly business plans

•

Accountable to the firm for studio profitability

•

Business development / marketing strategies

•

HR Issues / Career Development / Mentoring

•

Development of studio processes

•

Participation in firm-wide initiatives – member of the firm’s operational committee

•

Championed the advancement of use of technology – including CAD & BIM

•

Client Relationship Role for several domestic and international relationships

•

Operations Manager FRCH Design Worldwide 2001 - 2006

As second in command to the studio leader, I partnered to ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the studio relative to

staffing, backlog, training, interviewing/hiring, and other studio operation issues. This role was in addition to managing

day-to-day project deliverables and developing project processes to unify the overall studio workflow.

Project Manager FRCH Design Worldwide 1991 - 2001

My role as project manager began with Central Department Stores in Thailand. Over the course of time in this role, I

effectively managed one or multiple projects at any given time. I was the point person to the client and managed the

project schedule, staffing and deliverables. I consider this role as a foundation for the skill set for most other roles that

followed and maintained a project management role for my entire tenure at FRCH.

CAD Manager FRCH Design Worldwide 1984 - 1991

Utilized and advanced CAD services to complement the traditional deliverables of a retail design firm. Introduced

AutoCAD into the design work environment and trained the company on the advantages and technical uses of the

software. I was a firm wide resource in this role.

CAD Technician, Store Planner Kroger Co 1978 – 1984

As Kroger took the lead on implementing the use of CAD technology across the national portfolio in the 1980's, my role in

traditional store planning advanced to include the use of CAD for the design, planning and documentation of high profile

retail store environments. I was selected from a group of store planners to be trained and advance the use of CAD in the

early days of the technology.

CLIENT & PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Macy’s Inc Cincinnati / New York

Primary Role: Relationship Manager

Point person and relationship manager for all things Macy’s. Duties in this role included partnering with Macy’s -

Design, Planning and Construction teams to successfully complete new construction or renovated projects. With

over 800 stores and a complex organizational structure (in New York and Cincinnati), Macy’s is challenged with

creating appropriate solutions for each project while gaining input from many levels of the executive team in a timely

fashion. In addition to understanding the working details of a department store project, I am well versed in

navigating through the challenges of Macy’s political system. My team was adept at implementing existing Macy’s

standards as well as helping the evolve to enhance their brand in one or multiple project initiatives.

Select projects for Macy’s included:

• Macy’s Herald Square - multiple renovations

• Macy’s City Creek / Salt Lake City, Utah

• Macy’s Lakeside, New Orleans, LA

• Macy’s New Initiative/ minimum standards rollout: This project was a fast paced upgrade of over 250

Macy’s stores. My role included participation in the development of the program and design of the

implementation criteria in partnership with Macys Planning team.

Liverpool Department Stores Mexico

Primary Role: Relationship Manager / Elevated Issue Manager

One of two relationship managers for this important client relationship for FRCH. Liverpool is the largest department

store chain in Mexico and has been on a very aggressive growth plan for the past 5 years. They turned to FRCH to

partner with them on developing project systems and procedures to accommodate their growth. Their projects are

fast with complicated designs, unique for every location. All of the Liverpool projects are executed using BIM

modeling technology. Select projects for Liverpool Include: Liverpool Villahermosa, Liverpool Polanco (flagship),

Liverpool Interlomas (flagship), Liverpool Play de Carmen Duty Free (5,000sf two level specialty store in Cancun)

Bon Ton Department Stores York, PA

Primary Role: Relationship Manager, Project Manager, Team Leader

Bon Ton projects included interior and exterior store design and documentation for multiple store locations the

development of multiple prototype designs at A, B, C levels (dictated by store size and budget). Select Projects for

Bon Ton include: Bon-Ton Park City, PA, Elder-Beerman Kanawha City, WV, Bon-Ton Hanover, PA

Central Department Stores Thailand

Client contact and Project Manager for design, planning and documentation of multiple projects for this international

department store. Roles included travel to Bangkok for project reviews and coordination meetings. These projects

were successfully completed and profitable.

Other work credits include studio roles for:

• Lotte Department Stores – Korea

• Metro - Philippines

• Dicks Sporting Goods

EDUCATION

University of Cincinnati – College of Applied Science

Architectural Engineering Technology - 1978

CAD Training on multiple platforms including AutoCAD, AutoTrol, Sigma Design

Member of RDI– Retail Design Institute

S TEVEN J. GARDNER 3218 Hildreth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211 513-***-**** acdne1@r.postjobfree.com

Contact this candidate