Design Manager

Brian Nelson

Email: *********@********.***

Address: ***** ** ******* *****

City: Bainbridge Island

State: WA

Zip: 98110

Country: USA

Phone: 206-***-****

Skill Level: Director

Salary Range: 40

Primary Skills/Experience:

See Resume

Educational Background:

See Resume

Job History / Details:

BRIAN R. NELSON Creative Design Manager and Solutions Designer 10270 NE Sunrise Place Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110

Tel: 206-***-**** *********@********.***

AREAS OF IMPACT

Product Design, Graphic Design, Residential and Landscape Design, Sustainable Design, Project Management, Creative Problem Solving, International Business Client Collaboration, Interpersonal Communications, Budget Management, Critical and Analytical Thinking

COMMUNICATION

*Explicit, detailed, and consistent use of verbal and written communications.

*Understanding and application of social media and current communication technology mechanisms.

LEADERSHIP

*Motivated and mentored design team.

*Delegated tasks and follow-up on roles and responsibilities through the creation of cost management guidelines, scheduling, staff development programs and feedback mechanisms.

*Set expectations by creating department structure, job descriptions, and performance evaluation standards.

*Served on Product Development, Strategic Planning, Product Buying, and New Store Planning Committees.

RESEARCH

*Conducted research on lifestyle trends to develop relevant and profitable products.

*Sourced new product and trend research to assist international client in market analysis and to focus product strategy.

DESIGN AND PROBLEM SOLVING

*Recognized for design excellence and development of products that have consistently out-performed the competition's products.

*Maintained international client relationship for product design for over 20 years through keen understanding of evolving market needs.

*Dramatically increased gross annual sales from $3 million to $60 million in six years by expanding product offering as well as broadening factory base, styles, and materials.

*Received 5 National Achievement Awards for Visual Merchandising.

*Conceptualized and documented 2D graphic design for promotional materials that helped clients boost recognition and sales.

*Analyzed and designed retail and showroom spaces across entire process that garnered admiration for creativity and ability to translate client vision to the space provided.

*Initiated and executed 3D product design and documentation that surpassed client's expectations in quality and visionary excellence.

PROJECT PLANNING AND EXECUTION

*Delivered design solutions by being self-directed.

*Slashed architectural fees by envisioning new designs for regional showrooms and providing merchandising direction for retail brick-and-mortar stores and kiosks.

*Assisted in achieving 35% annual turnover in collaboration with creative, product development, and inventory management departments by developing semi-annual product line of 3,500 items.

*Produced successful range of promotional materials, including sales catalogs and ads, by providing creative direction and overseeing quality control.

*Enhanced project efficiency and productivity through regular communication, design documentation and budget creation and management.

*Met deadlines by collaborating with team members.

SCOPE OF EXPERTISE

Artistic design visionary and solutions conceptualist adept at working as a broad-range designer, manager, and creative problem solver. Diverse background as owner and founder of a Trend Analysis and Product Design firm, working with international clientele for the last 20 years. Driven by strong initiative and desire to execute on client expectations. Recently expanded knowledge and skill base by adding expertise in environmental and sustainable building design with specific application for the resident, landscape, and product design markets. Ability to bridge the gap between business goals/client requirements and the capabilities of a design department or team of designers.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

OWNER/FOUNDER brn designs, Seattle and Bainbridge Island, Washington * 1989 to Present: A trend analysis and product design firm. Specialized in self-directed trend research, high-quality product design, and prototype development of Chinese manufactured merchandise for the U.S. home accessories market. Consistently anticipated and responded to constantly evolving U.S. product market as well as collaborated with overseas manufacturing facilities to efficiently deliver product prototypes.

EARLY CAREER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Midwest Importers (now Seasons of Cannon Falls), Cannon Falls, Minneapolis * 1983 to 1989

STORE PLANNING AND VISUAL MERCHANDISING Bachman's Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota * 1979-1983

GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Burke, Inc. (now FMG), Minneapolis, Minnesota * 1978-1979

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

Olympic College, Bremerton, Washington Sustainable Building Advisor Certification Program Certificate of Proficiency in Architectural Design

University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Minnesota, Minneapolis Bachelor Degree in Environmental Design

TECHNICAL SKILLS Microsoft Office * AutoCAD * Adobe PhotoShop/Illustrator/InDesign * GIS * MS Publisher

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