Interior Designer Operations Manager

Sara Markevitz

***** ******* **. ******** ***** CA

424-***-**** • ***********@***.***

Senior Interior Designer

Talented and visionary with multi-decade career success in interior design

Refined ability to develop and oversee real estate development projects for private and corporate clients, leading engagements from initial feasibility studies through to final walkthrough. Specialized knowledge of high-end residential and commercial design and remodeling. Known for client-centered approach to both project design and construction management with track record of continually achieving utmost levels of customer satisfaction. Highly innovative in envisioning new creative concepts and solutions-oriented platforms for small- to large-scale design/development endeavors. Exceptional organization, communication, interpersonal relations, problem solving, and relationship management strengths. Holds degrees in interior design and business. 10yr+ CAD experience

~ Areas of Emphasis ~

Custom Design & Remodeling Projects

Consultative Needs Assessments

Feasibility Studies

Development & Project Tracking

Scheduling & Budget Oversight

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese

Team Training & Leadership

NCIDQ Certified

Vendor & Contractor Management

Secure permits from Cities

Regulatory & Standards Compliance

Autocad proficient

Construction Documentation

Return on Investment Analysis

Space Planning & Schematics

FF&E Procurement & Installation

Staging

Professional Experience

Create RE -Contmpo Design- Los Angeles

A Real Estate Investment/ Development Firm / Interior Design /General Contractors

Operations Manager / Senior Designer, 2016 to 2022

Managed day-to-day operations of development projects from pre-acquisition to delivery

Conducted feasibility studies and proposals to deliver a high return on investments

Headed the Interior Design and Staging Department

Coordinated with staff, local government representatives, and building boards for permitting

Managed construction documentation including drawings, schedules, and scopes to ensure completeness, and accuracy

Developed and maintained relationships with investors, clients, subcontractors and vendors

Transacted with contractors and drafted documentation including scopes of work and time schedules

Managed all expenses and schedules to assure project is kept within budget and on time

Directed the design team with innovative ideas for development, construction, remodeling, and final interior design to deliver maximum value on investment and a product well above industry standards

Tracked all aspects of the construction development assuring that project is running as scheduled

Smark Associates – Miami, Florida & San Jose, Costa Rica

Construction Development/Interior Design/ General Contractors

Director Principal Designer, 1981 to 2015

Established and provided visionary leadership to ensure long-term health and growth of company providing architectural and interior design as well as house staging, remodeling, and community development services.

Oversaw day-to-day operations while managing 18-person office staff and team of outside contractors. Procured new residential/commercial customers and maximized opportunities to initiate new projects with existing clients. Directed wide-ranging design, staging, remodeling, and community planning projects, orchestrating work plans, schedules, and budgets. Tracked jobs and reviewed daily work reports. Managed procurement of construction materials and FF&E. Onboarded and trained new hires, building solid understanding of company policies and expectations. Monitored company bottom-line and handled accounting functions.

Selected Achievements:

Secured impressive revenue growth of ten times value from early startup.

Singlehandedly led effort to open new Costa Rica office in ’06; identified and opened office location, hired and trained team of personnel, and secured new customers and vendors.

Spearheaded development of house staging division enabling owners to sell homes faster; introduced concept of house staging to Costa Rican markets.

Implemented regular technology updates to ensure availability and utilization of cutting-edge software tools yielding improvements in development and construction processes and customer satisfaction.

Adopted active, hands-on role in team development to instill knowledge of industry best practices and sound techniques for utilizing time resources and solving problems.

Volunteer Work

Board of Directors Habitat For Humanity for Central America

Group Director of Habitat For Humanity (Un Techo Para mi Pais), Costa Rica

Additional Experience

Senior Designer, 2003 to 2006, S and B Interiors – Miami, Florida

Joined award-winning architectural and interior design boutique in senior role reporting directly to Principal. Conducted new client consultations, designed and delivered proposal presentations, initiated contracts, and acted as primary point-of-contact from project launch to completion.

Provided regular updates for clients and management on project status. Coordinated with staff, local government representatives, and building boards. Showcased ability to negotiate with vendors without compromising quality of end-result. Initiated multiple productivity improvement processes. Gained credentialing experience necessary to receive industry certification.

~Additional experience as Co-Owner Designer of Intercontinental Developments in Miami, Florida and as Architect Designer with Fridman and Cogan in Lima, Peru

Education and Credentials

MBA, Business Administration Northwood Institute of Michigan, Lima, Peru

Summa Cum Laude; award winner for project creating marketing of indigenous artisan fabrics for export to international interior design markets

M. Interior Architecture Escuela de Diseño Integrado de Miraflores (EDIM) Lima, Peru

Completed program with honors, (SCL)

Recipient of multiple awards for innovative projects and proposals

BA, Architecture EDIM, Lima, Peru

Completed program with honors, (SCL)

BS, Interior Design Technology Miami Dade College, Miami, Florida

Selected to receive The “Honors Award in Interior Design” from School of Computer and Information Systems

NCIDQ Certified

Technical Proficiencies: AutoCAD, Rhino, Design Manager, Adobe Photoshop, MS Office

Portfolio

tinyurl.com/portfoliosaramarkevitz

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