Amy Nakamoto
Glen Ridge,NJ
Summary
Senior design director with extensive experience in project management, brand alignment, and prototype development. Demonstrated success in leading design teams and optimizing workflows to improve collaboration and efficiency. Established a successful kids' brand for Target, building the design team and office from inception while implementing strategic partnerships with Target leadership in Minneapolis. Previous experience at Gap Inc. included leading design teams in girls' denim, wovens, baby, and accessories, along with contract work in sweater design for Limited Inc. brands.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Aide Volunteer 2nd VP
Glen Ridge Board of Education Linden Avenue School
Glen Ridge, New Jersey
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Facilitated communication between staff members, volunteers, donors, and partners.
- Prepared correspondence such as letters, memos, emails, and reports for the organization's use.
- Greeted visitors and answered questions about the organization's programs and services.
Senior Design Director
Lands End Contract Work
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
10.2011 - 04.2012
- Collaborated with marketing to align design concepts with brand strategy.
- Managed project timelines to ensure on-time delivery of design assets.
- Trained junior designers on best practices and company guidelines.
- Conducted market research to inform design decisions and trends.
- Established design workflows to improve team collaboration and efficiency.
- Created prototypes of products prior to full production runs.
Aide Volunteer
Pilgrim Nursery School
Glen Ridge, New Jersey
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Supported children with special needs in individual learning sessions.
- Collaborated with staff to create a safe, nurturing environment for children.
- Engaged children in developmental games to enhance social skills and creativity.
Senior Design Director Genuine Kids
Oshkosh / Carters Inc.
New York, New York
08.2002 - 05.2009
- Led design team in creating seasonal product collections for retail launch.
- Collaborated with marketing to align design concepts with brand strategy.
- Managed project timelines to ensure on-time delivery of design assets.
- Coordinated feedback sessions with stakeholders to refine design ideas.
- Conducted market research to inform design decisions and trends.
- Established design workflows to improve team collaboration and efficiency.
- Coordinated resources across departments to ensure efficient workflow between teams.
- Championed new technologies that could improve efficiency in the design process.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends in user experience needs and preferences.
- Mentored junior designers, providing guidance on best practices in the field.
Design Director Girls Wovens and Denim
GAP Inc.
New York, New York
03.1997 - 08.2002
- Managed a team of designers while leading the creative process from concept through completion.
- Conducted design reviews, providing constructive feedback to improve project quality.
- Oversaw design team workflows, ensuring efficiency and timely project delivery.
- Researched industry trends to inform creative direction and design solutions.
Education
Certificate - The Science of Well Being
Coursera
Yale Online Dr Laurie Santos 11-2020
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY05-1989
Bachelor of Science - Apparel Design
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI05-1989
Skills
- Market research
- Brand alignment
- Prototype development
- Team collaboration
- Product strategy
- Visual merchandising
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Budget management
- Concept development
- Design strategy
- Design process improvement
- Technical design management
Timeline
Aide Volunteer 2nd VP
Glen Ridge Board of Education Linden Avenue School
07.2012 - 07.2014
Senior Design Director
Lands End Contract Work
10.2011 - 04.2012
Aide Volunteer
Pilgrim Nursery School
08.2010 - 05.2011
Senior Design Director Genuine Kids
Oshkosh / Carters Inc.
08.2002 - 05.2009
Design Director Girls Wovens and Denim
GAP Inc.
03.1997 - 08.2002
Certificate - The Science of Well Being
Coursera
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - Apparel Design
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Career Pause
- Volunteer in various capacities in Glen Ridge School system. Favorite volunteer positions, include Class Parent multiple years, Teacher Appreciation Week, Spirit Wear Development, Costume repair.
- Caregiver and advocate for parent with Aphasia 2021- 2026. Successfully coordinating speech and navigating support and care for wellbeing.
- Advocate for neurodiversity for students with learning differences and building supports, strategies and coordination of success plans.