CHALLAIGNE COLE
Honsador Lumber LLC
KAPOLEI,HI
23
years of professional experience
Innovative designer skilled in delivering impactful visual solutions for room designs through strategic thinking and collaboration. Expertise in 2020 software and extensive product knowledge enables adaptability to evolving project demands. Committed to producing beautiful and functional designs that meet client needs.
Work History
Lead Designer Kitchen & Bath
6 Years 8 Months- Led cabinet design consultations, aligning product selections with client style, budget, and project needs.
- Created room layouts and color recommendations using showroom samples and design specifications.
- Coordinated with sales and installation teams to ensure accurate order details and project handoffs.
- Reviewed measurements, material selections, and finish options to prevent costly design errors.
- Trained team members on product knowledge, design presentation, and client consultation best practices.
- Updated showroom displays and merchandising standards to support customer engagement and product visibility.
- Resolved design issues by adjusting plans, substitutions, and finish selections with clients and vendors.
- Managed junior designers, providing guidance and mentorship for professional growth.
- Evaluated analytics data to make informed decisions about future design strategies and improvements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for effective product development and design consistency.
- Led brainstorming sessions for conceptualizing innovative designs and captivating visuals to client expectations.
- Created digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing methods.
- Used 2020 to create images and layouts.
- Met with customers to present mockups and collect information for adjustments.
- Analyzed feedback from customers and staff to refine design concepts.
- Knowledgeable in cabinets, countertops, fixtures, tiles, doors/windows and flooring.
- Maintained sales as a one-person design department with up to 6 account managers.
Kitchen and Bath Designer; Millworks Specialist
8 Years 9 Months- Provide expertise in cabinetry, countertops, doors, and windows.
Build quotes, convert to orders, track orders, and set up deliveries/pick ups with customers.
Assist with phone calls and be able to quote for any building material as requested - Researched concepts and followed industry trends to provide knowledgeable insight to clients
- Worked directly with customers to refine plans, ensuring designs met their specific needs and preferences
- Produced content for material boards and specification binders for presentation and construction
- Designed floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views and material boards for both in-house review and presentation to client
- Provided complimentary in-home consultations to prospective clients to gather ideas and promote design services
- Created professional presentations to creatively communicate design intent and direction
- Guided clients in budget planning for material selection, ensuring alignment with design goals
- Documented production volume, materials consumption and quality issues to keep management well-informed and support proactive planning
- Addressed complaints and minimized delays through vendor collaboration and strategic updates
- Monitored project progress and presented status to leaders to solve productivity issues
- Revised production schedules to account for changing designs, shortages and other types of interruptions
- Maintain rapport with customers and provide excellent customer service
Home Package Consultant
2 Years 1 Month- Provide expertise in cabinetry, countertops, doors, and windows.
Build quotes, convert to orders, track orders, and set up deliveries/pick ups with customers.
Assist with phone calls and be able to quote for any building material as requested - Provided expert assessments of designs and plans in home package design industry
- Resolved issues during home planning, blueprint processing, and building material orders to ensure smooth project implementation
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and recommend tailored solutions, enhancing overall customer satisfaction
- Developed action item roadmaps detailing initiatives and providing insights for effective budgeting and planning
- Addressed challenges during home project implementation to ensure smooth progress and client satisfaction.
- Made sure all ideas were unique and proposed several options to clients suitable to unique needs and requirements
- Worked with other contractors for successful project completion, including draftsman and general contractors
- Created professional presentations to creatively communicate design intent and direction
- Collaborated closely with customers, adjusting plans as needed to satisfy client needs and requirements
- Designed floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views and material boards for both in-house review and presentation to client
Kitchen and Bath Designer
10 Years 7 Months- Provide expertise in cabinetry, countertops, doors, and windows.
Build quotes, convert to orders, track orders, and set up deliveries/pick ups with customers.
Assist with phone calls and be able to quote for any building material as requested - Collaborated closely with customers, adjusting plans as needed to satisfy client needs and requirements
- Created professional presentations to creatively communicate design intent and direction
- Researched concepts and followed industry trends to provide knowledgeable insight to clients
- Used 3D software to allow customers to clearly visualize completed projects, creating wow effect
- Designed floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views and material boards for both in-house review and presentation to client
- Visited home sites when necessary to assess and fulfill customer needs
- Planned and executed many kitchen, bath, office, and entertainment center projects
- Provided positive attitude and excellent customer service to each customer
- Recommended improvements to products and services to mitigate complaints
- Reviewed account and service histories to identify trends and issues
- Met and exceeded productivity targets by handling every interaction with top-notch customer service
- Maintained revenue streams by exhausting every option before offering refunds
- Built client rapport while accurately processing repair documentation and troubleshooting technical discrepancies through completion
- Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by efficiently resolving technical, on-site and account issues
- Achieved high sales percentage with consultative, value-focused customer service approach
- Received many customer service awards throughout career at this location
- Completed class in Women in Leadership
- Forklift, Reach Machine, and Order Picker certified
- Assisted with the entire project materials including appliances, flooring, plumbing/lighting fixtures, and back splash materials
Cashier, Customer Service Representative
6 Months- Welcomed customers, offering assistance to help find necessary store items
- Completed daily recovery tasks to keep areas clean and neat for maximum efficiency
- Worked closely with front-end staff to assist customers
- Assisted customers with account updates, new service additions and promotional offers
- Drove sales and add-on purchases by promoting specific item options to customers
- Evaluated customer account information to assess current issues and determine potential solutions
- Escalated customer concerns, store issues and inventory requirements to supervisors
- Set up and activated customer accounts
Graphic Designer, Cashier
1 Year 1 Month- Worked with customers to present mockups and collect information for adjustments; ie invitations, business cards, programs, etc
- Utilized Adobe Photoshop software to create high quality images
- Generated digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing
- Created digital logos for local businesses
- Maintained high productivity by efficiently processing cash, credit, debit and voucher program payments for customers
- Helped customers find specific products, answering questions and offering advice
Education
High School Diploma
- Elected Captain of Tennis Team
- Bowling Team
- Japanese Club
- Digital Arts
- Certificate in Digital Art
- Earned several certificates in Creative Media.
- Studied Digital Design and Photography.
Skills
2020 Design Software
Adobe creative suite
Photoshop and Lightroom
Digital graphics
Layout design
Art conceptualization
Illustration
Design sense
Project management
Client Relationship Management
Vendor relationships
Self-motivated
Self-starter
Multitasking abilities
Team player
Creative and artistic
Interior Photography
Material Selection Advisor
Industry Collaboration
Accomplishments
NKBA 30 Under 30 - outstanding young professionals who truly exemplify the best of the industry. (2014)
Women in Leadership Recipient (2022)
Customer Service Awards (2005-2016)
Timeline
Lead Designer Kitchen & Bath
ProSource Wholesale Flooring
03.2020 - CurrentRead More
Kitchen and Bath Designer; Millworks Specialist
Honsador Lumber LLC
02.2018 - CurrentRead More
Home Package Consultant
HPM Building Supply
01.2016 - 02.2018Read More
Kitchen and Bath Designer
The Home Depot
06.2005 - 01.2016Read More
Cashier, Customer Service Representative
Blockbuster
11.2004 - 05.2005Read More
Graphic Designer, Cashier
ARMAC Printing
04.2004 - 05.2005Read More
Kapolei High School
High School Diploma
Read More
Leeward Community College
from Digital Arts
Read More
2014 NKBA 30 Under 30 Award
Aware Description: Outstanding young professionals who possess the passion, creativity and brilliance to be the voice of the next generation of kitchen and bath experts.
2022 NKBA Women to Women Recipient
Description of Award: A unique leadership gathering, W2W attracts 100 influential, dedicated NKBA members across the industry–thoughtfully selected via a curated application process. During three days of networking, engaging experiences, and mentorship, W2W participants will share career journeys, gain business insights, and build lifelong connections.