Heidi DeMers
Charlottesville,VA
Summary
Experienced Executive Director with background in strategic planning, team leadership, and performance optimization. Known for driving company growth by developing efficient operational strategies and fostering professional relationships. Demonstrated abilities in problem solving, decision making, and communication skills to influence key stakeholders. Proven record of delivering innovative solutions and achieving organizational goals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Director
DesignHaus Interiors
01.2018 - Current
- Led residential interior design and remodeling projects from concept through completion, collaborating with clients to create cohesive design solutions that reflect their vision, lifestyle, and budget.
- Developed comprehensive design packages, including space planning, material selections, and finish schedules, ensuring alignment with construction and permitting requirements.
- Produce detailed construction documents and coordinate with builders and trades to ensure design intent is executed accurately throughout construction.
- Oversaw projects during construction, directing design implementation, coordinating site activities, and resolving issues to uphold quality and meet project timelines.
Director, Store Design
Target Co.
Minneapolis, MN
04.2022 - 01.2026
- Lead a team of 35+ designers within the US and India to set new store and remodel standards and implement them into new store sites and existing locations.
- Developed business strategies with enterprise senior leaders, leading teams in planning new store formats and remodels to align with corporate objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement technology solutions and streamline processes, improving project delivery timelines.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple departments, resulting in improved workflow integration.
Director, Store Planning and Design
The Kroger Company
Cincinnati, OH
01.2018 - 04.2022
- Directed initiatives for new formats and concepts across all merchandising units within enterprise, impacting all 20 banners nationwide.
- Managed team of store planners, architects, and interior designers to create store architecture, fixture plans, and interior design packages, enhancing store presentation and customer experience.
- Led development of corporate business strategies with enterprise senior leaders for new store formats and merchandising initiatives, aligning goals across divisions.
Manager, Store and Interior Design
The Kroger Company
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Directed team of designers in developing and implementing store interiors, prototypes, and innovation projects to enhance customer experience.
- Developed corporate strategy for store design, ensuring consistent rollout across the Enterprise to align with brand vision.
- Managed daily operations to ensure efficient store functionality.
- Supervised staff to maintain high levels of customer service.
- Coordinated inventory management and ensured product availability.
Manager, Interior Design
The Kroger Company
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Directed team of designers and external vendors in developing interior design for store packages across 5500 stores nationwide in multiple formats.
- Oversaw coordination and design of projects related to interior finishes, décor, fixture development, art procurement, lighting, specifications, and materials sourcing.
- Sourced and collaborated with architects and design firms to create new interior packages.
Store Planning Coordinator
Fred Meyer Stores
Portland, OR
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Led team of store planners in creating and implementing merchandising initiatives, enhancing store presentation and customer engagement.
- Oversaw coordination of project aspects related to interior finishes, décor, fixture layout, and store planning to ensure cohesive execution.
- Coordinated Fred Meyer Division remodel planning process, liaising with GO planning team, construction, décor, interiors, and fixture development.
Account Executive and Retail Design Director
Displayworks
Portland, OR
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Acquired new clients through targeted marketing and business development initiatives.
- Provided clients with design expertise and experience to enhance project outcomes.
- Designed, managed, and oversaw client projects, collaborating with in-house teams and vendors.
- Developed client décor, fixtures, and interiors for brands including TaylorMade Golf, Kroger, Jeld-Wen Windows, Nike ACG, Apple Stores, Nordstrom, and Burton Snowboards.
Design Manager and Account Executive
Boden Store Fixtures
Portland, OR
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Managed $8M in annual store fixture sales to large national accounts, driving revenue growth.
- Developed innovative fixture design solutions and tradeshow booth for GlobalShop 2003/04, enhancing brand visibility.
- Acquired new clients through targeted marketing and business development efforts utilizing Salesforce.
Retail Design Studio Director
Sienna Architecture Company
Portland, OR
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Designed and managed interior architecture projects, leading team to deliver innovative retail spaces.
- Secured new clients through targeted marketing and strategic business development initiatives.
- Maintained project schedules, budgets, and billings for retail projects, ensuring timely and profitable delivery.
Director of Interior Design and Visual Merchandising
Fred Meyer Stores/Kroger Division
Portland, OR
01.1995 - 01.2000
- Led staff in all aspects of interior planning, design, visual merchandising, fixture development, and signage to enhance overall brand presentation.
- Led design strategy for store layouts and merchandising displays.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align design with brand standards.
- Managed vendor relationships for sourcing materials and furnishings.
Architectural Intern
JKS Architects
Portland, OR
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Designed and drafted interior and architectural plans for retail spaces, enhancing customer experience and brand representation.
- Assisted in creating architectural designs using AutoCAD and Revit software.
- Collaborated with senior architects on project documentation and design presentations.
- Conducted site visits to gather information and assess project requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Planning and Design, Minor, Spanish Languages, Emphasis in Business
University of Idaho
Moscow, IDSkills
- Brand development
- Architectural and interior design
- Strategic alignment
- Creative project management
- Space planning
- Design coordination
- Project management
- Business development
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Digital marketing
- Team building and leadership
- Client development
Awards And Speaking
- VMSD Magazine 2019 Top Women in Design
- Guest Panelist for SHOP! Association podcasts, 2017-18
- Guest Speaker at 2017 International Retail Design Conference
- Panel speaker at 2016 GlobalShop Conference
- Design: RETAIL magazine Kroger named as 'Retailer of the Year' and 'Best new business launch' for Main & Vine Store design
- Guide and judge Kroger sponsored PAVE international student design competition
- Guide and critique Kroger sponsored UC DAAP Interior Design student studios
Professional Associations
- FMI Leadership Conference, 2015 and 2017
- Design: RETAIL magazine Editorial Advisory Board Member, 2017-2021
- PAVE (Planning and Visual Education) Executive Board Member, 2018-2021
- SHOP! Associate Advisory Board Member, 2021
- Institute of Store Planners, Professional Member, Seattle Chapter
- IIDA, Associate Member
- AIA, Associate Member
- NCARB Intern Development Program for Architects, Completion
Timeline
Director, Store Design
Target Co.
04.2022 - 01.2026
Creative Director
DesignHaus Interiors
01.2018 - Current
Director, Store Planning and Design
The Kroger Company
01.2018 - 04.2022
Manager, Store and Interior Design
The Kroger Company
01.2017 - 01.2018
Manager, Interior Design
The Kroger Company
01.2014 - 01.2017
Store Planning Coordinator
Fred Meyer Stores
01.2011 - 01.2014
Account Executive and Retail Design Director
Displayworks
01.2005 - 01.2011
Design Manager and Account Executive
Boden Store Fixtures
01.2002 - 01.2005
Retail Design Studio Director
Sienna Architecture Company
01.2000 - 01.2002
Director of Interior Design and Visual Merchandising
Fred Meyer Stores/Kroger Division
01.1995 - 01.2000
Architectural Intern
JKS Architects
01.1993 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Architecture - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Planning and Design, Minor, Spanish Languages, Emphasis in Business
University of Idaho