Kirsten Bennett
Calistoga,CA
Summary
Results-driven contractor and certified interior designer with over 20 years of experience in value add remodel and new construction. Award winning designs in high end markets. Expertise in vendor negotiation, budgeting, and quality assurance, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet client expectations. Proven track record of enhancing project outcomes through strong vendor partnerships and effective design selection. Excels in communication and problem solving. Known on the job site as "Boss Lady"
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Licensed Contractor #1038298
KB Construction and Design
Calistoga, California
01.2018 - Current
- Managed daily operations for construction projects and design services.
- Oversaw project planning and resource allocation for timely completion.
- Collaborated with clients to understand needs and develop tailored solutions.
- Coordinated schedules and supervised subcontractors for quality assurance.
- Developed budgets and monitored expenses throughout project lifecycles.
- Led team meetings to discuss project progress and address challenges.
- Cultivated relationships with suppliers to source materials efficiently.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
- Negotiated with vendors to gain optimal pricing on products resulting in substantial increase in profit margin.
- Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship, and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
- Employed and managed vendors by negotiating deliverables, cost and expected quality.
- Coordinated with subcontractors and suppliers to maintain project timelines and budgets.
- Resolved conflicts among team members, promoting a collaborative work environment.
- Scheduled labor, materials, and equipment according to project timelines.
- Performed job site inspections to ensure quality of construction and adherence to building codes.
- Monitored progress on job sites daily to ensure timely completion according to contract requirements.
- Ordered supplies necessary for completion of projects on time and within budget.
Owner/Principal Designer
Kirsten Bennett Interiors
Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, Calistoga, Piedmont
03.2008 - Current
- Designed personalized interior spaces for residential and commercial clients.
- Managed project timelines and budgets to ensure client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with contractors and vendors to source materials and furnishings.
- Conducted client consultations to understand their design preferences and needs.
- Oversaw installation processes, ensuring quality and adherence to design specifications.
- Built strong relationships with clients through effective communication and follow-up.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship, and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
Owner/Executive Chef
Dinner Simply
Boise, Idaho
01.2013 - 08.2014
- Coordinated menu planning and food preparation with culinary staff.
- Developed client relationships to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
- Oversaw inventory management for food supplies and equipment.
- Implemented health and safety protocols in food handling and service areas.
- Coordinated delivery times with clients and ensured that all items ordered arrived on time.
- Managed inventory levels of food supplies required for upcoming catered events.
- Maintained accurate records of orders and deliveries for catering services.
Owner/Furniture Staging/Interior Designer
Signature Settings
Laguna Beach, CA
06.2001 - 10.2005
- Oversaw inventory management for listings and decor needs for projects.
- Developed design concepts that enhanced property appeal for buyers.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Negotiated and managed relationships with real estate agents and clients to upsell services and staging timelines.
Education
Certificate of Interior Design - Interior Design
Interior Design Institute
Newport Beach, CA06-2002
Master of Science - Education Technology Leadership
California State University East Bay
Hayward, CA05-1999
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05-1995
Abroad Program - Fine Arts/Furniture History Studies
Cambridge University
Cambridge, England08-1994
Skills
- Project management
- Budgeting
- Vendor negotiation
- Quality assurance
- Client relationship management
- Schedule coordination
- Design consultation
- Inventory management
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Decision making
- Attends Furniture Market Bi-Annually
- Market trend awareness
- Regulatory compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- Negotiation
- Design coordination
- Project estimating
- Staff management
- Quality management systems
- Budget development
- Small business operations
- Bidding processes
- Subcontractor oversight-Electrical, Painting, Tile, Landscape, Plumbing, Flooring, Cabinetry, Carpentry, Hardware, Masonry, LightingContract management
Accomplishments
Ranked #1 Interior Design Firm by the Idaho Design Center
Timeline
Owner/Licensed Contractor #1038298
KB Construction and Design
01.2018 - Current
Owner/Executive Chef
Dinner Simply
01.2013 - 08.2014
Owner/Principal Designer
Kirsten Bennett Interiors
03.2008 - Current
Owner/Furniture Staging/Interior Designer
Signature Settings
06.2001 - 10.2005
Certificate of Interior Design - Interior Design
Interior Design Institute
Master of Science - Education Technology Leadership
California State University East Bay
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Southern California
Abroad Program - Fine Arts/Furniture History Studies
Cambridge University