Laura Andrusko
Marietta,New York
Summary
A creative, detail-oriented Creative Project Manager with over 16 years of experience in the Retail Design industry and over 13 years of experience in the Entertainment industry. Extensive expertise in project planning and logistics coordination. Superior organizational skills. Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects and deadlines concurrently. Strong attention to detail. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledgeable in design concepts, and practices. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Google Drive Platforms. Familiar with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Manager
Donahoe Architectural Group
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided customer service, over the phone and in person, with clients and vendors
- Scheduled meetings and appointments and managed staff schedules
- Assisted with permit applications
- Performed data entry and created weekly analysis reports
- Copied, printed, scanned drawings, documents, and paperwork
- Reported employee timesheets bi-weekly to payroll company
- Implemented and maintained documentation of procedures/office administrative systems
- Purchased office supplies and equipment and maintained proper stock levels
Project Manager
10 Red Design LLC
08.2004 - 04.2021
- Managed Retail Design projects for clients including Johnson & Johnson, Keurig, Nestle Purina, Husqvarna, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer
- Facilitated implementation of design work at major retail stores including Walmart, Target, Meijer, Kroger, Giant Eagle, CVS, Rite Aid
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Maintained a weekly report of status and activity on 12-30 active projects
- Optimized project schedules, identifying critical path tasks and reallocating resources to maintain momentum.
- Researched and procured display materials and retail fixtures
- Provided project details and schedules to vendors for quotations
- Worked closely with Account Managers to develop estimates and prepare billing to clients for design and production activity
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, conducting post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and best practices
Account Manager
Mack Studios Displays
01.2004 - 07.2004
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts for a growing Retail Display design/fabrication company whose clients included Chase Design, Procter & Gamble, Gillette, Nestle Purina
- Communicated with clients' Design teams and Account Managers to initiate projects, organize production processes and follow projects through to completion
- Acted as liaison between internal Engineering, Graphics, Production adn Transportation departments to ensure all projects were completed to clients’ satisfaction
- Collaborated daily with fellow Account Mangers to Created new documents and templates to track production of display, improve production processes and strengthen internal communication
- Coordinated logistics of shipping and installing displays in major retail stores nationwide
- Supervised installation teams in client retail labs (Procter & Gamble, Nestle Purina)
- Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.
Freelance Set Decorator & Dresser
Feature Film/TV/Commercial Projects
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Supported the Director's and Production Designer's visions by executing their desired look for each scene within budget constraints.
- Successfully researched and sourced unique and authentic set dressing items for specific film periods and locations.
- Coordinated Set Decorating department logistics with Set Dressers and the Transportation department to meet daily production deadlines
- Fostered positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, and rental companies to secure necessary materials at competitive price
- Built a database of over 900 vendors and community organizations
- Negotiated product placement deals to acquire desirable brand-name products for use on sets, free of charge.
- Hired and supervised teams of Set Dressers in studios and at remote locations
- Maintained a clean and organized environment in the set dressing warehouse promoting efficiency of storage and item location.
- Lectured on the subject of Set Decoration to undergraduate students of Theatre Design at Syracuse University and SUNY-Purchase College
Freelance Art Department Coordinator
Film Projects
06.2021 - Current
- Coordinated daily operations of the Art Department and managed constantly fluctuating department production schedules to ensure successful build and decoration of sets
- Contributed to award-winning productions through diligent coordination efforts that allowed creative teams to focus on their craft without distractions from logistical concerns
- Coordinated logistics for set construction, transportation, and storage, minimizing delays in production schedules.
- Acted as a liaison with vendors to procure specialized construction materials and set dressing items
- Tracked daily labor for Construction and Scenic/Paint Departments
- Developed comprehensive budget tracking systems to monitor spending and maintain financial accountability on a daily basis.
- Researched design concepts and historical accuracy to assist Set Decorators, Production Designers and Art Directors
- Supervised Art Department Production Assistants and Interns
- Enhanced creative collaboration by streamlining communication between the art team and other departments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Design
State University of New York-Purchase College
Purchase, NYBachelor of Arts - Biology
Smith College
Northampton, MASkills
- Office Administration
- Excellent multi-tasking ability
- Clear oral/written communication
- Employee Supervision
- Operations Management
- Scheduling & Coordination
- Budget Administration
- Vendor engagement
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Affiliations
- Member of IATSE Local 52: Motion Picture Studio Mechanics
- Member of IATSE Local 829: United Scenic Artists
Imdb
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0483223
Timeline
Office Manager
Donahoe Architectural Group
08.2023 - 05.2024
Freelance Art Department Coordinator
Film Projects
06.2021 - Current
Project Manager
10 Red Design LLC
08.2004 - 04.2021
Account Manager
Mack Studios Displays
01.2004 - 07.2004
Freelance Set Decorator & Dresser
Feature Film/TV/Commercial Projects
01.1997 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Design
State University of New York-Purchase College
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Smith College
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