Muriel Norman
Red Hook,NY
Summary
Innovative project manager specializing in interior design and merchandising in Australia and the USA. Known for effective leadership and attention to detail, contributing to successful project outcomes and client alignment.
Dynamic project manager with expertise in operations and customer relations. Proven track record in leading high-performing teams to deliver innovative design solutions and enhance client satisfaction.
Results-driven professional with over 30 years in project management,sales, design and business operations. Skilled in developing strategic plans, enhancing service offerings, and fostering strong client relationships to drive growth and operational efficiency.
Professional with deep expertise and readiness for leadership. Proven track record in driving business growth and operational efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering impactful results. Known for reliability, adaptability, strategic vision, and effective problem-solving. Skilled in business management, financial planning, and customer relations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Artist/Contractor Project Manager
Little Pickles: Toy Shop. Sweet Shop. Play House
Red Hook, NY
04.2014 - Current
- Developed merchandising strategies that enhanced product visibility and increased sales opportunities.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive innovative design solutions and enhance project outcomes.
- Developed comprehensive design strategies aligned with business objectives and market trends.
- Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications and budget.
- Led project teams in developing innovative interior design concepts aligned with client vision.
- Conducted thorough site visits to gather accurate measurements and assess site conditions for optimal project outcomes.
- Spearheaded material selection processes, balancing aesthetics with durability and affordability considerations.
- Selected furniture, lighting and accessories to enhance design concepts.
- Oversaw, built and installed finishes, furniture and other design elements to control final product.
- Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
- Specified appropriate products and materials to meet project objectives and design scheme.
- Designed, built and finished 2 Retail Store locations for Little Pickles Children's Store in Red Hook (2014) and Hudson (2022) including continued updates, maintenance and design for both locations.
Owner/Artist/Property Manager
Down Under Faux
Red Hook, New York
01.2001 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategic business plans to enhance service offerings and client satisfaction.
- Established and maintained relationships with Contractors and suppliers to optimize cost efficiency and service quality.
- Trained and mentored staff on operational best practices, enhancing team performance and productivity.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Led team training initiatives to improve service quality and employee productivity.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Collaborated with clients to understand vision, ensuring alignment with artistic direction and style.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Participated in creative brainstorming sessions to develop new ideas or improve existing ones.
- Expanded artistic skill set by attending advanced workshops in innovative art forms and techniques, staying ahead in competitive field.
- Worked with clients to understand desired outcomes and requirements.
- Developed art and design concepts.
- Selected and purchased materials for art projects.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on property management best practices and customer service excellence.
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Completed final move-out walk-throughs with tenants to identify required repairs.
- Coordinated with maintenance staff to ensure timely completion of repairs, minimizing downtime for tenants and maintaining property aesthetics.
- Collaborated with real estate agents and brokers to showcase properties effectively, attracting prospective tenants or buyers quickly.
Skills
- Customer relations
- Small business operations
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Client service
- Project management
- Operations management
- Business management
- Business planning
- Project estimating
- Staff management
- Marketing
- Team oversight
- Staff hiring
- Business development
- Business launch
- Employee development
- Contract management
- Sales management
- Human resources
- Design coordination
- Hiring and staffing
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Decision-making
- Effective leader
- Goal setting
- Quality assurance
- Inventory control
- Inventory management
- Employee relations
- Delegating work
- Employee motivation
- Schedule management
- Marketing tactics
Accomplishments
- Recognized in Restoration Magazine, Faux Effects World, Hudson Valley Managine (Top People) plus other publications for Decorative Paint and Plaster Finishes from 2001.
- Designed and finished Escoffier Restaurant 2010 Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park.
- Sotheby's New York City finishes.
- Meeting Of The Masters, Dallas 2007. One of 60 artists in the world demonstrating finishes and techniques.
- State Manager for Reebok Australia in 90s.
- Store Manager for multiple retail locations in Australia.
- State Manager for multiple Retail Shoe companies in Australia 90s.
- Strong background in multiple facets of Construction and Building
Certification
Multiple Certification for Decorative Finishes
Business Management
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Owner/Artist/Contractor Project Manager
Little Pickles: Toy Shop. Sweet Shop. Play House
04.2014 - Current
Owner/Artist/Property Manager
Down Under Faux
01.2001 - Current