Nichol Chang
Lake Forest,CA
Summary
Results-driven Senior Interior Designer with over 9 years of experience specializing in creating cost-effective, market-responsive designs using AutoCAD. Known for fostering team collaboration, mentoring junior designers, and streamlining project execution to meet tight deadlines and budgets. Proven track record in enhancing client satisfaction through innovative design solutions. Aims to leverage design expertise and project management skills to contribute to the success of a forward-thinking design team.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Designer
Thomas James Homes
Aliso Viejo , CA
01.2018 - 06.2024
- Designed 240+ custom homes, enhancing residential living spaces and meeting diverse client needs, with a combined ARV exceeding half a billion dollars
- Used AutoCAD to craft mood boards and interior plans, bringing client visions to life.
- Maintained brand consistency throughout design projects.
- Supported and mentored junior designers, offering creative direction and design guidance.
- Ensured the successful execution of more than 60 projects in a single year, while maintaining adherence to strict timelines and budgetary limitations.
- Conducted site visits to evaluate project conditions.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers to procure competitively priced, yet top-notch products.
- Collaborated with architects, project managers, vendors, and fellow designers to ensure the successful execution of projects.
- Evaluated and chose project materials like paint colors,flooring options ,lighting fixtures ,appliances ,plumbing ,stone and tile.
- Oversaw budgets for multiple projects, ensuring high-quality materials within cost limits.
Interior Designer
Thomas James Homes
Aliso Viejo , CA
11.2014 - 01.2018
- Supported Senior Designer throughout the entire project lifecycle, contributing to various tasks and responsibilities.
- Generated detailed interior elevations through the use of AutoCAD software
- Managed budgets for more than 20 material cost codes
- Developed and maintained strong vendor relationships to optimize product sourcing at competitive prices while ensuring adherence to quality standards.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently within strict timelines.
Color Consultant / Professional Paint Advisor
Dunn Edwards Paints
Lake Forest , CA
02.2014 - 10.2014
- Provided customers with samples of popular colors to educate them on current home decorating trends.
- Created detailed color palettes to match specific client tastes and needs.
- Advised clients on the best ways to incorporate accent colors into existing designs.
- Produce professional color renderings using proprietary Dunn-Edwards software (like Photoshop)
- Managed and updated appointment schedules and logs for in-store residential visits
Interior Design Intern
Trip Haenisch
Los Angeles , CA
06.2012 - 12.2012
- Visited showrooms to evaluate potential products that could be included in the final design.
- Contributed to the coordination of deliveries and decoration staging for installation process
- Compiled samples of materials including paint chips, fabric swatches, carpet tiles, wall coverings for lead designers review.
Multi Channel Sales/ Lead Visual Merchandiser
Best Buy
Costa Mesa , CA
11.2010 - 02.2014
- Responded to 150 customer phone calls daily, utilizing exceptional communication skills to drive sales across all channels.
- Successfully balancing high velocity sales with exceptional customer service by utilizing effective communication skills and building complete technology solutions.
- Executed specific steps and processes of merchandising, inventory, and asset protection to achieve sales goals
Education
Associate of Science - Interior Design
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA05-2013
Some College (No Degree) - Fire Science/ Emergency Medical Technician
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CASkills
- AutoCAD proficiency
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Project Management
- Color and material application
- Material Selection
- Design Visualization
- Budget Management
- Vendor Negotiations
Affiliations
- Owner - The Graze Boutique: Charcuterie Boxes and Table spreads 12/2022 - Present
- LinkedIn Skills Assessment - AutoCAD scored in the top 15% out of 920k people who took test
- LinkedIn Skills Assessment - PowerPoint scored in the top 5% out of 11.2M people who took test
Timeline
Senior Designer
Thomas James Homes
01.2018 - 06.2024
Interior Designer
Thomas James Homes
11.2014 - 01.2018
Color Consultant / Professional Paint Advisor
Dunn Edwards Paints
02.2014 - 10.2014
Interior Design Intern
Trip Haenisch
06.2012 - 12.2012
Multi Channel Sales/ Lead Visual Merchandiser
Best Buy
11.2010 - 02.2014
Associate of Science - Interior Design
Orange Coast College
Some College (No Degree) - Fire Science/ Emergency Medical Technician
Long Beach City College
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