Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
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SARAH MAKONNEN

Washington

Summary

A proactive and creative professional with a background in Interior and Graphic Design and a passion for fashion styling. Known for an innovative eye and attention to detail, with the ability to curate cohesive aesthetics across both spatial and personal design. Brings strong organizational and time management skills, a resourceful approach to tasks, and a proven ability to build lasting relationships with clients. Versatile and adaptable, with experience in concept development, visual storytelling, and delivering elevated experiences through thoughtful design—whether in interiors, print media, or luxury retail environments.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Client Advisor | Stylist

Scanlan Theodore
Washington
02.2025 - Current
  • Cultivate strong client relationships by remembering preferences and offering personalized styling advice
  • Drive sales to consistently meet or exceed individual and store performance metrics
  • Deliver exceptional luxury service to ensure a polished in-store experience
  • Style mannequins with coordinated outfits to maintain high visual standards reflecting brand identity
  • Enhance CRM system accuracy by updating client records systematically
  • Manage sales documentation and controlled follow-up message flow effectively
    Tracked communications consistently to ensure comprehensive interaction logs

Graphic Designer

DesignHut LLC
Washington
07.2017 - Current
  • Created innovative design concepts for print materials, including brochures and stationery.
  • Enhanced company branding through cohesive logos and social media graphics.
  • Refined client presentations to ensure clarity and professionalism.
  • Collaborated with external vendors to verify quality and accuracy of printed materials.

Independent Contractor as Design Assistant

DL Interiors LLC
Washington
02.2024 - 01.2025
  • Produced 2D drawings including floor plans and elevations, with 3D models as needed.
  • Conducted site surveys and coordinated with clients, vendors, and contractors.
  • Managed administrative tasks such as organizing library resources and scheduling meetings.
  • Created drafts and mockups from initial design concepts for logos.

Interior Designer

DesignHut LLC
Washington
07.2017 - 01.2023
  • Created floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings
  • Selected finishes and furniture with visual appeal that optimize flow and functionality
  • Oversaw installation of finishes, furniture and other design elements to control final product
  • Utilized computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans & mock ups of room layouts as well as renderings in Sketch up & V Ray

Creative Designer

Yenae LLC
Washington
08.2015 - 06.2018
  • Created 2D and 3D sketches alongside technical drawings for jewelry designs.
  • Developed user-friendly design system to enhance overall user experience.
  • Contributed to initial prototype development for testing and presentation purposes.

Account Services Specialist

SoundExchange
Washington
10.2016 - 10.2017
  • Worked directly under the Artist Rights Specialist for data entry including research on artists' rights for copyright confirmation
  • Assured data quality and accuracy using MS Excel and Salesforce
  • Performed artist research
  • Performed basic office chores such as filing documents and directing calls when needed

Office Assistant

Marcia Bogert Hayman, A.S.I.D
Washington
05.2016 - 10.2016
  • Handled client scheduling and phone call transfers
  • Reported completed tasks directly to head designer
  • Performed data entry and preparation of multiple documents such as proposals and invoices
  • Organized filing systems and sample library

Architectural Designer

Walter E. Lynch
Washington
02.2014 - 11.2015
  • Provided architectural design and review of space requirements to accommodate efficiency needs and functionality requirements
  • Produced both hand assisted and computer aided renderings in addition to 2D and 3D architectural drawings
  • Compiled bidding documents, blueprints and technical specifications to present to DCRA for project permits and licenses

Diagramming & Seating Member

event
Washington
01.2014 - 03.2014
  • Utilized a diagramming software to create accurate and visually appealing seating layouts for events
  • Managed and maintained the updating of seating charts
  • Client portfolio included the Hyatt Regency, Ritz Carlton, and Marriott to mention a few

Education

Bachelor of Science - Interior Design

Thomas Jefferson University
01.2012

Skills

  • Client relationship management
  • Customer service
  • CRM accuracy
  • Customer consultations
  • Cross-selling techniques
  • Logo design and branding
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Quality assessments
  • Image Manipulation
  • Home and real estate virtual staging
  • Interior space planning
  • Inventory Management

Languages

  • Fluent in English
  • Fluent in Amharic

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Client Advisor | Stylist

Scanlan Theodore
02.2025 - Current

Independent Contractor as Design Assistant

DL Interiors LLC
02.2024 - 01.2025

Graphic Designer

DesignHut LLC
07.2017 - Current

Interior Designer

DesignHut LLC
07.2017 - 01.2023

Account Services Specialist

SoundExchange
10.2016 - 10.2017

Office Assistant

Marcia Bogert Hayman, A.S.I.D
05.2016 - 10.2016

Creative Designer

Yenae LLC
08.2015 - 06.2018

Architectural Designer

Walter E. Lynch
02.2014 - 11.2015

Diagramming & Seating Member

event
01.2014 - 03.2014

Bachelor of Science - Interior Design

Thomas Jefferson University