Sarah A. Cole
Fostoria,OH
Summary
Progressive designer successful at creating custom and cross-functional spaces for any budget. Able to maintain long-term relationships with clients through open communication and a keen eye for detail. Skilled in both residential construction and remodeling projects working with homeowners, landlords, and contractors. Quick learner and eager to create functionally beautiful spaces for all clients.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Design Professional
The Williams Studio / Williams Distributing
Kentwood, MI
12.2018 - 08.2021
- Consulted with clients to determine preferences to meet overall design goals of style aesthetics, room flow/functionality, and organization.
- Successfully resolved complex design issues with creative concepts.
- Specified proper products and materials for each project by helping to select flooring, counter tops, cabinets and appliances based on needs, budget and goals.
- Designed detailed layouts using 20/20 Design.
- Planned and presented project boards with quotes for there designs.
- Managed customer expectations with open consultations and frequent communication.
- Interfaced effectively with project team members, including contractors, installers, and suppliers by phone, email and in person to resolve issues and discuss ideas.
- Managed designs for three apartment complexes each with several different floor plans. Effectively communicating with each properties manager as well as the landlord of the complexes.
- Keeping in frequent contact with professional clients; interior designers, building owners and trade professionals, to make sure their design needs are filled, current projects are up-to-date and properly quoting for there clients.
Sales Design Consultant
Gerhard's Kitchen & Bath / First Supply
Madison, WI
02.2018 - 11.2018
- Transformed uninspiring areas into warm and inviting living spaces by designing detailed kitchen and bath layouts based on client and created comprehensive product lists based on finalized designs and budgets.
- Monitored orders using a retail web based system, WEB UI.
- Attended learning events to better understand materials and products I would be working with. Example: Factory training for Masterbrand's Homecrest and Omega Cabinetry; hands on tile seminars given by AlysEdwards/ Ann Saks; and extensive web training on Delta and Kohler plumbing fixtures.
- Championed a newly acquired AlysEdwards Tile company; as I had the most experience with tile application and by so doing we were able to double sales of tile at our Delafield and Madison, WI locations.
- Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects
Kitchen Designer - Sales Specialist
Lowe's Home Improvement
Tiffin, OH
09.2013 - 02.2018
- Originated and developed creative design concepts.
- Created and modified drawings in 20/20 Design.
- Specified proper products and materials for each project.
- Maintained relationships with installers and high yield customers.
- Monitored orders using the retail point of sale (POS) system.
- Meeting and Exceeding sales goals each month.
- Attained 11th in the region for positive sale variance in the 3rd quarter of 2016
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
North Baltimore, OH
02.2010 - 09.2013
- Purchased adequate quantities of necessary restaurant items, including food, beverages, equipment, and supplies.
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting, taking orders, addressing concerns and encouraged feedback from customers; using feedback to implement positive changes.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff.
- Trained all new employees
- Prepared food items; cutting, weighing and measured ingredients
- Cleaned and sterilized equipment
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
The Art Institute of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA2015
Associate of Science - Business/ Marketing And Sales
Owens Community College
Findlay, OH2010
Skills
- Motivated self-starter
- Customer-focused, passion for customer satisfaction
- Excellent time management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Excellent leader
- Effective problem solver
- Works well as part of a team
- Microsoft Office Suite
- 15 years of retail sales experience
- Cabinetry design and experience with several brands
- Proficient in 20/20 & Adobe Creative Suite
- Strong knowledge of design trends
- Floor plan understanding
- ADA guidelines understanding
- Creative design layouts
Hobbies
- Prepossessing and Upcycling.
- Crafts, Painting and Woodworking.
- Learning all I can about past; architecture, design and fashions.
- Perfecting house plans and design for my future build.
Timeline
Design Professional
The Williams Studio / Williams Distributing
12.2018 - 08.2021
Sales Design Consultant
Gerhard's Kitchen & Bath / First Supply
02.2018 - 11.2018
Kitchen Designer - Sales Specialist
Lowe's Home Improvement
09.2013 - 02.2018
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
02.2010 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
The Art Institute of Atlanta
Associate of Science - Business/ Marketing And Sales
Owens Community College
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