SHAUN D. SWEENEY
Grand Rapids,Mi
Summary
Dynamic design leader with a proven track record in product design, adept at guiding teams and managing complex projects to achieve strategic objectives. Expertise in design and development ensures adherence to high-quality standards while aligning initiatives with organizational goals. A collaborative approach fosters innovation and cultivates a steadfast commitment to excellence. Passionate about creating impactful design solutions that resonate with customers and elevate brand identity.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Design
West Coast Casual
Indianapolis, IN
06.2018 - 03.2026
- Conceptualized and executed product designs to meet the unique demands of mass and club retail markets.
- Spearheaded development of innovative frame finishes and weave patterns.
- Directed color selection for sample frames to enhance product appeal.
- Crafted distinctive setting layouts, focusing on aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency.
- Led a four-person design team in producing high-quality renderings and detailed drawings.
- Reviewed and analyzed engineering drawings to facilitate effective sample creation processes.
- Supervised creation and refinement of customer samples, ensuring quality standards.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for business expansion.
- Collaborated with sales team to formulate a strategic design plan tailored for customer needs.
- Conducted presentations for customers, highlighting current trends and offering tailored product design solutions.
- Investigated market trends and tracked competitor actions to guide effective decision-making processes.
- Designed and executed comprehensive strategies aimed at improving product quality and market competitiveness.
- Spearheaded technological enhancements in assembly processes to elevate overall quality standards.
Vice President of Design
Pacific Casual
Camarillo, CA
07.2010 - 06.2018
- Developed innovative product designs tailored for mass club and specialty retailers.
- Directed efforts to enhance product development and sales through strategic initiative guidance.
- Facilitated collaboration among design and product development teams to achieve organizational objectives and drive innovation.
- Guided design team in cultivating an innovative culture.
- Assessed emerging market trends to shape product development initiatives and optimize competitive positioning strategies.
- Engaged with key customers and vendors to strengthen business relationships and support operational success.
- Spearheaded initiatives to identify and capitalize on business growth opportunities.
- Directed design team initiatives to boost overall productivity.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully implement large-scale projects within established timelines.
- Executed comprehensive development of customer samples, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer expectations.
Vice President of Design-Product Development
Woodard, LLC
Chicago, IL
01.2000 - 01.2010
- Responsible for the design and development of all new products; wrought iron, cast aluminum, extruded aluminum, wicker, teak.
- Provide design direction on marketing strategies.
- Manage design efforts by freelance designers.
- Coordinate efforts by foreign and domestic manufactures to produce product for Woodard.
- Design and supervise the development of new finishes and fabrics.
- Develop relationships with key dealer
- Consult on company catalog photography and showroom layout.
- Awarded a Platinum Award in 2001 and 2009 a Platinum Design Excellence Award
- Nominated in 2002, 2006 and won the 2009 Pinnacle from the AFSD for Design Achievement
- 2004, 2006 and 2010 earned Design Excellence Awards from the Casual Furniture Association
Furniture Design-Product Development
Zooey Chu / Archetype
Grand Rapids, MI
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Responsible for the development and maintenance of a primary client.
- Provided design assistance on marketing strategies.
- Created designs of new product which included occasional tables, conference groups, desk lines and chairs.
- Produced illustrated drawings for product presentations.
- Built and supervised the development of scaled models for design review and production runs.
- Coordinated efforts by foreign and domestic companies to produce parts at a low price.
- Versed in ACAD R - 12, 13, 14 / Pro Engineer.
- Experienced working with wood, metal and plastics.
Furniture Design - Product Development
Warren Associates
Grand Rapids, MI
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Created designs and detailed drawings for a diversified clientele, which included a metal table line, a desk / floor clock line and a casegoods line for a large furniture manufacturer.
- Produced illustrated drawings for new products.
- Developed floor plans for showrooms
Furniture Design - Product Development
Masco / Lineage Home Furnishings
High Point, NC
01.1990 - 01.1994
- Created designs of bedroom, dining room and occasional tables.
- Managed a product development team consisting of designers, engineers and manufacturing personnel.
- Coordinated all production efforts between design and the manufacturing facilities.
- Responsible for developing costing information that led to final pricing.
- Developed new prototypes for deign, engineering and production.
- Prepared illustrated drawings of new product
- Consulted in catalog photography and showroom layout.
Furniture Design
Bassett Furniture Industries
Bassett, VA
01.1989 - 01.1990
- Created designs of table groups, entertainment centers.
- Prepared illustrated and detailed drawings of new product.
Product Design / Development
Worden Seating Group
Grand Rapids, MI
01.1987 - 01.1989
- Developed chairs and sofas for the contract market. Responsible for illustrated, detailed and catalogs drawings of all products.
Education
B.F.A - Furniture Design
Kendall College of Art and Design
01.1989
Skills
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Effective decision-making
- Collaborative team management
- Analytical problem-solving
conceptual sketching
Developed innovative design solutions
- Strengthening client connections
- Organizational strategy development
- Professional presentation delivery
- Competitive market evaluation
- Innovation project leadership
Timeline
Vice President of Design
West Coast Casual
06.2018 - 03.2026
Vice President of Design
Pacific Casual
07.2010 - 06.2018
Vice President of Design-Product Development
Woodard, LLC
01.2000 - 01.2010
Furniture Design-Product Development
Zooey Chu / Archetype
01.1996 - 01.2000
Furniture Design - Product Development
Warren Associates
01.1994 - 01.1995
Furniture Design - Product Development
Masco / Lineage Home Furnishings
01.1990 - 01.1994
Furniture Design
Bassett Furniture Industries
01.1989 - 01.1990
Product Design / Development
Worden Seating Group
01.1987 - 01.1989
B.F.A - Furniture Design
Kendall College of Art and Design