Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Shihanthi De Silva

Prior Lake,MN

Summary

Experienced Design Manager/Coordinator with over 10 years in construction project management, overseeing design and execution while ensuring compliance with timelines, budgets, and safety standards. Skilled in stakeholder coordination, budgeting, and risk management, on-site coordination with expertise in lean methodologies, and construction operations, supported by a Master's in Engineering Management. Proficient in MS Project, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and MS Office suites, with a strong ability to manage large-scale projects from concept to completion.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Admissions Assistant

St. Cloud State University
12.2023 - Current
  • Assisting prospective students with application submissions, ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Acting as main contact for international and domestic student inquiries, providing details on admission requirements, procedures, and program offerings.
  • Collaborating with Graduate Studies and International Admissions to review and process applications, ensuring adherence to admission criteria.
  • Maintaining accurate applicant records and providing guidance on application requirements, visas, and program details to support a smooth transition for international students.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

St. Cloud State University
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Set up and troubleshot audiovisual equipment with faculty, ensuring smooth lecture and presentation delivery.
  • Supported transition to hybrid and virtual formats, enhancing the educational experience.
  • Trained fellow graduate teaching assistants on classroom technology use and provided technical assistance to minimize disruptions.
  • Resolved software and hardware issues, collaborating with IT department to maintain reliable classroom technology infrastructure.

Freelance Design Manager

Seni Studios
02.2013 - 09.2023
  • Led client engagement through meetings and site visits to gather requirements, develop design concepts, mood boards, and provide tailored solutions aligned with client expectations.
  • Oversaw end-to-end project management for luxury residential and boutique commercial interiors, from conceptualization to handover.
  • Conducted on-site supervision and coordinated with contractors and suppliers (HVAC, MEP, flooring, partitions, ceilings, branding, and security) to ensure accurate design implementation.
  • Directed procurement and vendor selection, including FF&E coordination aligned with aesthetic and budget requirements.
  • Maintained active involvement in design presentations, finishes selection, and client walkthroughs to ensure alignment with vision and quality standards.
  • Produced and managed all project documentation, including floor plans, technical drawings, schedules, budgets, submittals, RFIs, and inspection reports.
  • Ensured timely delivery and distribution of drawing sets and technical documentation to support on-site construction teams.
  • Facilitated punch list reviews and final inspections during project close-out to ensure client satisfaction and readiness for occupancy.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline workflow, resolve field issues, and track project milestones and dependencies.

Design Manager

Softlogic Group - ODEL Properties One Pvt Ltd
02.2017 - 02.2022
  • Led interior design and construction projects from conceptualization to completion, ensuring alignment with brand and mall guidelines while meeting strict deadlines and budgets.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams including procurement, compliance, engineering, and installation to meet demanding timelines and ensure cohesive execution.
  • Coordinated with internal stakeholders (Buyers, Operations, Marketing) and external partners (brand designers, mall management) to align on design intent and project requirements.
  • Prepared, reviewed, and maintained comprehensive construction documentation including RFIs, submittals, change orders, and technical drawings.
  • Reviewed and approved shop drawings for accuracy and adherence to project specifications and regulatory standards.
  • Conducted regular site inspections to track construction progress, identify potential risks, and ensure adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
  • Facilitated procurement and timely delivery of FF&E in line with design intent, client expectations, and project budgets.
  • Delivered technical documentation, including large-format drawing sets, to support on-site construction and contractor coordination.
  • Resolved on-site issues proactively by liaising with HVAC, plumbing, and structural engineers to streamline construction processes.
  • Ensured all projects were executed with a strategic focus on business goals, operational functionality, and premium aesthetic standards.

Senior Design manager/ Interior Architect

ACS Integrated Pvt Ltd
02.2013 - 02.2017
  • Concept development and client engagement through creating and developing design concepts, conducted client meetings to gather requirements, and prepared detailed drawings, sketches, and proposals.
  • Assisted clients in selecting Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) aligned with design aesthetics and budget, while managing procurement to ensure timely delivery before project handover.
  • Provided client satisfaction through on-time project delivery and budget management.
  • Technical Documentation and Coordination: Provided comprehensive drawing support, developed SketchUp models, and coordinated with contractors and suppliers for successful project implementation.

Education

Masters - Engineering Management

St. Cloud State University
USA
05.2025

BA (Hons) - Interior Architecture

Limkokwing University of Creative technology
Malaysia
01.2012

Skills

  • Project management
  • Client relationship management
  • Design software proficiency
  • Technical documentation
  • Concept development
  • Space planning
  • Furniture designing
  • Detail designing
  • BOQ/ List of material supervision
  • MS Project
  • MS Office
  • AutoCAD
  • SketchUp
  • Critical thinking
  • Team collaboration
  • Effective communication
  • Process optimization
  • Minitab
  • Python
  • SQL
  • Graph database
  • Six Sigma
  • Data analytics

Certification

  • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)® by Project Management Institute (PMI), PMP® Number: 4113203
  • Six sigma certification- green belt -Completed
  • IBM Data Analytics Certifications: Data Analytics Basics for everyone & Analyzing Data with Excel – Completed

Timeline

Admissions Assistant

St. Cloud State University
12.2023 - Current

Graduate Teaching Assistant

St. Cloud State University
09.2023 - 12.2023

Design Manager

Softlogic Group - ODEL Properties One Pvt Ltd
02.2017 - 02.2022

Freelance Design Manager

Seni Studios
02.2013 - 09.2023

Senior Design manager/ Interior Architect

ACS Integrated Pvt Ltd
02.2013 - 02.2017

Masters - Engineering Management

St. Cloud State University

BA (Hons) - Interior Architecture

Limkokwing University of Creative technology

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