Susana Melendez
Technical Designer
New York,NY
Summary
Versatile Technical Designer committed to collaborating with merchandisers, manufacturers, and designers to create high-quality products. Skillful in using PLM to develop technical illustrations and conducting technical analysis of garments, including fit, aesthetics and construction. Quality-oriented professional offering 10+ years of experience in fashion manufacturing industry.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Technical Designer
The Children's Place
03.2021 - Current
- Maintained fit consistency across all categories -Sugar & Jade brand: Knit/Woven: Tops, Bottoms & Dresses. Denim, Outerwear, Sweater & Swim
- Oversaw production fashion line from concept to completion. Proto/ Development through PP stage.
- Conducted fittings, documented comments & pattern corrections and sent final corrections to vendors.
- Created basic blocks patterns and associated specs.
- Led successful prototyping efforts, validating design concepts and identifying areas for improvement prior to full-scale production.
- Established design standards and best practices within the organization, promoting consistency across projects and enhancing overall output quality.
- Developed and maintained strong network of industry contacts, fostering collaborative relationships with suppliers and partners.
- Developed comprehensive documentation for technical designs, ensuring clarity and ease of use for team members & vendors.
- Enhanced product functionality by collaborating with cross-functional teams (Sourcing) to develop innovative technical solutions.
Technical Designer
Amerex Group
5 2018 - 2 2020
- Conduct fittings on live fit models, documented comments for changes and sent final corrections to vendors.( 1st fits- T.O.P approvals) -Swimwear & Apparel
- Maintained fit consistency across all brand items.(Red Carter / Dolce Vita & Aqua-Bloomingdale's)
- Worked closely with designers, production staff, Sales and merchandising team members.
- Prepared specifications for prototypes and communicated with factory about overall concepts.
- Converted project specifications into drawings and other materials that would be used to create product.
- Followed quality control procedures.
Technical Designer
Ashley Stewart
03.2016 - 05.2018
- Conduct fittings on standard form, documented comments for changes and sent final corrections to vendors.(Plus size-Woven/knit dresses & Outerwear) From 1st fit to T.O.P
- Managed multiple projects effectively in demanding environment with tight deadlines.
- Traveled to manufacturing facilities to evaluate product creation and point out potential issues.
- Compared samples against product specifications to assess construction, measurements and overall appearance.
- Monitored tracking logs, located late samples from vendors and submitted weekly sample status reports.
- Linked silhouettes to style numbers in system, maintaining highly accurate and current records.
- Maintained fit consistency across all brand items.
- Fit on form.
Technical Designer
BMGM
03.2015 - 03.2016
- Create quality control guidelines for Missy & Juniors wear for dresses and Jackets.
- Working closely with the head designer and production team and creating a high quality product for the demanding vendor/consumer.
- Setting up fittings depending on the client (outside fittings/ in house fittings)
- Compared samples against product specifications to assess construction, measurements and overall appearance.
- Requesting the right fabrics from the fabric suppliers and ensuring the right quality fit before going into production.
- Sending out samples to vendors for production approval
- In charge of sending Marker Request.
Assistant Designer/Assistant Creative Director
Necessary Objects Ltd.
06.2009 - 03.2015
- Supervised design and production staff developing innovative designs for in house projects while managing deadlines.
- Established procedures and quality standards for department.
- Researched drawings of characters and environmental elements for inspiration.
- Designed visual models meeting both aesthetic and technical criteria.
- Anticipated design issues and proved to be proactive in developing effective solutions.
- Preserved branding standards of assigned accounts.
- Collaborated with production on task list creation to meet overall project goals on time.
- Developed artistic visual products while working within defined technical constraints.
Education
Certificate Program - Pattern Making Certificate
Fashion Institute Of Technology
New York, NY 08.2019 - Current
No Degree - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute Of Technology
New York, NY 08.2007 - 05.2009
Skills
Design process
Documentation skills
Organization and Time management
Sketching proficiency
Supplier communication
Computer Savvy( Microsoft Excel,Word,Micrografx, Paint & Illustrator
Strong knowledge of PLM
Excellent team player
Supplier Relations
Prototype Development
Pattern creation
Sewing
Accomplishments
Please See additional attachments.
Timeline
Technical Designer
The Children's Place
03.2021 - Current
Certificate Program - Pattern Making Certificate
Fashion Institute Of Technology
08.2019 - Current
Technical Designer
Ashley Stewart
03.2016 - 05.2018
Technical Designer
BMGM
03.2015 - 03.2016
Assistant Designer/Assistant Creative Director
Necessary Objects Ltd.
06.2009 - 03.2015
No Degree - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute Of Technology
08.2007 - 05.2009
Technical Designer
Amerex Group
5 2018 - 2 2020