Trevor Penrose
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
"Accomplished Residential Design Specialist and Business Owner with 19+ years in structural engineering, architectural fabrication, and custom residential design. Transitioning to Building Product Sales, leveraging blueprint interpretation skills to prevent installation errors and enhance customer satisfaction. Committed to engaging with clients to deliver high-value solutions and foster strong client relationships."
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
5
5
Years running a solo business
Work History
Owner / Principal Designer
Residential Drafting & Design
01.2021 - Current
- Achieved client satisfaction by delivering custom designs through a consultancy.
- Completed hundreds of residential projects, managing full lifecycle processes efficiently.
- Secured contracts by demonstrating technical expertise and building homeowner trust.
- Established partnerships with builders and designers to enhance referral networks.
- Advocated for clients through effective project management and contractor negotiations.
Residential Drafter & Technical Lead
Travek Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Established first formal design department, enhancing project delivery efficiency.
- Managed design execution for projects worth $200,000 to $1,000,000 annually.
- Trained sales associates in 3D modeling, improving presentations and contract closures.
- Implemented "As-Built" verification to identify conflicts early, safeguarding profit margins.
Design Drafter
Ladder Industries (Wildeck)
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Enhanced production speed by transitioning to advanced 3D modeling software.
- Reduced manufacturing errors and material waste through improved fabrication accuracy.
- Tracked job status effectively using Salesforce for design file management.
- Streamlined design processes by adopting digital tools for enhanced efficiency.
Design Drafter
National Mallfront and Design
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Designed custom retail storefronts, requiring specific knowledge of glass, metal, and installation methods.
Structural Drafter
Caruso Turley Scott Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Produced structural documents for commercial and residential projects, including new builds and tenant improvements.
Architectural Drafter/Detailer
Fry Reglet Corp.
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Specialty Architectural Metal
Structural Steel Detailer
All Things Metal LLC
01.2008 - 01.2009
Architectural Drafter
B.C.I. Bebout Concrete Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2008
Architectural Drafter
BoulderView Design & Drafting
2006 - 2007
Skills
- Client Consultation & Needs Analysis
- Diagnostic Selling: Developed a holistic method for interviewing homeowners to uncover their true goals, budget constraints, and aesthetic desires for whole-home remodels
- Winning Contracts: Successfully self-marketed and sold design services to homeowners and contractors without a supporting sales team
- Conflict Resolution: Experienced in managing difficult conversations regarding budget vs reality, finding solutions that keep the project moving
- Technical Product Knowledge (The "Contractor's Language")
- Blueprint Literacy: Expert ability to read and create architectural plans, ensuring accurate material take-offs and preventing ordering errors
- Code & Constructability: Deep knowledge of IBC/IRC/ADA codes and structural framing; able to spot when a sold product won't fit the actual build
- Fabrication Logic: Background in millwork, sheet metal, and steel detailing provides an understanding of how materials are actually manufactured and installed
- Visual Communication Tools
- 3D Visualization: Expert in Chief Architect and AutoCAD Can quickly create 3D mockups to help customers "see" the final result, overcoming hesitation and closing decisions faster
Timeline
Owner / Principal Designer - Residential Drafting & Design
01.2021 - Current
Residential Drafter & Technical Lead - Travek Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2021
Design Drafter - Ladder Industries (Wildeck)
01.2017 - 01.2018
Design Drafter - National Mallfront and Design
01.2015 - 01.2017
Structural Drafter - Caruso Turley Scott Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2015
Architectural Drafter/Detailer - Fry Reglet Corp.
01.2009 - 01.2012
Structural Steel Detailer - All Things Metal LLC
01.2008 - 01.2009
Architectural Drafter - B.C.I. Bebout Concrete Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2008
Architectural Drafter - BoulderView Design & Drafting
2006 - 2007