PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished design leader known to deliver innovative customer centric design solutions. Armed with strategic & problem solving mindset I crafted strategies that align with brand objectives & capitalize on emerging opportunities. I am a LEED accredited creative thought leader with sustainable design goals, active participation in industry events and recognized for avantgarde designs featured in industry publications. I have 14 years of experience in spatial design with a strong background in creating innovative, immersive environments for global brands. Delivering impactful, cohesive designs that align with brand identity is my area of expertise.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Led the design and execution of 300+ successful Store Launches
- Introduced innovative design solutions to set the brand apart from competitors
- Received industry recognition and awards for outstanding Award Winning Designs
- Maintained brand consistency across all retail locations
- Championed sustainability initiatives in store design and construction
- Implemented Cost Savings Initiatives through value engineering solutions
- Thought Leadership through participation & engagements in events
WORK EXPERIENCE
DESIGN STRATEGY MANAGER -
CAPITAL ONE
Retail Design Experience
Chicago, IL
- Embraced a dynamic role by adapting to evolving project needs and managing multiple design initiatives involving Capital One Cafes across USA Lead-ing with conceptual thinking to explore innovative design solutions and create impactful spaces
- Strategizing design formats & prototypes, ensuring efficient design execution and cohesive built spaces that align with our brand image
- In process of building & managing strong vendor relationships to ensure quality products, competitive pricing & reduced lead times
- Developing clear design guidelines and standards for the team to follow, ensuring consistency across all design elements
- Collaborate with stakeholders and external partners to gather insights, align objectives, and integrate feedback into design processes
- Spearhead the development of a renovation strategy for USA Cafes ensuring designs meet functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements
STORE PLANNING MANAGER -
WALGREENS
Store Development & Planning
Chicago, IL
- SME/Format lead handling design to execution including program management of the newest Walgreens stores. Involves developing scopes, collaboration w/internal cross functional teams as well as external partners.
- Led the design and execution of numerous store launches, ensuring alignment with brand standards, customer needs, and local market trends.
- Contributed to revenue growth by creating engaging and customer centric store environments that increased foot traffic, dwell time, and sales.
- Supported the company’s growth strategy by developing scalable design solutions for new markets and geographies, driving expansion and market penetration.
- Stayed informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in store design and planning, and implement continuous improvement initiatives accordingly.
STORE DESIGNER -
STARBUCKS
Store Development & Design
Seattle/Chicago, IL
- Managed concept design to execution of innovative retail space. Involves cross functional collaboration with in-house construction, real estate teams as well as vendor management to ensure alignment from key stakeholders.
- Contributed to innovative design solutions and prototypical plans for high profile Starbucks in Target. (License Stores team in Seattle Starbucks HQ).
- Featured stores include Target HQ Minneapolis (garnered media attention during super bowl 2018)
- Avant Garde store design featured in FOTUNE MAGAZINE as well as STARBUCKS GLOBAL STORE DESIGN PUBLICATION (Houston Grand Parkway).
- Utilized customer feedback and satisfaction metrics to refine and improve store designs, ensuring they meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Fostered strong relationships and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including operations, merchandising, marketing, and construction, to ensure seamless execution of design projects.
DESIGN STRATEGIST
PurpleWall-Design startup
Seattle, WA
- Worked with CEO to develop a robust e-commerce design platform and branding around experiential design.
- Launched successful pilot programs blending, ideating and conceptualizing an online interactive platform that optimizes design experience with the help of virtual reality & 3D programs.
- Contributed to a revenue increase by 20% from returning clients due to insight into client needs.
- Led a team of designers, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure alignment with company goals and objectives.
- Worked with developers brainstorming on UX/UI of the platform.
VOLUNTEER OPPURTUNITIES
CHILD RIGHTS and YOU
Advocated for children’s basic rights through an Indian NGO CRY, emphasizing on girl child’s rights to education, offering tutoring and mentoring to under privileged children as well as by reaching out to communities and increasing awareness.
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
Led a design team in collaboration with Wounded Warriors to create a lounge space within college campus for veterans attending school incorporating universal design and ensuring an inclusive space that veterans can enjoy in between classes.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Travelled to various communities in the Seattle Puget sound area helping with physical construction of basic housing via community outreach programs in Habitat for Humanity.