Despina Synanidis
Montreal,QC
Summary
Interior design professional adept at navigating all project phases with a keen emphasis on creativity, strategic thinking, and solution-oriented approaches. Demonstrated ability to meticulously align designs with client specifications and resources while specializing in the hospitality, commercial, and multi-unit residential domains.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
PUR & SIMPLE RESTAURANTS
12.2022 - Current
- Crafted innovative store designs tailored for both Canadian and US markets, integrating cost-effective solutions, operational efficiencies, and aesthetic enhancements to cultivate a refreshed ambiance.
- Successfully directed the construction of a new corporate office from concept to completion
- Developed and implemented comprehensive construction management techniques to ensure cost-effective and timely completion of projects
- Established and maintained working relationships with contractors, suppliers, and franchise partners
- Analyzed and created financial information dashboard to estimate project costs, projected sales and manage budgets
- Proactively identified and resolved potential conflicts during the construction process
- Designed 30+ new store locations while implementing new planning standards for operational efficiency
- Supervised construction, and coordinated with cross-functional departments to achieve company goals
- Served as the main point of contact between landlords and franchise partners throughout project lifecycle.
SR. INTERIOR DESIGNER & PROJECT MANAGER
PUR DESIGN
06.2022 - 12.2023
- Managed all phases of multiple design projects simultaneously, with the focus on staying within schedule, budget and client/brand parameters
- Monitor project scope to ensure that all efforts are completed according to schedule and within budget
- Determine and communicate project scope, space planning requirements and timely completion of documents with Architects, Engineers and Contractors
- Built and grew existing client relationships by following up on new business opportunities
- Established and managed marketing efforts, created marketing plans, material and implementation
- Responsible for the editing and production of all branding and social media material.
WORKPLACE DESIGNER
CLEARSPACE
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Designed and oversaw the interior design aspects of 25+ office design projects ranging from 2,500 - 60,000 sq
- Ft
- In Montreal, Ottawa and GTA portfolio
- Led the interior design concept, schematic, development and construction documentation
- Established new 3D design initiatives in order to refine design presentations, improving branding material for Clearspace and their clients
- Supervised and mentored a team of 3-5 junior designers, encouraging a creative and supportive environment
- Developed key client and vendor relationships by providing design solutions that met needs without compromising quality, budget, deadlines or design intent.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
CLV GROUP
08.2017 - 10.2021
- Recipient of 2019 Annual Performance Award
- Designed and managed the interior design aspects of 120+ projects including resident amenity spaces, 25K-850K per project
- Led the interior design concept, schematic, project development, construction documentation and installation of +7K units, enabling CLV Group to expand its real estate portfolio by 140% in four years with presence in Montreal, GTA and Vancouver
- Developed a design standardization and specification handbook grounded in socio-economic and demographic considerations, now utilized company wide
- Ensured effective cost measures were implemented across each stage of the design process, saving CLV Group an average of 15-25% in annual costs
- Interfaced effectively with design & construction team members, including contractors and vendors to resolve issues and discuss ideas
- Consulted with the executive board of directors to determine design preference to meet overall design goals, operational and resident needs
- Developed key client and vendor relationships by providing design solutions that met needs without compromising quality or design intent
- Conducted 100+ BOMA surveys for commercial and residential units.
CO-OWNER & INTERIOR DESIGNER
D2 STUDIO
08.2015 - 10.2021
- Designed and managed all interior aspects of projects ranging from the commercial, hospitality and residential sectors
- Conducted over 35 BOMA site surveys
- Reviewed and refined technical drawings, 3D renderings and construction documents
- Developed and perfected concept boards and FF&E packages
- Prepared quotes and estimates for clients.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
DIMARCO FERRAO
05.2014 - 09.2016
- Responsible for various areas in design and technical development
- Worked on over 30 commercial and hospitality projects
- Specializing in FSR & QSR brands - Baton Rouge, Cacao 70, Aux Vieux Duluth, Monza, Dagwoods
- Contacted sales representatives from numerous suppliers for material selection and procurement
- Developed complete construction documentation for permit and tender
- Prepared finalized conceptual design packages for clients including photoshopped plans, elevations, sample boards and 3D renderings.
Education
BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN (HONOURS) -
Algonquin College
DEC-INTERIOR DESIGN -
Dawson College
Skills
- Interior Design
- Contract and Vendor Management
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Construction
- Branding
- Space Planning
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp Enscape SU Podium
- People Management
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Procurement
Languages
French
Full Professional
English
Native or Bilingual
Greek
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
PUR & SIMPLE RESTAURANTS
12.2022 - Current
SR. INTERIOR DESIGNER & PROJECT MANAGER
PUR DESIGN
06.2022 - 12.2023
WORKPLACE DESIGNER
CLEARSPACE
10.2021 - 06.2022
INTERIOR DESIGNER
CLV GROUP
08.2017 - 10.2021
CO-OWNER & INTERIOR DESIGNER
D2 STUDIO
08.2015 - 10.2021
INTERIOR DESIGNER
DIMARCO FERRAO
05.2014 - 09.2016
BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN (HONOURS) -
Algonquin College
DEC-INTERIOR DESIGN -
Dawson College
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