Kari A Ihle
Palm Springs
Summary
Highly motivated and results-oriented Design & Construction professional with 26 years of experience leading teams in the delivery of complex capital projects. Proven ability to manage the entire project lifecycle, from budget development and design to construction and post-occupancy, ensuring alignment with brand, culture, and sustainability goals. Expertise in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, developers, landlords, and government agencies, to drive successful project outcomes. Passionate about creating innovative and inspiring workspaces that foster high-performing cultures.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director of Environmental Design, Planning, Maintenance + Sustainability
Evereve LLC
Edina
05.2014 - Current
- Directs store design, prototype creation, and comprehensive property maintenance projects.
- Directs conceptualization and execution of prototype designs in various projects.
- Lead sustainability initiatives across the company and craft strategic goals.
- Lead a cross-functional team in the successful delivery of dozens of projects a year, totaling more than 115,000 square feet, and a yearly budget of more than $25M.
- Improved design, construction, and maintenance processes through efficient planning, streamlined processes, and effective communication.
- Manages a yearly CAPEX budget of [Dollar Amount], providing accurate forecasting, and developing multi-year plans aligned with real estate objectives.
- Established strategic partnerships with global developers, architects, engineers, and contractors, resulting in quantifiable results, e.g., 10% to 20% cost savings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Real Estate, Workplace Operations, visual merchandising, and IT, to ensure seamless project integration and alignment with company culture.
Partner/Consultant
k+iDesigns, LLC
Brooklyn Park
11.2008 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: k+iDesigns was a consulting company specializing in developing retail and office solutions for healthcare campuses, stand-alone retailers, including spas and salons, and corporate businesses.
- Performed an initial client assessment and analysis to begin the recommendation process for retail solutions on campus, and put together all project proposals for the engagement.
- Successfully led all design projects, which have resulted in every project coming in on time and under budget, with at least a 5% savings for clients.
- Directed comprehensive client services spanning store design, fixture design, graphic creation, and visual merchandising.
- Handled external partnerships with fixture vendors, construction firms, and architectural companies to ensure consistent project execution.
- Supervised vendor relationships and evaluated approved vendors used by the company.
- Reviewed and provided feedback on document adequacy, addressing any deficiencies.
Store Design Manager, Global Store Planning & Design
Aveda
Blaine
01.2013 - 05.2015
- Directed setup and deployment strategies for North American retail outlets, with a focus on global travel retail locations.
- Managed projects to completion, adhering to environmental and sustainability guidelines.
- Worked jointly on international retail space designs alongside the Director of Store Design.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Teaching Specialist/Adjunct Faculty
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Taught lecture and studio components of freshman and junior-level interior design courses.
- Developed and modified assignments to align with emerging trends and the evolving interior design profession.
- Organized guest speakers from ID industry to provide students with professional insights.
- Guided all advanced design students to progress to the next level of design course.
- Assisted with evaluating freshman applicants for ID program admission.
Visual Merchandising/Store Design Manager
eq-life
St. Paul
03.2005 - 11.2008
- Developed and maintained prototype designs for new Best Buy concept stores, eq-life, and standalone Geek Squad stores.
- Collaborated with external vendors and consultants to conceptualize and shape prototype development.
- Revamped store design to align with organizational goals and target audience.
- Served as primary liaison for overseeing all new store openings to ensure completion within time and budget constraints.
- Trained new store employees on developed merchandising standards.
Store Planner
Best Buy Corporate Headquarters
Richfield
06.2004 - 03.2005
- Supported expansion of retail locations nationwide for Best Buy.
- Collaborated with external architectural firms to create concept plans.
- Selected from the store planning team to spearhead innovative interior designs for Geek Squad concept stores.
Education
Green MBA - Sustainability
San Francisco School of Architecture
01.2023
Master of Arts - Design (with emphasis in Sustainable Design and Consumer Behavior)
University of Minnesota
01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
Iowa State University
Ames, IA05-1999
Skills
- Leadership and Management: Team Leadership, Mentorship, Performance Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, Decision-Making
- Project Management: Budget Development, Scheduling, Risk Management, Contract Negotiation, Construction Administration, Project Delivery, Post-Occupancy Evaluation
- Technical Skills: AutoCAD, [Relevant Design Software], [Project Management Software], Building Codes and Regulations, Sustainability Practices, Contract Administration (AIA), Lease and Workletter Analysis
- Communication and Interpersonal: Written and Verbal Communication, Presentation Skills, Negotiation, Stakeholder Management, Cross-Cultural Communication
Awards
- AIA/Modern Healthcare Award of Excellence, 2004, UC David MIND Institute
- AIA Central Valley Honor Award, 2002, AIA Central Valley (California)
- AIA Central Valley Merit Award for Design Un-built Projects, 2004, CentraCare Health Plaza
- Minnesota Physician's Honor Award, 2003
Certification
- LEED, Accredited Professional, 2009 - Present
- NCIDQ, Certificate #018996 holder, 2002 - Present
Affiliations
- TSC Alliance - Clinic Chair and Upper Midwest Chair, 2007 - 2023
- Twin Cities Rowing Club Member
- Susan G Komen 3Day Breast Cancer Walk - 3 years
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters Volunteer
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Director of Environmental Design, Planning, Maintenance + Sustainability
Evereve LLC
05.2014 - Current
Store Design Manager, Global Store Planning & Design
Aveda
01.2013 - 05.2015
Partner/Consultant
k+iDesigns, LLC
11.2008 - 01.2016
Teaching Specialist/Adjunct Faculty
University of Minnesota
08.2007 - 05.2010
Visual Merchandising/Store Design Manager
eq-life
03.2005 - 11.2008
Store Planner
Best Buy Corporate Headquarters
06.2004 - 03.2005
Green MBA - Sustainability
San Francisco School of Architecture
Master of Arts - Design (with emphasis in Sustainable Design and Consumer Behavior)
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
Iowa State University
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