Nicole Drake
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in Interior Design and Architecture, recognized for strong attention to detail and innovative design solutions. Proven ability to build and maintain client relationships while focusing on sustainable materials for high-end projects.
Returning to New Zealand after two years of international experience in the design industry, enhancing expertise in customer service and project delivery.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
City Showroom Specialist
Cosentino
Vancouver, British Columbia
04.2023 - 06.2025
- Welcomed and engaged all customers to enhance overall customer experience and loyalty.
- Assisted walk-ins and appointment customers with inquiries in showroom.
- Provided comprehensive support through face-to-face interaction, phone calls, and emails regarding Cosentino brand benefits.
- Cultivated relationships with local design firms, generating sales to meet assigned goals.
- Prepared sample shipments for customers and end users to support sales team initiatives.
- Collaborated with City Manager and Showroom Managers to boost traffic and lead generation.
- Registered visits and leads in Salesforce to ensure accurate tracking of interactions.
- Organized events by coordinating logistics, catering, and invitations to attract qualified attendees.
Showroom Specification Specialist - Contract
Image Glass
Auckland, New Zealand
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Developed and implemented specialized procedures to enhance customer service operations.
- Provided technical support to customers in resolving complex issues effectively.
- Analyzed customer needs and recommended suitable products or services.
- Coordinated with departments to ensure efficient workflow processes.
- Established relationships with key clients while maintaining existing customer base.
Sales Support Manager - Contract
Unison Workspaces
Auckland, New Zealand
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Analyzed sales performance, customer data, and product trends to drive strategic decisions.
- Prepared presentations summarizing weekly sales activities for management review.
- Conducted periodic reviews of processes to enhance sales efficiency.
- Managed daily sales operations including order entry, invoice processing, and shipment tracking.
- Collaborated with internal teams to create promotional materials for trade shows and events.
- Resolved customer inquiries promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to promote company products and services.
Store Manager - Fixed Term Maternity Cover
A&C Homestore
Mt Eden, Auckland
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Enhanced product relevance through strategic distribution, merchandising, and display techniques.
- Conducted job interviews and led employee evaluations, recognizing top performers to retain quality personnel.
- Coached employees by providing constructive feedback and supporting long-term career growth.
- Prevented store losses by identifying gaps and implementing corrective actions.
- Engaged with customers daily to assess needs, offer assistance, and gather feedback for operational optimization.
- Proposed merchandising ideas during team meetings to drive sales growth.
- Instructed employees on managing complex sales, resolving intricate issues, and handling difficult customers.
Gallery Manager
Mr Bigglesworthy & Good Form
Ponsonby, Auckland
03.2020 - 06.2021
- Set gallery priorities and led team to exceed sales targets while driving growth initiatives.
- Supervised 10-person team, including buyers, sales associates, and marketing personnel.
- Oversaw sales and marketing operations, establishing strategic partnerships for enhanced outreach.
- Eliminated process discrepancies by implementing improvements in scheduling across client calendars.
- Cultivated culture of empowerment, enabling employees to meet customer needs independently.
- Led five design professionals to efficiently address customer service requirements.
- Analyzed existing procedures to provide effective leadership during manager absences.
- Recruited and trained new employees to fulfill job responsibilities effectively.
Sales Associate
Mr Bigglesworth & Good Form
Ponsonby, Auckland
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Established trusting customer relationships through personalized interactions.
- Assisted customers in locating products, answering inquiries, and providing product recommendations.
- Ensured compliance with merchandise processing standards and organized work area.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of promotions, exchange policies, payment procedures, and security practices.
- Achieved established goals by adhering to company initiatives.
- Cultivated relationships with peers and management to enhance team collaboration.
- Executed store display resets for special events and seasonal changes.
Sales Consultant
Kartell, trading as Backhouse Interiors
Newmarket & Parnell, Auckland
02.2018 - 01.2020
- Cultivated strong customer relationships through exceptional post-sale follow-up.
- Increased revenue by upselling products tailored to client needs.
- Processed credit and debit card transactions to enhance purchasing efficiency.
- Prepared pricing and sales documentation for customer orders.
- Listened to customer inquiries to identify optimal services.
- Placed orders and addressed questions via in-person interactions, email, and phone.
- Established key relationships with customers to drive sales growth.
- Designed and implemented store displays to promote sales and product awareness.
Hospitality Manager
Cazador
Mt Eden, Auckland
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Established positive relationships with guests and employees through effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies, guest service techniques, and communication methods.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of foods, beverages, and supervisory responsibilities.
- Collaborated with restaurant director, chef, and cooks to design menu plans for special events.
Interior Design Intern
Spatial Studio
Morningside, Auckland
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Measured rooms and documented details to optimize layouts.
- Grouped finish selections and created professional design boards for client presentations.
- Ordered fabric and finish samples for in-person evaluation.
- Researched fixtures and furnishings to meet project specifications and design style.
- Developed custom design boards, incorporating samples of fabrics, wall finishes, and flooring.
- Created interior design concepts alongside systems and finishes documentation.
- Guided clients in selecting furnishings that matched preferences and budget constraints.
- Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspectives, and material boards for reviews and client presentations.
Education
Bachelor of Architectural Studies - Architecture
University of Auckland
Auckland12-2018
Bachelor of Design Majoring in Spatial Design - Design
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland12.2015
Skills
- Customer service orientation
- Product specifications
- Inventory management
- Project management
- Estimating skills
- CAD and 3D software
- Verbal and written communication
- Social media management
- Event planning
- Salesforce CRM
- Technical analysis
- PC and OS proficiency
Accomplishments
- Secured high publicity and trade projects like British Columbia's first Carbon Zero high-end residential single-family home, the Phoenix House, and Vancouver's International Airport Phase Two Retrofit Project
- Consistently maintained high customer satisfaction ratings on Google platforms
- Developed relationships with new B2B and B2C clients, and typically exceeded sales goals by 25 to 50 percent
- Through the use of SaaS systems, we created highly effective new processes and procedures that significantly impacted efficiency and improved operations
- Improved overall sales performance by clear communication, logistics, and transparency, realizing an overall increase in customer satisfaction and cost efficiency
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
- Skiing
- Mountain Biking
- Qualified Lifeguard
- First Aid Certified
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
City Showroom Specialist
Cosentino
04.2023 - 06.2025
Showroom Specification Specialist - Contract
Image Glass
09.2022 - 01.2023
Sales Support Manager - Contract
Unison Workspaces
06.2022 - 09.2022
Store Manager - Fixed Term Maternity Cover
A&C Homestore
07.2021 - 04.2022
Gallery Manager
Mr Bigglesworthy & Good Form
03.2020 - 06.2021
Sales Associate
Mr Bigglesworth & Good Form
01.2020 - 03.2020
Interior Design Intern
Spatial Studio
03.2019 - 06.2019
Sales Consultant
Kartell, trading as Backhouse Interiors
02.2018 - 01.2020
Hospitality Manager
Cazador
07.2017 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Architectural Studies - Architecture
University of Auckland
Bachelor of Design Majoring in Spatial Design - Design
Auckland University of Technology
References
References available upon request.
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