Hi, I’m
Maria Karandasios
Williamstown,Australia
Summary
Creative Business Owner with exceptional entrepreneurial background. Demonstrated success in creating and growing a brand recognised nationally. Self motivated, personable with a forward thinking approach centered on company success and growth. Well-versed in capitalising on trends, technologies and collaborations to boost business initiatives and reach sales objectives.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Toast & Honey Studio
Owner/Creator
07.2017 - Current
Job overview
- Managed day-to-day business operations
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Created and maintained website and managed inventory.
- Developed a successful social media following.
- Explored and identified collaboration opportunities to promote business growth.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies (and produced marketing material) to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
- Recruited, hired, and trained employees to perform daily functions. Encouraged self motivation and autonomy and have successfully created a strong and independent team.
- Tracked trends and implemented enhancements to both challenge and refine the brand's product offerings.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Architect/Documentor
04.2014 - 03.2015
Job overview
- Joined the team responsible for the design of new Monash University Student Residences, from Sketch Design
- Attended all design team meetings and client presentations, collaborated in the design and delivery of the tender document stage
- Working within a tight program, efficiency, communication and time management were key to successfully completing all required documentation
- Assisted in all drawing production for Mason Point Stage 2 (from planning through to Contract Documentation)
- Coordinated all internal drawings with provided consultant documentation.
GRID Architects
Project Architect/Architectural Assistant
09.2010 - 02.2013
Job overview
- Project Managed the planning submission of an Arts and Crafts library converted to high-end apartments
- Attended all design/consultant meetings and client presentations and liaised directly with all parties involved
- Prepared drawings/information for client presentations
- Checked consultant drawings
- Created and maintained accurate project files, project quality plans and job diaries, both digitally and physically
- Assisted with various projects within the office, as required
Shepheard Epstein Hunter
Architectural Assistant/Project Architect
03.2010 - 09.2010
Job overview
- Produced the construction drawing package (D&B contract) for 66 flats/maisonettes
- In addition, I attended all site meetings and liaised directly with all Consultants, Building Control and Secure by Design Officer
- Throughout this process, I gained knowledge of NBS, National Housing Foundation, Lifetime Homes, Eco Homes and expanded my knowledge on British Standards, Building Regulations, M&E, on site exposure and D&B contract relationships.
Property and Facilities Management, Roehampton University
Space Manager/Coordinator
05.2009 - 11.2009
Job overview
- Developed, proposed and project managed a detailed space project plan (including drawings, lists of refurbishment works and costs) to assist in the re-organisation program plan and successful implementation of a university wide restructure
- Advised the Directorate and Executive of best practice to ensuring the maximum utilisation of the University Estate
- This included teaching rooms, office space, residential and non-residential student space and all other university facilities
- Developed a detailed analysis of current university space norms
- Reviewed existing systems and processes and put forward recommendations on increasing efficiency.
Hamiltons Architects
Architectural Assistant
11.2007 - 02.2009
Job overview
- Project management and delivery of a 75,000 Sq.Ft
- Light Industrial Estate project in Manchester
- Throughout this process I developed strong technical skills as well as knowledge of British Building Regulations and Design and Build contract processes
- Development and completion of the Emersons Green East Mixed Use overall Masterplan comprising of 400 high density residential units with retail/commercial use, in Bristol
- The project outcome was the successful submission of the Outline Planning Application, including all submitted drawings, a Design and Access Statement and an Environmental Statement (completed in collaboration with Consultants)
- Liaised with clients, external consultants and government bodies both off and on-site, to ensure design development and project completion in time and on budget, according to brief requirements
- Developed a thorough knowledge of statutory requirements, codes of practice and new technical developments that are relevant to undertaken projects.
Coles Group Head Office
Store Planner/Architectural Technician for commercial stores
07.2005 - 10.2007
Job overview
- Prepared and developed Concept Design plans through to Documentation for all Coles Group retail brands stores
- Provided thorough and analytical space planning according to the company’s standards and brief requirements
- Engaged and managed internal and external Consultants to ensure company quality standards, budgets and costs are met for all project types across all brands
- Monitored plans following refit/refurbishment and new stores to ensure accuracy and consistency
- Utilised experience acquired from completed projects to further develop and diversify company standards.
Education
Deakin University
Bachelor of Architecture And Bachelor of Arts (in Architecture)
Kassandra
Kassandra High School – VCE equivalent
Skills
- Business Planning and Development
- Excellent customer service skills
- Project Management
- Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal and presentation skills
- Exceptional organisational and problem solving skills as well as great attention to detail
- Self motivated with high initiative and strong work ethic
References
Can be provided upon request
Timeline
Owner/Creator
Toast & Honey Studio
07.2017 - Current
Architect/Documentor
Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
04.2014 - 03.2015
Project Architect/Architectural Assistant
GRID Architects
09.2010 - 02.2013
Architectural Assistant/Project Architect
Shepheard Epstein Hunter
03.2010 - 09.2010
Space Manager/Coordinator
Property and Facilities Management, Roehampton University
05.2009 - 11.2009
Architectural Assistant
Hamiltons Architects
11.2007 - 02.2009
Store Planner/Architectural Technician for commercial stores
Coles Group Head Office
07.2005 - 10.2007
Deakin University
Bachelor of Architecture And Bachelor of Arts (in Architecture)
Kassandra
Kassandra High School – VCE equivalent
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