Vanya Wilkinson
A creative and dedicated design professional; I have proven experience in luxury residential interiors employed by leaders of the industry. I possess a willingness to move beyond my comfort zone, am pro-active, resourceful, with a determination to see projects through to their successful conclusion. I am passionate about textiles in all their applications, with an up to date knowledge of all leading residential fabric and wallcovering brands.
KEY SKILLS
Interior Design and Decorating
The well-developed sense of colour, proportion and style I bring to each interior is complimented by an innate ability to get inside the head of my clients, to really understand their needs and discover their style. My goal is always to exceed clients expectations.
Relationship Building
Confident communicator, both written and verbal, with refined interpersonal skills. I enjoy developing strong working relationships with clients, suppliers and trades people.
Project Management
Experienced in high end project delivery from concept to installation, on time and within budget.
Interpersonal Abilities
A strong commitment to team dynamics; with the ability to contribute my expertise and leadership qualities, where appropriate.
I.T Skills
Various estimating software packages, Microsoft Office, basic CAD, basic Photoshop, internet and social media for business. I enjoy learning new applications and furthering my knowledge at every opportunity.
Personal Skills
I pride myself on my discretion, high level of trust, loyalty and diplomacy in every situation. Self-motivated and adaptable, I apply myself to the task at hand with enthusiasm and commitment. I believe effective communication, positivity and common sense are key to being an effective team member and in overcoming any problem which may arise.
CAREER SUMMARY
2015 - present Interior Designer - Tempo Interiors (Sydney)
2013 - 2015 Key Account Executive & Showroom Manager - The Textile Company (Sydney)
2012 - 2013 Senior FF&E Designer - Victoria Fairfax Interiors Ltd (London, U.K)
2010 - 2012 Interior Designer - Vanya Wilkinson Interiors (concurrently)
2010 - 2012 Director - Hope & Glory Ltd (own business)
2000 - 2002 Colour Consultant - Neelo Colour and Design (own business)
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Jun 2013 to July 2015: Key Account Executive and Showroom Manager – The Textile Company
- Account Manager to Sydney’s top interiors designers and architects, both residential and commercial
- Overseeing the smooth running of the showroom
- Marketing & PR, including maintaining strong links with the press and building social media presence
May 2012 to Jan 2013: FF&E Designer - Victoria Fairfax Interiors Ltd (London, U.K)
Projects:
- Grade two listed Neo-Georgian Manor House, Woking, Surrey, U.K. Budget: £680,000, Phase One: 558 sqm.
- Grade one listed Victorian Gothic House, Dorking, Surrey, U.K. Phase one Budget: £1.4 million, 1321 sqm
Responsible for:
- Estimating
- Client presentation documentation
- Day to day client liaison
- Procurement of soft furnishings, lighting, furniture and accessories
- Liaising with onsite and specialist trades
- Placement and monitoring of all orders, co-ordinating deliveries
Provided key support with:
- Client progress and design meetings
- Site meetings and inspections
- Soft furnishing concepts and schemes
- Sourcing of all components
2010 to 2012: Hope & Glory Ltd (Wairarapa, New Zealand)
- Established my own lifestyle boutique
2010 to 2012 - Vanya Wilkinson Design & Interiors (Wairarapa, New Zealand)
- Residential interior design consultancy. Providing layouts, soft furnishings, window treatments and colour advice
2008 to 2009: FF&E Co-ordinator - John Stefanidis Design Ltd (London, U.K)
Projects:
- Penthouse Apartment (5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms) Athens, Greece - Extensive refurbishment
- New build house (4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms) Athens, Greece – Complete interior scheme
- Suite of rooms for the Duke & Duchess of Westminster, Chester UK - Total refurbishment
Responsible for:
- Production of all necessary specification and procurement documentation
- Preparation of estimates, placement of orders, monitoring & following up orders and deliveries, co-ordinating the import and export of orders/deliveries
- Manage a portfolio of simultaneous projects from concept to installation
- Liaising with sub-contractors
Provided key support with:
- Creating schemes, designs and specifications for furniture, furnishings, materials and fabrics; and present to clients. Attending site meetings
- Liaising with suppliers and negotiating quotes
- Overseeing quality control of bespoke furniture and furnishings during manufacture
- Developing the supplier database and relationships with existing and new suppliers
2006 to 2008: Interior Design Assistant - Bill Bennette Design Ltd (London, U.K)
Projects:
- New build house (7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms) Highgate, London U.K.
- Basement conversion of large house, St John’s Wood, London U.K.
- Luxury two bedroom apartment, St Johns Wood, London U.K. Complete refurbishment
- A substantial new build house, Miami, Florida, USA
- A holiday home, Isle of Wight U.K.
My involvement in all of these projects was the successful and timely ordering and delivery of all soft furnishings and window treatments.
2002 to 2006: Showroom Manager - Colefax & Fowler Ltd (London, U.K)
The core responsibilities of this role was, the management of staff, a strong focus on customer service, the smooth day to day running of one of Chelsea Harbours busiest showrooms, reporting directly to the sales director. Twice a year I co-ordinated the preparation and running of the showroom for new collection launches at the international trade fairs.
2000 to 2002: Colour Consultant - Neelo Colour and Design (Wellington, New Zealand)
The establishment and successful running of my own colour consultancy. This required me to be creative with onsite consultations, to residential and commercial clients.
Additional Achievements:
2014 - 2015: Event Volunteer for Sydney Living Museums
2011 - 2012: Tutor to Interior Design levels 3 & 4 at Stotts Correspondence School New Zealand
2011 - 2012: Design & Decorating workshops – writing, organising and running
2011 - 2012: Creating a social media presence & strategy for small businesses
EDUCATION
Diploma of Interior Design (4 years) at Central Institute of Technology, New Zealand (now Weltech)
Certificate in Small Business Management (one year night class) at TWOA Polytechnic, New Zealand
