LELA GIBSON
Evans
Summary
Dynamic Interior Designer with extensive experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs, excelling in project management and creative problem solving. Proven track record in designing functional spaces and standardizing finishes, while effectively coordinating facility moves. Proficient in design software and skilled in delivering impactful presentations that communicate design intent.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Interior Designer
Department of Veterans Affairs
Cheyenne
08.2018 - Current
- Designed functional and aesthetic interior spaces to improve veteran facility experiences.
- Established consistent standards for interior finishes across all facilities within the Health Care System to ensure uniformity.
- Coordinated the design and placement of exterior and interior signage to improve navigation within facilities.
- Project assignment responsibilities include programming, space planning, coordinating, cost estimating, design, development and completion.
- Assess pre-occupancy conditions relative to facility planning and moves in conjunction with Facility Planning.
- Coordinated facility moves to enhance construction project efficiency.
- Monitored and administered Federal contracts for moving services and exhaust suppression hoods at the Cheyenne VA Health Care System.
- Created professional presentations to effectively communicate design intent and direction.
Cabinet Category Manager
Imagine More
Windsor
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Supervised cabinet department operations across three showroom locations.
- Negotiated vendor contracts to secure optimal pricing for large projects.
- Researched and selected new vendors for Imagine More cabinet program, enhancing product offerings.
- Conducted market research to assess appropriate margins and pricing strategies.
- Developed and launched innovative sales and marketing promotions, driving customer engagement.
- Coordinated warranty replacements with cabinet vendors, ensuring timely resolutions for customer satisfaction.
- Developed and revised procedure manual for Imagine More cabinet department.
- Trained and mentored designers in kitchen and bath design methodologies.
Claims Processor
State Farm Insurance
Greeley
01.2013 - 08.2015
- Processed claims: Initiated claim payment process and closed files assigned by Auto Claim Management, Claim Associate, and/or electronic assignment.
- Applied understanding of insurance contracts and endorsements, state laws and regulations, automotive repair methods and parts, medical and anatomical terminology to process claims.
- Researched and resolved complex claims issues, ensuring timely settlements.
- Started as a Claims Service Assistant and was promoted to a Claims Processor within a year.
- Piloted new claims processing software, enhancing efficiency in personal property claim handling.
- Selected and managed service vendors in accordance with company guidelines.
- Trained temporary employees in claims service processes, facilitating smooth transitions during organizational changes.
- Passed the Wyoming Claims Adjuster examination to acquire a Wyoming Adjuster License.
Kitchen and Bath Designer
Thurston Kitchen and Bath
Steamboat Springs
05.2006 - 04.2012
- Managed design projects by procuring materials, scheduling subcontractors, completing punch lists, and presenting final project outcomes.
- Developed proposals and presentations utilizing Microsoft Publisher, AutoCAD, 2020 design drawings, and PowerPoint to effectively communicate design concepts.
- Estimated and tracked all job costs for each design project.
- Implemented the transition from paper contracts to digital format.
- The transition included training of personnel at the showroom location.
- Compiled spreadsheet reports tracking business development and sales for Sale Manager.
- Coordinated bi-yearly client events by creating budgets, scheduling speakers, preparing hand-outs and invitations, arranging catering, and developing thematic elements.
Education
Certification - FAC-P/PM Entry Level
Federal Acquisition Institute
United States Of America11-2020
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, USA01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Denver, CO, USA01.1991
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Aims Community College
Greeley, CO, USA01.1988
Skills
- Concept design
- Design process
- Design software
- Product selection
- Workplace planning
- Project management
- Budget management
- Market research
- Event planning
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Problem solving
- Resourcefulness
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Presentation skills
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Interior Designer
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2018 - Current
Cabinet Category Manager
Imagine More
08.2015 - 08.2018
Claims Processor
State Farm Insurance
01.2013 - 08.2015
Kitchen and Bath Designer
Thurston Kitchen and Bath
05.2006 - 04.2012
Certification - FAC-P/PM Entry Level
Federal Acquisition Institute
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Aims Community College