PROFILE
Throughout my employment I have worked in a variety of roles, progressing to Studio and Practice Manager positions. I have worked closely with all levels of staff in the various organisations in which I have been employed.
My strengths would include; working to deadlines, good communication skills of which I am able to assess appropriate ways in which to use these, multi-tasking and prioritising workloads, and enjoying being challenged and learning new skills.
I have developed; strong administrative and staff management skills, sound computing skills in many Office packages, the ability to use InDesign, and can work both on PC and Mac.
I am keen to progress my career, and am extremely willing to adapt to new challenges and roles.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Practice Manager
Four-by-Two Consultants Ltd. – Interior Design and Architectural Practice
April ‘15 – February ‘16 (Redundancy)
Previously there was no administrative position within the Edinburgh office (the Edinburgh branch increased from 9 to 27 staff within 2015 + 2016) and therefore the role involved;
Establishing the requirements of the office, and also how I could assist, company-wide.
Creating systems/organising files, gathering and localising information (e.g. creating an Edinburgh administrative server)
Handling Human Resources for the Edinburgh office.
Establishing H+S procedures, etc. and ensuring staff adhered to these, and the office was compliant with legislations.
Liaising with directors and staff to ensure all requirements, queries etc. are handled with appropriately.
General administrative/office management tasks.
In addition, the office expanded within the building, and there were two renovations/stages of the move.
This involved;
Management of liaising with contractors, services, staff/directors etc.,
Overseeing the process and ensuring timings ran smoothly.
Making purchases for the various stages, from dealing with timber merchants, to buying new office equipment.
Managing the budget.
Ensuring minimal staff disruption, and the co-ordination of the staff on the impacting days of the moves.
Studio Manager/PA to Directors
Speirs + Major LLP. – Lighting Design Studio
June ‘07 – April ‘15
Ensuring the smooth running of the Studio, allowing the designers a consistent working environment, and the point-of-call for any administrative issues.
PA to Directors within the Edinburgh studio, and assisting the Director in the London studio when required.
Creating and submitting fee proposal submissions for large international projects, and liaising with clients throughout the process.
Creating project specific brochures for potential projects using InDesign.
Co-ordination of two studio moves. The first to reduce the office from a very large 15-year occupancy premises, to a shared office. The second, a complete refurbishment of a premises, and the subsequent move. Both requiring co-ordination with; the directors, staff, contractors, utilities etc. to ensure timings and tasks were efficient and desired outcomes achieved with minimal disruption.
Collating project images and information and the submission of awards.
Assisting with, then latterly sole responsibility of HR duties within the practice (Edinburgh and London).
Supervising administrative assistant.
Project Invoicing/Credit Card Collation/Petty Cash.
Overseeing H & S procedures within the studio.
Liaising with Clients and Professional Institutions where appropriate, and on behalf of the directors.
Complex international travel arrangements for all members of staff in studio.
Secretary/Administrator/Receptionist
Keppie Design Ltd. – Architectural Design Practice
September ‘05 – June ‘07
Secretarial/PA Duties for Directors and Associates.
Telephone calls – switchboard, call list maintenance.
Drafting, copy/audio typing of letters, faxes, minutes.
Greeting clients and visitors.
Photocopying, scanning, filing.
Handling Petty Cash.
Email use and maintenance of Generic Account.
Organisation of meetings/car hire/travel/accommodation.
Maintaining E-calendar/Boardroom Diary.
Dealing with incoming/outgoing mail.
Project/ administration filing.
Youth Leader
Highland Council – Worked for the Nairn Youth Club
November ‘03 – February ‘05
Supervising children.
Organising activities (arts & crafts, music, events, games).
Suggesting/supporting positive play.
Encouraging inclusion.
Adhering to Child Protection and H&S regulations.
Maintaining a happy, positive and secure environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
HNC Social Care PASS
SCE Higher B Geography, C English, C Human Biology
SCE Standard Grade PASS 7 at credit level
UK TEFL PASS 20 Hour training course
OFFICE SKILLS
MS Office packages; Outlook Word, Excel, Powerpoint
InDesign
Copy typing
Audio typing
Touch typing
Approx. 50 w.p.m.
PC + Mac usage
