"Creativity is the art of generating something out of nothing in order to solve a problem"
Aryn Shaw
A CREATIVE MIND
With a lifelong passion for creative work backed by rich technical experience, I have spent my career providing holistic design solutions that yield in company culture development and business growth.
My passion and strengths lie in translating a company's purpose and goals into a story through design, branding, business planning and long term strategies.
I have a mindset of progression, innovation and creation.
SHAPING ORGANIZATIONS OF THE FUTURE
Through Strategy, Design & Planning
Naturally analytical, inquisitive and observant, I seek insight through inquiry. I execute big picture planning by analyzing key objectives and underlying information in order to tailor approaches/solutions. Team leadership, collaboration and clear communication have been drivers for my success and are qualities that keep me energized each day.
Each project I am involved with is thoughtfully balanced with strategy, performance, technology, health & well-being, space and aesthetics in order to empower people, an organization's greatest asset.
Areas of Focus:
Workplace Design & Planning
Workplace Strategy
Occupancy & Space Planning
Change Management
Creative Direction
Construction Management
Leadership and Team Development
Client and Vendor Relationship Development
Real Estate Portfolio Planning & Transaction Management
Project Management
Corporate Branding
Sales & Marketing Strategy
Capital & Operating Budget Planning
FF&E selection, standards and RFP writing and response
20+ years of
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Recent positions:
SENIOR MANAGER, CORPORATE REAL ESTATE, DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
CDW
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2018 - 2026
​Partnered with the Director of Real Estate to lead real estate projects across CDW's North American corporate portfolio, overseeing all efforts for Workplace Design & Construction, and Furniture & Branding standards for projects such as new and remodeled office spaces and customer experience centers ( 2.5+ million square feet in total).
• Acted as the key point of contact with local leadership and external project contacts for all design, construction and move related projects
• Ongoing workplace strategy development based on business needs and future of work
• Created and defined a project scope for furniture, flooring, paint, artwork, graphics and signage based on corporate workspace standards that I developed and maintained
• Project Management oversight for all internal projects including managing project expenses, while analyzing all options and ensuring all parties met the overall defined timeline and budget
• Managed space usage and occupancy by evaluating on-going real estate leases by analyzing locations internally and with the hired brokerage team
CREATING SPACES
OF THE FUTURE
CUSTOM & THOUGHTFUL
PHYSICAL BRANDING
CDW HQ
CHICAGO, IL
COMPLETED SEPT. 2020
A core and shell 250K SF, 8 floor build-out that took over 2 years of planning. I designed all furniture, custom physical branding, lighting, paint colors and architectural details. Led all 3rd party vendor coordination, budgeting, cost/spend and schedule for a successful completion/move-in. This project took place during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak and we made many last minute design decisions to support wellness and a hybrid work environment.
SUGAR POP SALON
CHICAGO, IL
COMPLETED MARCH 2024
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I was hired to design the new, 2nd location, for this local Chicago business. I created a design concept for the space which included a space plan, paint, lighting, furniture, custom retail displays, as well as custom branding elements such as signage, window decals, artwork and wallcovering. The salon has 4 treatment rooms, a brow bar, private office, reception and break room.
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A LITTLE MORE...
THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE
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As a WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP), I have a commitment to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities by utilizing the standards set in place by the WELL Building Standard.
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The WELL Building Standard marries best practices in design and construction with evidence-based health and wellness interventions. It harnesses the built environment as a vehicle to support human health, well-being and comfort. WELL identifies 100 performance metrics, design strategies, and policies that can be implemented by the owners, designers, engineers, contractors, users and operators of a building.
TRAITS; highlight of strengths
EVERYONE HAS A WHY
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Through in depth programming, I work to channel the "why", in order to implement workplace strategies.
