Lucy McLaren
London
Summary
A customer focused, versatile individual with extensive experience in developing and maintaining relationships on all levels. A self-starter who adapts well to any environment, working well under pressure and to tight deadlines; striving on a challenge, bringing forth inspiring energy and enthusiasm for a successful completion.
Having knowledge and a variety of experience in the property industry, ranging from interior design to property investing and development, along with great business acumen and attention to detail, now seeking a role to utilise all of these skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer care advisor
Pooky Lighting
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Achieved high satisfaction rating through proactive one-call resolutions of customer issues and received personal reviews on Trust pilot echoing this
- Resolved over 20 customer issues per shift within a 2-hour window by researching and exploring answers, implementing solutions and escalating unresolved problems to upper management
- Adapted to new applications and maintained knowledge of current technologies to ensure the smooth running of a very successful ecommerce store
- Entered customer information into CRM systems to document and organise client records
Senior Sales advisor
Crucial Trading
05.2017 - 01.2022
- Selling luxury carpets & rugs to architects, designers, builders, public & trade often attending sites for design assistance.
- Raised estimates, invoices and purchase orders
- Followed up on all stages of the sales process
- Developed and maintained account relationships.
- Monitored sales team performance and provided constructive feedback to upper management.
Freelancer Interior Designer
Design By Lucy
01.2019 - 02.2019
- Interior designed & project managed a 3-bed flat revamp, Stockwell: Found alternative ways to create a new updated look, keeping budget down: professionally sprayed kitchen cupboard doors and changed handles, re- housed oven, changed fixtures and fittings, took out dated shelving
- Specified appropriate products and materials to meet project objectives and design scheme;paint, flooring, new en-suite
- Designed and installed bespoke curtains & blinds throughout
Freelance Interior Designer
Design by Lucy
10.2015 - 12.2015
- Project managed a full renovation for a tired and dated 2 bed Chelsea apartment working to a tight schedule of 4 weeks for the entire build.
- Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections and textile presentations.
- Developed key client relationship, providing design solutions that met needs and 55K Budget without compromising quality or design intent.
- Interfaced effectively with contractors and vendors to resolve issues and discuss ideas.
Design Assistant
Change That Room
01.2012 - 03.2014
- Assisted interior designer in designing and creating comfortable and functional environments to represent clients' lifestyle, taste and budget.
- Conducted market research to understand trends and customer preferences.
- Obtained approval of concepts by submitting rough drafts to management or to client.
- Developed design deliverables that elevated, differentiated and functioned on-brand and on-strategy.
- Researched & collated various color schemes and specified for projects ready for the head designer to edit.
Managing Director
London Clean Company
09.2011 - 12.2016
- Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Organised contractual schedules, specifications and staff rotas
- Managed HR & payroll, training and liaising with sub-contractors.
Receptionist
Toni & Guy Canary Wharf
05.2010 - 03.2012
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients and updated client records.
- Present confidence and influenced in customers decisions to purchase top brand hair products such as Shu Umura
- Day to day salon management handling stylists, assistants and client care.
- Cashing up and locating discrepancies
- Ordering stock and maintaining the reception area
- Organised employees monthly shifts
Brand Manager
Harrods
05.2008 - 06.2009
- Built strong client relations, offering personal styling as well building my own private client book to keep client retention
- Planned, implemented and tracked sales and marketing strategies to promote brand products.
- Oversaw product planning and demand management on monthly basis in order to maintain adequate product levels.
- Presented via visually merchandising in line with the 'Marni' ethos
Trainee
Vivienne Westwood
09.2007 - 04.2008
- Introduced new collections to clients, specified specifically for individual customer accounts.
- Established lasting relationships with peers, leadership and customers using strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Assisted brand manager with main collections such as ‘Anglomania’ and styled for client appointments
- Learned new materials, processes and programs quickly.
- Performed administrative functions, processed orders,answered phones and filing paperwork in support of department.
Work Experience -Stylist
You Magazine Mail On Sunday
10.2007 - 12.2007
- Prepared items for photo shoots by removing tags, buffing surfaces and arranging layouts.
- Monitored current trends to understand fashions and better serve customer needs.
- Suggested treatments and styles to suit customer appearance and fashion choices.
Wardrobe Assistant
Cass Films
09.2007 - 12.2007
- Looked after the wardrobe of various actors, dressed actors and extras and assisted with the continuity of the film.
- Liaised with hosts, production teams and wardrobe stylists to verify appropriately chosen garments for events, show segments and movies.
- Adjusted clothing once model was dressed, making sure all garments fit properly and looked perfect.
Head waitress, trainer and supervisor
Pizza Express
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Ensured the standard of customer service was in line with company policies to maximise sales and profitability of the restaurant
- Effectively communicated restaurant objectives and goals to new staff, handled cash and finalised business reports,
- Stock ordering and ensured food and drink were quality controlled
- Organised seating plans, functions, school visits and charity events.
Education
BA HONS 2:1 - Creative Practice
Leeds University
Higher National Diploma - Textiles
Newcastle College
National Diploma - Fashion Design
Newcastle College
Certificate In Interior Design:The Essentials - Interior Design
KLC
ChelseaFashion
Introduction To Fashion Styling For The Media
Central St MartinsGCSEs
Durham Johnston Comprehensive
Durham Skills
- Interior design and project management
- Teamwork
- First class customer service
- Curriculum Planning
- Analytical mindset
- Health and safety awareness
- Verbal and written communication
- Policies and procedures implementation
- Cross-functional communications
- Activity Planning
- Proficient in various software packages such as excel & Microsoft word
Accomplishments
- Home Staging training with Liv Conlon, member of the HSA and BIID, & assisted on interior design photo shoots with Lucy Gough
- Competent at using excel, MS Office, Word, downloading and using digital files, accounting & design packages such as Sage, Canva and 5D Planner.
- Numerous CRM systems and programs such as Slack, PayPal, Stripe, Bright Pearl etc
- Web content & blog posting.
- Hands on Property Investment & Development experience -long-term personal goal is to build a residential home for people with special needs & disabilities.
- Refurbished a 1 bed flat in Margate for an SA unit.
Hobbies
Accomplished Horse Woman, gym, roller-skating & skiing enthusiast. Attending regular design shows such as Decorex & Clerkenwell design week and keeping up to date with information on the property industry.
Timeline
Customer care advisor
Pooky Lighting
06.2022 - 12.2022
Freelancer Interior Designer
Design By Lucy
01.2019 - 02.2019
Senior Sales advisor
Crucial Trading
05.2017 - 01.2022
Freelance Interior Designer
Design by Lucy
10.2015 - 12.2015
Design Assistant
Change That Room
01.2012 - 03.2014
Managing Director
London Clean Company
09.2011 - 12.2016
Receptionist
Toni & Guy Canary Wharf
05.2010 - 03.2012
Brand Manager
Harrods
05.2008 - 06.2009
Work Experience -Stylist
You Magazine Mail On Sunday
10.2007 - 12.2007
Trainee
Vivienne Westwood
09.2007 - 04.2008
Wardrobe Assistant
Cass Films
09.2007 - 12.2007
Head waitress, trainer and supervisor
Pizza Express
01.2001 - 01.2007
BA HONS 2:1 - Creative Practice
Leeds University
Higher National Diploma - Textiles
Newcastle College
National Diploma - Fashion Design
Newcastle College
Certificate In Interior Design:The Essentials - Interior Design
KLC
Fashion
Introduction To Fashion Styling For The Media
GCSEs
Durham Johnston Comprehensive
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