Vanessa Tan
Kuantan
Summary
Architectural Assistant skilled in project management and architectural design. Manages project lifecycles from concept through to completion, ensuring compliance with building regulations and client specifications. Delivers innovative design solutions through effective collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Architectural Assistant
KAY Projects
Kuantan, Malaysia
02.2023 - Current
- Maintained excellent working relationships with regulatory bodies and authorities to achieve continued compliance with current standards.
- Conducted site visits to assess potential impacts on design and to ensure compliance with local building regulations.
- Put together and delivered project presentations to stakeholders.
- Prepared project documents and reports.
- Collaborated effectively with design teams to create innovative, strategic master plans.
- Documented project phases and outcomes, maintaining accurate records for future reference.
- Managed the full project lifecycle from concept through to completion, adhering to strict timelines and budgets.
- Conferred with admin team for output of all written documents and day-to-day office and project administration.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and requirements for residential and commercial projects.
- Fostered and maintained collaborative professional working relationship with project leadership team and client to achieve common goals.
- Monitored construction sites to ensure adherence to architectural plans and quality standards.
- Coordinated with structural engineers, surveyors, and contractors to facilitate smooth project progression.
- Read and understood hand sketches to make detailed drawings.
- Prepared detailed working drawings for construction of new structures, additions and for remodelling of existing structures.
- Reviewed and approved changes to initial designs, balancing client desires with practical considerations.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients, vendors, and professionals within the architecture and construction industry.
- Prepared assembly drawings and blueprints to project requirements.
- Expertly managed external design teams, ensuring quality standards, finish and timely completion targets were met.
- Modified and updated designs based on review comments from architect-of-record to meet quality standards.
- Maintained tight deadlines to support attainment of project schedules.
- Incorporated engineer recommendations and requirements to produce updated drawings.
- Managed assigned teams to deliver projects within schedule and on budget without compromising quality.
- Reported any major project discrepancies to programme manager to agree on and implement corrective action.
- Delivered presentations to clients and stakeholders, effectively communicating design concepts and solutions.
- Provided expert advice on planning permissions and liaised with local authorities to secure necessary approvals.
- Delivered practical, feasible, financially efficient designs to exact client specifications.
- Made complex routine calculations to plan blueprints and initial sketch designs.
- Drew up detailed manufacturing plans for efficient production.
- Checked all deliverables for quality, accuracy and completeness.
- Interacted with stakeholders on project details and address concerns.
- Used project lifecycle management software to maintain and update documentation.
- Prepared planning application documents, adhering to local regulations and building codes.
- Performed site measurements and gathered details of components to facilitate accurate design.
- Assisted clients with being involved in the design process with direct contact and support.
- Participated in client meetings, presenting design concepts and modifications as required.
- Conducted site visits and surveys to gather essential data for project planning purposes.
- Analysed building regulations to provide compliant design solutions in a timely manner.
- Assisted in the development of architectural designs, utilising AutoCAD and Revit for detailed drawings.
- Collaborated with senior architects to refine design proposals and meet client specifications.
- Led the coordination of internal design reviews, gathering feedback for improvement.
- Facilitated communication between project stakeholders, including contractors and engineering consultants.
- Supported senior architectural staff with clerical and administrative tasks.
- Engaged in continuous professional development activities to enhance architectural skills and knowledge.
Research & Development
IN Construction & Management
Kuantan, Malaysia
07.2021 - 12.2022
- Utilised CAD software and other design tools to create accurate and detailed design documentation.
- Designed commercial, industrial, public, retail and residential building interiors.
- Selected colour schemes, flooring, and wall finishes that reflected clients' personalities and goals.
- Discussed client design requirements, vision and budgets thoroughly to enhance project outcomes.
- Developed innovative interior design concepts to meet client specifications and aesthetic preferences.
- Determined floor plans and elevations for both in-house review and presentation to the client.
- Produced detailed sketches and 3D models to visualise design concepts for client approval.
- Selected appropriate furnishing based on design and budget requirements.
- Created custom design boards with fabrics, wall finishes and flooring samples.
- Managed project timelines and budgets, delivering high-quality designs within agreed constraints.
- Monitored on-site construction and design implementation to adhere to original design concepts.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors to align interior designs with structural requirements.
- Analysed market trends to incorporate the latest in design innovation and materials.
- Negotiated designs, costings and solutions with suppliers and clients.
- Conducted comprehensive site inspections to assess space dimensions and potential design challenges.
- Reviewed project costs, budgets and adherence to schedules.
- Sourced materials and furnishings that balanced quality, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Led design team meetings to discuss project progress, challenges, and strategies for improvement.
- Oversaw interior construction to provide direction and advice.
- Coordinated installation schedules with contractors to ensure minimal disruption to clients.
- Researched industry trends to provide knowledgeable insight to clients.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure favourable terms and ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Examined feasibility, aesthetics and functionality before submitting designs.
- Provided complimentary in-home consultations to prospective clients to gather ideas and promote design services.
- Followed director's vision to correctly design and paint stage scenery.
- Facilitated client meetings to gather requirements, present proposals, and receive feedback.
- Provided post-installation support, addressing any issues to achieve complete client satisfaction.
- Formulated innovative and cost-effective concepts for building interiors.
Architectural Coordinator
Tenaga Jaya Construction
Kuantan, Malaysia
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Maintained clean, safe working environments to eliminate accident risks.
- Achieved service time and quality targets.
- Engaged with customers to better understand needs and deliver excellent service.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Built and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Resolved customer queries and problems using effective communication and providing step-by-step solutions.
- Handled customer concerns and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Picked up additional tasks to aid team success.
- Enhanced working relationships by participating in team-building activities.
- Actively listened to customers to fully understand requests and address concerns.
- Demonstrated consistent hard work and dedication to achieve results and improve operations.
- Trained and mentored employees to maximise team performance.
- Met schedule using excellent planning and coordination skills.
- Maximised customer engagement and satisfaction by delivering excellent customer service.
- Prepared range of written communications, documents and reports.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Promoted safe working environment by implementing regulatory standards, policies and guidelines.
- Developed excellent working knowledge of industry trends and improvements in processes.
Technical Assistant Architecture
Tenaga Jaya Construction
Kuantan, Malaysia
09.2019 - 08.2020
- Provided technical support to clients, resolving issues promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Greeted customers, responded to phone calls and recorded messages to support office administration and optimise workflow.
- Assisted in the development and maintenance of technical documentation, improving project communication.
- Attended meetings and recorded minutes to discuss developments and announcements and maintain proper documentation.
- Liaised between technical and non-technical stakeholders, facilitating clear and effective communication.
- Delivered technical presentations for clients, managers and staff, translating complex terminology into digestible ideas.
- Developed presentations and important documents for staff meetings to communicate consistent information.
- Answered phone enquiries and directed phone calls to specific departments to maintain smooth communications and service.
- Monitored project timelines, assisting in keeping tasks on schedule and within budget constraints.
- Handled customer concerns and escalated major issues to supervisor.
Practical Architecture
WH Tan Architect
Kuantan, Malaysia
04.2019 - 05.2019
- Conceptual Design proposal
- Submission Drawings
- 3D Drawings and rendering
Trainee Architecture
Foo Associate Firm
Kuantan, Malaysia
01.2016 - 02.2016
- Practice manual technical drawings, and understanding technical drawings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectue
01-2018
- Coursework in Architecture
- Degree Graduate
Foundation Degree in Arts - Foundation in Natural And Built Environment
01-2016
Skills
- Project management
- Client relationship management
- Building regulations compliance
- Technical documentation
- Site assessment
- Record-keeping
- Design conceptualisation
- 3D modelling
- Design presentation
- Architectural design
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Quality assurance
- Regulatory liaison
- Time management
- Customer Service
- Layout designs
- Creative thinking
- Customer relations
- Drawing preparation
- Design detailing
- Free-hand sketching
- Time-management
- Decision making
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Time management efficiency
- Effective time management
- Technical troubleshooting
- Product knowledge
- Customer engagement
- Structural engineering understanding
- Quality Control Analysis
- Telephone etiquette
- Architectural drafting
- Written and verbal communication
- Attention to Detail
- Technical communication
- Planning regulations knowledge
- Computer literacy
- Leadership potential
- Stress tolerance
- Documentation management
- Time efficiency
- Drawing updates
- Self-motivation
- Research and analysis
- Dimension and materials specifications
- Risk Assessment
- Patience and persistence
- Strategic planning
- Design innovation
- Technical drawing
- Critical-thinking
- Mentoring and coaching
- Project coordination
- Conceptual planning
- Technical drawing production
- Customer service orientation
- Interpersonal communication
- Presentations
- Sketchup
- Architectural detailing
- Retail space planning
- Analytical-thinking
- Technical report writing
- AutoCAD
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
First Language
English
Intermediate
B1
Chinese (Cantonese)
Beginner
A1
Malay
Intermediate
B1
Interests
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Swimming
Timeline
Architectural Assistant - KAY Projects
02.2023 - Current
Research & Development - IN Construction & Management
07.2021 - 12.2022
Architectural Coordinator - Tenaga Jaya Construction
08.2020 - 05.2021
Technical Assistant Architecture - Tenaga Jaya Construction
09.2019 - 08.2020
Practical Architecture - WH Tan Architect
04.2019 - 05.2019
Trainee Architecture - Foo Associate Firm
01.2016 - 02.2016
Taylor's University - Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectue
Taylor's University - Foundation Degree in Arts, Foundation in Natural And Built Environment