Martha Chatham Wakelin

2014-Present  I N V I S T A™,  Kennesaw, Georgia

Product Design Manager

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• Track and report on trends in all aspects of design and culture which inspires many aspects of work from color selection to new product exploration 

• Research global macro lifestyle trends and their impact on color, interiors and product design.  

• Apply trend research across multiple segments within the business to create supporting materials from design boards to presentations that inform and inspire innovation, product development, sales and marketing teams, for internal and external utilization

• Featured presenter at Design Symposium 2018; LA- presenting design trends to interior design leaders in home construction to foster learning and initiate discussions around trends and new product design

• Presentation of Future Trend Forecast for big box Retail team to present externally, which will also provide content for digital marketing team  

• Participation in industry and design trade shows such as Surfaces, Domotex, Neocon, IWF show and others provide key trend insights

• Collaborate with Hard Surfaces team to provide design support for portfolio selection; ensuring that mixed media collections meet customer demands for hard and soft surface flooring and create new coordination across segments

• Manage the PetProtect® fiber color portfolio 

• Lead initiatives for new fiber development; dedicated to exploring the nuances related to fibers and textile experimentation

• Continually seek out new and unique ways to craft distinctively beautiful carpet concepts that will lead to intrigue and inspiration for customers 

• Color and fiber development include textile designs of conceptual samples featuring innovative techniques; from inspiration concept to manufacturing completion. These samples influence product placement at customer mills, increasing fiber sales as well as SKU utilization. 

• Designed a collection of residential carpet tile from initial inspiration utilizing Nedgraphics CAD software, and tufting equipment; to product placement at big box retail; awarded as an Innovative Introduction. Assisted with Photography and marketing details of supply chain collateral

• Designed a portfolio of woven area rugs for big box retail in the pet category from design inspiration to completion of various rug qualities, exploring the utilization of several new vendor equipment and innovative capabilities

• Manage projects for multiple teams, exhibiting excellent time management skills along with the ability to work in a corporate team environment

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1996-2008 Shaw Industries, Inc., Cartersville, GA

 

​2000-2008:  Senior Designer, CMG

Design color, styling, and facilitation of broadloom and modular carpet product development

·         Transformed Design Inspiration to Create uniquely beautiful pattern designs and color lines for new products, creating high-end fashion for corporate interior spaces by following the fabrication of styles that remain in the best-selling category 10 years after introduction; interfacing with internal and external manufacturing, sales, and customers

·         Best of NeoCon Award product competition honored group-based collaborative design projects where complex problems were addressed and created far reaching results with optimum versatility to enhance multiple environments. Additional collaboration featured a completely recyclable, Cradle to Cradle Certified collection with William McDonough.

·         Honored with prestigious Awards for Design Excellence based on product design in the A&D industry, for numerous style introductions

·         Recognized opportunity for improved product photography and was quickly established as creative director of photo layouts for brand marketing initiatives by conceptualizing and directing product photo shoots that reflected brand identity

·         Conducted Market Trend Research from Domestic and International Design sources and created Trend Boards that were successful in product & color line development, as well as product presentations that were effectively led internally and to customers

·         Best-selling, high volume products were developed by field travelling, gaining national A&D feedback on concepts and color lines

·         Traveled to and participated in industry design and trade shows such as Color Marketing Group and NeoCon

·         Contributed creative ideas to marketing such as verbiage for brochures and visual aids that were well received and repeatedly requested

·         Demonstrated Mentoring Skills & Managed team to facilitate product innovation from conception phase of development to release

Established knowledge of computer programs in Ned Graphics CAD, Microsoft Office Suite, Sample System, Time to Revenue

 

1996-2000  Design Manager, Custom Design Studio

Designed Custom Carpet selections with quick turnaround by interfacing directly with A&D Community

·         Managed Team of Individuals to fulfill the specification of customized orders from Custom Design to project installation

·         Developed uniquely custom patterns as well as variations on standard products with quick turnaround to fulfill project specification

·         Conducted Studio and Sample Manufacturing Mill Tours for the A&D Community and field traveled for on-site consultations with Architects               and Designers in conjunction with project development

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1994-1996 Interior Designer, Wyatt's, Inc.

Advised client on space planning, layout & utilization of furnishings, & color schemes​

·         Proposed and presented design selections from ADAC and other suppliers using illustrations & design boards

·         Estimated material requirements and cost, and presented design concept & budget to client for approval

·         Subcontracted fabrication and installation of flooring, fixtures, accessories, draperies, paint and related items

·         Participated as a Buyer at High Point Furniture Market and AmericasMart Atlanta Gift Show for showroom inventory

·         Provided sales and marketing support to the showroom as needed

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1991-1994  Interior Design Manager, The Mint Julep

Directed Retail Design Source for Home Accessories, Lighting Showroom, Fabric, Wallpaper

·         Developed design network meeting with clients in their home to review design preferences

·         Assisted area builders with selection of paint, wallpaper, flooring, and lighting for new home construction

·         Participated as a Buyer at High Point Furniture Market, AmericasMart Atlanta Gift Show, and Dallas Lighting Markets for showroom inventory

·         Exposure to a variety of responsibilities; sole point of customer contact, merchandise receiving and marketing through designing showroom            vignettes 

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​1990 Interior Design Intern, PineApple House

Internship with Award-winning Pineapple House Interior Design serving residential clients.  Practiced many design styles including contemporary, traditional, eclectic, modern urban, rustic, Asian and transitional.