Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Profesional Memberships
Professional Memberships and Continuous Professional Development
Timeline
Generic

Grace Kamila Galuszynski

Uitenhage,EC

Summary

I am an adaptable and dynamic professional Senior Interior Designer with a Master's Degree (cum laude) and 8+ years of work experience. While I am highly creative and proficient at all aspects of the interior architectural design process, I am particularly strong in technical design resolution. I am enthusiastic to impart my skills and understanding within an academic environment in such a way as to cultivate a passion for excellence within the built environment of South Africa.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

History of Interior Design Lecturer

Contract For Nelson Mandela University
02.2024 - 06.2024
  • As a stand-in lecturer, I adopted the subject for the period of a semester to assist the regular lecturer (on leave).
  • I prepared and designed lessons according to the existing curriculum in order to meet academic objectives.
  • Evaluated student progress through regular tests and assessments.
  • Presented classes in-person and utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
  • I provided information and tools to develop understanding of ethical use of generative AI tools.
  • I sought to support improvement and growth in good academic writing and critical thinking skills through detailed written feedback on assignments, and by encouraging students to submit work for individual constructive criticism.

Senior Interior Designer

Freelance For StylEast Décor & Design
01.2019 - 01.2023
  • As part of a small design team, I functioned as 1 of 2 senior interior designers with specific focus on three dimensional (3D) interior design and technical design resolution.
  • I played an integral role in: mood board and concept design; material selection; space planning; 3D design; detail design; the development of technical construction drawings; technical documentation and schedules; and the production of detailed cost estimates.
  • Working remotely, I navigated the use of digital platforms and technology for communication, presentations and to facilitate project management.
  • I worked together effectively with contractors, sub-contractors and vendors to resolve issues, discuss ideas and deliver budget-friendly solutions.
  • Where possible, I conducted site visits and evaluations to ensure adherence to design standards and client expectations.
  • I assisted in the mentoring of a junior designer and a student intern to enhance their skills and improve team productivity through knowledge sharing and professional development.

Graphic Designer

Freelance For Various Clients
05.2011 - 04.2018
  • Provided branding and corporate design services including brand name, slogan and tagline conceptualization.
  • Developed creative design for print materials, banners, signs, print advertising, packaging design including generating accurate product renderings.
  • Created engaging social media graphics and web banner ads.
  • Involved in web design and assisted in the maintaining of an online store.
  • Wrote copy for product descriptions, website pages, and wrote industry-specific blog articles according to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles.
  • The following were long-term, ongoing clients:

2015 – 2018 Umba Vape (Lexington, United States)

2011 – 2013 Stone Mill Bakery (Mahe, Seychelles)

Interior Designer

Freelance For Various Clients
07.2012 - 11.2014
  • Responsible for client-liaison and consultation and accurate measuring up of sites.
  • Created bespoke and unique interior 3D designs and joinery designs for mid-range to upmarket clients.
  • Produced presentation material for visualization of interior designs, including renderings; samples and mood-boards;
  • Provided detailed technical resolution through comprehensive construction drawings.
  • Various projects including:

November 2013 – November 2014:

Interior design and project management assistance of Africanos Country Estate: 5 star hotel

design with 12 chalets, 2 bars, restaurant, events hall, reception, 2 foyers (Addo, South Africa).

July 2012 – November 2013:

Twelve different residential design projects: primarily bespoke kitchen design, also bathroom design

and dressing room design (Port Elizabeth, South Africa).

Detail design of two medical centres including pharmacies, reception desks and stations

(Medicross Randburg, Medicross Potchefstroom).

Joinery Designer

Design Line SA
04.2011 - 07.2012

Interior Design Intern (University Holidays)

Elphick Proome Architects
07.2007 - 07.2009

Jnr Sales Assistant & Colour Consultant (Weekends)

Midas Earthcote
04.2006 - 10.2008

Education

Magister Technologiae (MTech) - Interior Design

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa
06.2016

Baccalaureus Technologiae (BTech) - Interior Design

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Gqeberha
04.2011

3 Year National Diploma - Interior Design

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Gqeberha
04.2010

Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
  • Academic research, analysis and writing
  • Lecture development with supporting materials
  • Online content delivery, lectures and class discussion
  • Feedback delivery
  • Ethical use of generative AI in an academic setting
  • Administration
  • In-depth knowledge of design process
  • Mentorship, training
  • Advanced technical design resolution
  • Integration of smart building automation systems
  • Integration of sustainable building systems
  • In-depth knowledge of National Building Regulations
  • In-depth knowledge with active licenses in AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Sketch-Up Layout, Affinity Designer, Apple Keynote/Pages/Numbers
  • Trained and experienced in 3D Studio Max, Corel Suite, Adobe Photoshop, Indigo Renderer, Winner Shopfitting, Microsoft Office 360

Profesional Memberships

current: In the process of acquiring SACAP membership.

2020 - 2022: Member of The African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) as Senior Professional Interior Designer ID IID-600-4-GG-EC. 

Professional Memberships and Continuous Professional Development

  • current: In process of acquiring membership to South African Council For The Architectural Profession (SACAPSA)
  • 2020 - 2022: Member of The African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) as Senior Professional Interior Designer ID IID-600-4-GG-EC.

As part of continuous professional development:

  • attended various online professional training workshops and seminars
  • volunteered my time and skills to local NGO/s
  • mentored new graduate/students
  • moderated Interior Design portfolio exams at Nelson Mandela University, including the 2024 June portfolio exams for the following subjects: Advanced Diploma - Design Technology; Diploma - 3rd year Design Technology, 2nd year Design (forthcoming)

Timeline

History of Interior Design Lecturer

Contract For Nelson Mandela University
02.2024 - 06.2024

Senior Interior Designer

Freelance For StylEast Décor & Design
01.2019 - 01.2023

Interior Designer

Freelance For Various Clients
07.2012 - 11.2014

Graphic Designer

Freelance For Various Clients
05.2011 - 04.2018

Joinery Designer

Design Line SA
04.2011 - 07.2012

Interior Design Intern (University Holidays)

Elphick Proome Architects
07.2007 - 07.2009

Jnr Sales Assistant & Colour Consultant (Weekends)

Midas Earthcote
04.2006 - 10.2008

Magister Technologiae (MTech) - Interior Design

University of Johannesburg

Baccalaureus Technologiae (BTech) - Interior Design

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

3 Year National Diploma - Interior Design

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Grace Kamila Galuszynski