Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen Lurie

Event Planning And Design
Malelane

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in event coordination and graphic design, notably with 37 Signals Botswana. Excelled in project management and client relationship development, enhancing brand visibility and driving engagement through innovative design and strategic marketing. Skilled in vendor negotiations and digital marketing, consistently delivering projects that exceed expectations.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Event Coordinator

Self - August Trading
Mpumalanga
01.2020 - Current
  • Cake and food decor and production for clients
  • Selected and ordered refreshments, decor and event materials.
  • bespoke furniture design
  • graphic design concepts
  • furniture rental
  • project management
  • marketing
  • Strike and setup
  • consultation
  • Ensured smooth event transition with thorough pre-event walkthroughs and detailed day-of coordination efforts.
  • Created memorable experiences for guests through immersive entertainment options at various events.

Graphic Designer and Digital Marketing Director

37 Signals Botswana
02.2010 - 12.2016
  • Developed creative design for print materials, brochures, banners, and signs.
  • Conceptualized creative designs for print materials, banners, and signs.
  • Created engaging social media graphics that drove user engagement and increased online visibility.
  • Created digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing methods.
  • Employed design fundamentals when selecting typography, composition, layout, and color in design work.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Designed eye-catching event collateral, contributing to successful fundraising campaigns and increased event attendance.
  • Developed innovative design concepts that effectively communicated brand identity and boosted overall brand awareness.
  • Completed final touches for projects before rollout.
  • Improved client satisfaction by creating visually appealing and impactful graphic designs for various marketing materials.
  • Conceptualized unique logo designs for startups, establishing strong visual identities that resonated with target markets.
  • Produced high-quality product packaging designs that successfully captured target audience attention and led to increased sales revenue.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all company materials.
  • Researched industry trends to stay current on best practices in graphic design.
  • Met with customers to present mockups and collect information for adjustments.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Streamlined project workflows, ensuring timely delivery of design projects.
  • Achieved consistent look and feel across all company materials, reinforcing brand identity.
  • Increased user engagement with creation of intuitive website layouts.
  • Created logos and branding materials for various clients, which increased brand recognition and customer engagement.
  • Elevated customer satisfaction by personalizing graphic design solutions.
  • Collaborated closely with marketing teams to create cohesive designs for campaigns.
  • Enhanced brand visibility by designing innovative marketing materials.
  • Implemented new design software to improve team productivity and project outcomes.
  • Created logos, illustrations and typography for various organizations.
  • Developed graphics and visual content for social media campaigns.
  • Created original artwork for range of print, web and video projects.
  • Utilized Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite to develop creative designs.
  • Used interactive design elements to create more engaging user experience.
  • Created motion graphics and video content for websites and applications.
  • Applied animation techniques to create dynamic visual elements.
  • Monitored competitor activities, staying informed of industry trends and best practices for continuous improvement.
  • Coached junior team members on best practices, contributing to their professional growth within the organization.
  • Brainstormed content marketing strategies based around client's business goals, existing content and chosen key performance indicators.

Freelance Interior Designer

Self
01.2008 - 12.2011
  • Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
  • Developed comprehensive design concepts through sketches, renderings, and 3D models.
  • Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
  • Conducted site visits and meetings with clients to gather necessary information for successful project execution.
  • Developed key client relationships, providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
  • Selected and sourced materials, furniture, and accessories for aesthetically pleasing spaces.
  • Implemented multiple high-end residential and commercial interior design projects within cost, quality and timeframe targets.
  • Optimized spatial planning for improved workflow efficiency in commercial interiors.
  • Specified appropriate products and materials to meet project objectives and design scheme.
  • Prepared product and layout documents implementing diverse design concepts.
  • Balanced aesthetics with functionality by choosing appropriate materials, finishes, and furnishings that met client needs.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering innovative and functional interior design solutions.
  • Transformed outdated living spaces into modern environments that reflected current trends while adhering to clients'' preferences.
  • Transformed uninspiring areas into warm and inviting living spaces using various lighting fixtures, materials, and products.
  • Worked closely with vendors to negotiate cost-effective pricing for materials while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Produced detailed cost estimates and coordinated with vendors to deliver budget-friendly solutions.
  • Illustrated visual concepts during client presentations through detailed plans and sketches.
  • Managed budgets and timelines effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
  • Participated in furniture selection and documentation of specifications.
  • Collaborated with architects and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
  • Provided exceptional customer service throughout the entire design process, ensuring timely communication with clients at all stages.
  • Presented compelling design proposals to clients, securing new projects and repeat business.
  • Updated design process documentation to incorporate new tools and techniques, improving team efficiency and project outcomes.
  • Conducted site visits to ensure design implementations were executed according to plan, maintaining high standards of quality.
  • Selected furniture, lighting and accessories to enhance design concepts.
  • Utilized computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans and mockups of room layouts.
  • Worked closely with contractors and vendors to improve project coordination, completing projects on time and within budget.
  • Oversaw installation of finishes, furniture and other design elements to control final product.

Interior Designer

Stefan Antoni and Associate Architects Via Okha
01.2006 - 12.2008
  • Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
  • Developed comprehensive design concepts through sketches, renderings, and 3D models.
  • Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
  • Conducted site visits and meetings with clients to gather necessary information for successful project execution.
  • Implemented multiple high-end residential and commercial interior design projects within cost, quality and timeframe targets.
  • bespoke furniture design and implementation
  • Prepared product and layout documents implementing diverse design concepts.
  • Transformed outdated living spaces into modern environments that reflected current trends while adhering to clients'' preferences.
  • Produced detailed cost estimates and coordinated with vendors to deliver budget-friendly solutions.
  • Illustrated visual concepts during client presentations through detailed plans and sketches.
  • Participated in furniture selection and documentation of specifications.
  • Managed budgets and timelines effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
  • Collaborated with architects and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
  • Presented compelling design proposals to clients, securing new projects and repeat business.
  • Optimized spatial layouts to enhance functionality and flow in commercial and residential spaces.
  • Transformed spaces with creative and functional design concepts, enhancing aesthetic appeal and usability of interiors.
  • Customized design proposals to reflect clients' brand identity, contributing to their market presence and customer engagement.
  • Presented design proposals to clients to establish clear project expectations and goals.
  • Conducted client consultations to understand requirements and preferences.
  • Worked closely with contractors and vendors to improve project coordination, completing projects on time and within budget.
  • Oversaw installation of finishes, furniture and other design elements to control final product.

Server, Hostess and Cigar Sales

Cubana Cafe
01.2004 - 12.2006
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
  • Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.

Education

Interior Design Diploma - Interior Design

BHC Scool of Design
Cape Town
01.2004 - 11.2006

N4 & N5 National Certificate - History of Arts, Graphic Design N4,N5

Ekurhuleni East College
Johannesburg
01.2002 - 11.2002

High School Diploma -

Technical College Benoni
Johannesburg
01.2001 - 11.2001

Skills

Event planning

Catering coordination

Events logistics management

Special events planning

Branding

Project management

Vendor and contract negotiations

Digital marketing

Client relationship development

Event marketing

Budgeting and finance

Attention to detail

Fundraising events

Sponsorship acquisition

Menu planning

Contract negotiations

Sales expertise

Food service

Sales and marketing strategy

Timeline

Event Coordinator

Self - August Trading
01.2020 - Current

Graphic Designer and Digital Marketing Director

37 Signals Botswana
02.2010 - 12.2016

Freelance Interior Designer

Self
01.2008 - 12.2011

Interior Designer

Stefan Antoni and Associate Architects Via Okha
01.2006 - 12.2008

Server, Hostess and Cigar Sales

Cubana Cafe
01.2004 - 12.2006

Interior Design Diploma - Interior Design

BHC Scool of Design
01.2004 - 11.2006

N4 & N5 National Certificate - History of Arts, Graphic Design N4,N5

Ekurhuleni East College
01.2002 - 11.2002

High School Diploma -

Technical College Benoni
01.2001 - 11.2001
Karen LurieEvent Planning And Design