tom ching

A target driven individual with an ability to work under pressure and achieve targets. Proactive in generating business and taking every opportunity to close sales deals. Excellent customer service skills and able to build a rapport with clients and maintain long term business relationships with buyers. I believe with my previous experience in the property industry I can bring knowledge of de-tailing in design and spatial concepts and use these to an advantage in buying and selling within the property market. I have a good work ethos and experience of deadlines within the industry. I am currently seeking an opportunity to join a well respected company as a trainee negotiator to broaden my interest in property and sales.

Profile:

A target driven individual with an ability to work under pressure and achieve targets. Proactive in generating business and taking every opportunity to close sales deals. Excellent customer service skills and able to build a rapport with clients and maintain long term business relationships with buyers. I believe with my previous experience in the property industry I can bring knowledge of de-tailing in design and spatial concepts and use these to an advantage in buying and selling within the property market. I have a good work ethos and experience of deadlines within the industry. I am currently seeking an opportunity to join a well respected company as a trainee negotiator to broaden my interest in property and sales.

Education:

1. More House School Sixth Form, Farnham, Surrey from 2011 to 2012.

Subjects: Art and Design Level 3 BTEC - Distinction

Travel and Tourism Level 3 BTEC - Pass

2. University College of Art, Farnham, Surrey from 2012 to 2013.

Subject: Diploma in Art and Design - Level 3 (Foundation) - Pass

3. University of Plymouth, Devon - 2013 to 2016.

Subject: BA 3D Design - 2nd class honours

Experience:

Porcelanosa: Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, SW6 2TY

Kitchen Designer - 2021 to present date.

This role was as one of two kitchen designers based in Fulham, the responsibility being split be-tween two branches: Fulham and Croydon. The main responsibilities were to deal with walk in cli-ents and also those who had prearranged appointments. Clients who made initial contact over the phone were usually passed to myself to deal with. Throughout the role I was the first point of con-tact and I held initial discussions with them to ascertain their kitchen design ideas. Consideration was given to clients who had their own specific design ideas to see if it was feasible to achieve those ideas within the company’s design capabilities. It was also our aim to incorporate as much of the clients ’own design ideas and requests as possible. Advice was always provided on the de-sign, products, maximising space, appliances, work surfaces, costings, timescales and follow up appointments. I have extensive knowledge of the company’s produce range and an expertise in providing design ideas outside of the initial requirements. The role also included the provision of quotes prior to purchase. Time was always spent with clients discussing kitchen styles available and ensuring that any specific ideas or thoughts were respected and incorporated where possible.

Plans and elevations were provided to the client for approval once their final design had been de-cided on. On final approval my role progressed to making the arrangements for the installation of the design by our fittings team. Designing and selling the company’s kitchens was my strong point and one where I prided myself on providing an excellent and efficient service. It was particu-larly rewarding where designs were challenging and unusual.

Benchmax: Guildford Rd Trading Estate, Guildford Rd, Farnham GU9 9PZ

Interior Designer for Benchmax - September 2019 to present date.

Following redundancy from Illustrate Kitchens, I was appointed as an Interior Designer for Bench-max at their showroom in Farnham. Being the only designer in the Farnham showroom means all clients who contact us to discuss and design their new kitchens are dealt with by myself. Most cli-ents have consultations in their own homes where I hold discussions with them about their kitchen and interior design ideas. Discussions are held with the clients as to their expectations, their initial design ideas . Advice is given as to how to effectively use the space available to incorporate their ideas. I deal with taking measurements of the space available and then producing the design in plan form. Once complete these designs are submitted to the clients for their perusal and com-ments. Any alterations and amendments are discussed and implemented and the design then for-mally sent to the client for them to pass to their respective builder for installation.

Illustrate Kitchens: 210 High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3JB:

Technical Designer for Illustrate Kitchens - 9th July 2018 to 21st December 2018. (Made redundant in December 2018 when Illustrate Kitchens went into Receiver-ship)

My role as a Technical Designer was to create kitchen designs, together with a design brief, to en-able the sales team to present potential customers with their individual designed kitchen. The role involved a thorough understanding of all the kitchen products to include appliances, kitchen styles, work surfaces, materials and accessories together with the production of technical drawings. Part of the role was to meet potential customers to discuss their kitchen design requirements. I pro-duced renders of kitchen designs to present to potentials customers prior to them making a final decision on the kitchen they required. I was involved in several projects which included a competi-tion to design a kitchen for a development of 16 flats. Each kitchen could be adapted according to the size of the individual flat, as all flats varied in size. There were several competitors and the level of design was high. My design won the competition. Illustrate Kitchens dealt with mid range to high end clients and I designed several kitchens which exceeded the £35,000 price range. One of these kitchen designs was for a new build development of 6 houses using up to date modern finishings and materials. This was a set design but incorporated the latest electrical appliances sourced from Siemens. This design was implemented and used within the development. Concept

design was the most interesting project that I undertook. It gave me the freedom of expression to design in a forward thinking way, through modern and unique ideas. The design was used in an apartment in Twickenham.

Voges Creative: The Courtyard, Minchens Lane, Bramley, Tadley, RG26 5BH.

Voluntary design assistant - May 2018 (for four weeks).

Through various design connections I was given the opportunity to work for a small company who primarily design small office space. One of the major designs that I had involvement in was at Manchester Hospital where a WH Smiths was constructed. A small office/retail design was incor-porated into Manchester Hospital on the pop up shop principle. I had access to AutoCad, Adobe packaging and Rivet. I gained knowledge of office and spatial design and although this was a ‘learn on the job’ role, much of the time was spent assisting the designers with technical

details and presentation. This was an invaluable position as I gained knowledge of architectural procedures and understanding of building structure.

John Lewis of 37 London End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2HW.

Hungerford:

Designer Support - 2nd August to 6th September 2017

I advised high-end clients design their dream kitchen. Support, advice and assistance was given both within the showroom as well as on the telephone. A considerable amount of time was spent training to gain product knowledge which was essential in order to provide clients with a wide variety of options for their kitchen design. I was involved in producing floor plans and ele-vations for all kitchen designs. I was responsible for producing visualisations prior to the clients making a final decision on their kitchen.

Optiplan: Turnpike Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3AN.

Design Assistant - 24th April to 7th June 2017

The majority of this role was spent training and learning about products, procedures, materials and how to produce floor plans and understanding the client’s design needs. There was involvement in discussions with clients regarding their kitchen design ideas and during this part of the process I was trained to give careful consideration to the range of products available that would fulfil the cli-ent’s expectations and requirements. I was involved with producing plans and layouts for clients to peruse so that they could visualise how their future kitchen might look. During my time at Opti-plan I gained knowledge of a wide variety of available appliances for use within the kitchen lay-outs. There was extensive dealing with client enquiries both in the showroom and on the tele-phone. Listening to the client’s requirements, expectations and ideas enabled me to provide them with suggestions for possible designs that would best fitted their needs.

A project that I was involved with during my short time at Optiplan was the Lavtery Project. This was a high end design for Optiplan with a £30,000 budget. My role was to design the layout, to in-clude floor plans, and present to the client. This was my first kitchen project and was successfully commissioned.

Front of House work at an Italian Restaurant - November 2016 to January 2017

During a short stay in the USA in 2016/2017 I did some part time front of house work at an

Italian Restaurant in San Jose, California. The role involved meet and greet, bar work, taking or-ders, general running of the restaurant and ensuring customers were made to feel welcome. This position was held as I had an American Green Card.

Transferable Skills and Expertise:

I am proficient in MAC/PC systems, Photoshop-Adobe, Google Sketchup, Indesign-Adobe, Keyshot, Illustrator, Microsoft Office and AUTOCAD. The majority of these skills were incorpo-rated as part of my University course and used during my time with the kitchen and bedroom de-sign companies. As well as the above I also have experience in CAD design, social media, floor plan drawing, MAC and windows, public relations, spatial design and public realm design. These skills were also developed predominantly during my studies at University which I have been able to transfer to the workplace.

Awards:

2016 - 2017 - Represented Plymouth University in their mountain bike team.

Plymouth 2015 - Shortlisted for Creative Spaces Design Award - shortlisted.

2014 and 2015 - Sponsorship for Spy eyewear, downhill mountain biking.

2013 - More House School, sportsman of the year.

2012 - Surrey schools Football Championship - won the championship

I am a team player and through the sporting background that I have it has helped me to work in a high pressure situation, to respect fellow team members and players and that success as well as failure is all part of achieving goals

Profile:

A target driven individual with an ability to work under pressure and achieve targets. Proactive in generating business and taking every opportunity to close sales deals. Excellent customer service skills and able to build a rapport with clients and maintain long term business relationships with buyers. I believe with my previous experience in the property industry I can bring knowledge of de-tailing in design and spatial concepts and use these to an advantage in buying and selling within the property market. I have a good work ethos and experience of deadlines within the industry. I am currently seeking an opportunity to join a well respected company as a trainee negotiator to broaden my interest in property and sales.

Education:

1. More House School Sixth Form, Farnham, Surrey from 2011 to 2012.

Subjects: Art and Design Level 3 BTEC - Distinction

Travel and Tourism Level 3 BTEC - Pass

2. University College of Art, Farnham, Surrey from 2012 to 2013.

Subject: Diploma in Art and Design - Level 3 (Foundation) - Pass

3. University of Plymouth, Devon - 2013 to 2016.

Subject: BA 3D Design - 2nd class honours

Experience:

Porcelanosa: Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, SW6 2TY

Kitchen Designer - 2021 to present date.

This role was as one of two kitchen designers based in Fulham, the responsibility being split be-tween two branches: Fulham and Croydon. The main responsibilities were to deal with walk in cli-ents and also those who had prearranged appointments. Clients who made initial contact over the phone were usually passed to myself to deal with. Throughout the role I was the first point of con-tact and I held initial discussions with them to ascertain their kitchen design ideas. Consideration was given to clients who had their own specific design ideas to see if it was feasible to achieve those ideas within the company’s design capabilities. It was also our aim to incorporate as much of the clients ’own design ideas and requests as possible. Advice was always provided on the de-sign, products, maximising space, appliances, work surfaces, costings, timescales and follow up appointments. I have extensive knowledge of the company’s produce range and an expertise in providing design ideas outside of the initial requirements. The role also included the provision of quotes prior to purchase. Time was always spent with clients discussing kitchen styles available and ensuring that any specific ideas or thoughts were respected and incorporated where possible.

Plans and elevations were provided to the client for approval once their final design had been de-cided on. On final approval my role progressed to making the arrangements for the installation of the design by our fittings team. Designing and selling the company’s kitchens was my strong point and one where I prided myself on providing an excellent and efficient service. It was particu-larly rewarding where designs were challenging and unusual.

Benchmax: Guildford Rd Trading Estate, Guildford Rd, Farnham GU9 9PZ

Interior Designer for Benchmax - September 2019 to present date.

Following redundancy from Illustrate Kitchens, I was appointed as an Interior Designer for Bench-max at their showroom in Farnham. Being the only designer in the Farnham showroom means all clients who contact us to discuss and design their new kitchens are dealt with by myself. Most cli-ents have consultations in their own homes where I hold discussions with them about their kitchen and interior design ideas. Discussions are held with the clients as to their expectations, their initial design ideas . Advice is given as to how to effectively use the space available to incorporate their ideas. I deal with taking measurements of the space available and then producing the design in plan form. Once complete these designs are submitted to the clients for their perusal and com-ments. Any alterations and amendments are discussed and implemented and the design then for-mally sent to the client for them to pass to their respective builder for installation.

Illustrate Kitchens: 210 High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3JB:

Technical Designer for Illustrate Kitchens - 9th July 2018 to 21st December 2018. (Made redundant in December 2018 when Illustrate Kitchens went into Receiver-ship)

My role as a Technical Designer was to create kitchen designs, together with a design brief, to en-able the sales team to present potential customers with their individual designed kitchen. The role involved a thorough understanding of all the kitchen products to include appliances, kitchen styles, work surfaces, materials and accessories together with the production of technical drawings. Part of the role was to meet potential customers to discuss their kitchen design requirements. I pro-duced renders of kitchen designs to present to potentials customers prior to them making a final decision on the kitchen they required. I was involved in several projects which included a competi-tion to design a kitchen for a development of 16 flats. Each kitchen could be adapted according to the size of the individual flat, as all flats varied in size. There were several competitors and the level of design was high. My design won the competition. Illustrate Kitchens dealt with mid range to high end clients and I designed several kitchens which exceeded the £35,000 price range. One of these kitchen designs was for a new build development of 6 houses using up to date modern finishings and materials. This was a set design but incorporated the latest electrical appliances sourced from Siemens. This design was implemented and used within the development. Concept

design was the most interesting project that I undertook. It gave me the freedom of expression to design in a forward thinking way, through modern and unique ideas. The design was used in an apartment in Twickenham.

Voges Creative: The Courtyard, Minchens Lane, Bramley, Tadley, RG26 5BH.

Voluntary design assistant - May 2018 (for four weeks).

Through various design connections I was given the opportunity to work for a small company who primarily design small office space. One of the major designs that I had involvement in was at Manchester Hospital where a WH Smiths was constructed. A small office/retail design was incor-porated into Manchester Hospital on the pop up shop principle. I had access to AutoCad, Adobe packaging and Rivet. I gained knowledge of office and spatial design and although this was a ‘learn on the job’ role, much of the time was spent assisting the designers with technical

details and presentation. This was an invaluable position as I gained knowledge of architectural procedures and understanding of building structure.

John Lewis of 37 London End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2HW.

Hungerford:

Designer Support - 2nd August to 6th September 2017

I advised high-end clients design their dream kitchen. Support, advice and assistance was given both within the showroom as well as on the telephone. A considerable amount of time was spent training to gain product knowledge which was essential in order to provide clients with a wide variety of options for their kitchen design. I was involved in producing floor plans and ele-vations for all kitchen designs. I was responsible for producing visualisations prior to the clients making a final decision on their kitchen.

Optiplan: Turnpike Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3AN.

Design Assistant - 24th April to 7th June 2017

The majority of this role was spent training and learning about products, procedures, materials and how to produce floor plans and understanding the client’s design needs. There was involvement in discussions with clients regarding their kitchen design ideas and during this part of the process I was trained to give careful consideration to the range of products available that would fulfil the cli-ent’s expectations and requirements. I was involved with producing plans and layouts for clients to peruse so that they could visualise how their future kitchen might look. During my time at Opti-plan I gained knowledge of a wide variety of available appliances for use within the kitchen lay-outs. There was extensive dealing with client enquiries both in the showroom and on the tele-phone. Listening to the client’s requirements, expectations and ideas enabled me to provide them with suggestions for possible designs that would best fitted their needs.

A project that I was involved with during my short time at Optiplan was the Lavtery Project. This was a high end design for Optiplan with a £30,000 budget. My role was to design the layout, to in-clude floor plans, and present to the client. This was my first kitchen project and was successfully commissioned.

Front of House work at an Italian Restaurant - November 2016 to January 2017

During a short stay in the USA in 2016/2017 I did some part time front of house work at an

Italian Restaurant in San Jose, California. The role involved meet and greet, bar work, taking or-ders, general running of the restaurant and ensuring customers were made to feel welcome. This position was held as I had an American Green Card.

Transferable Skills and Expertise:

I am proficient in MAC/PC systems, Photoshop-Adobe, Google Sketchup, Indesign-Adobe, Keyshot, Illustrator, Microsoft Office and AUTOCAD. The majority of these skills were incorpo-rated as part of my University course and used during my time with the kitchen and bedroom de-sign companies. As well as the above I also have experience in CAD design, social media, floor plan drawing, MAC and windows, public relations, spatial design and public realm design. These skills were also developed predominantly during my studies at University which I have been able to transfer to the workplace.

Awards:

2016 - 2017 - Represented Plymouth University in their mountain bike team.

Plymouth 2015 - Shortlisted for Creative Spaces Design Award - shortlisted.

2014 and 2015 - Sponsorship for Spy eyewear, downhill mountain biking.

2013 - More House School, sportsman of the year.

2012 - Surrey schools Football Championship - won the championship

I am a team player and through the sporting background that I have it has helped me to work in a high pressure situation, to respect fellow team members and players and that success as well as failure is all part of achieving goals