Product Design Consultant, Darkon Architectural Lighting

July. 2012 to 2013

Working with the in-house team, I have worked on a project basis taking designs through from concept to production. The designs are worked closely with the director from initial sketch, though to manufacturing drawings for local, foreign and in-house production teams. Working mainly in solidworks, daily tasks have also included creating the manufacturing CNC programs.

Director, Reefknot Pty Ltd

July. 2012 to Present

After returning to Australia, Reefknot was setup to facilitate consultancy and freelance roles, while also creating a brand for the production of my modern contemporary furniture designs.

Career Break

August 2011 – June 2012

During 2011 – 2012, after deciding to bring my time in the UK to an end, I ventured home the long way. Taking on the epic task of making the journey overland. My travels from London to Singapore can be found at http://travel.brettwemyss.com

Design Consultant, Royal Bank of Scotland

July. 2011 to August 2011

Design Consultant, tasked to produce the retail banking chain’s design standards. The role involved working remotely to produce the standard details, with weekly meetings, bringing together information from key suppliers and stakeholders. The project was completed on time.

Technical Design Manager, Group Design

April 2010 – May 2011

Responsible for delivering all standard details, signage details and technical design for the group. Initiated design processes and templates for external resources to bring all elements of design into one format, standard details, shopfitting manuals for fixtures fittings and signage together with programs and design briefs. Managed internal team together with multiple signage, joinery, fixture and design resources.

• Delivered improved processes on signage schemes saving business excess of £3.4M
• Managed internal and external signage schemes in excess of 340 Stores
• Produced technical manuals and standard designs for group
• Maintained group standard details for Joinery, System, Signage, Furniture, Acrylics and Small metal works

Lead Creative, Group Design

Sept. 2008 to April 2010

Lead retail designer in the group’s retail property team. Worked on all of DSG’s brands across the group’s portfolio, both in the UK and internationally, taking design projects from concept to completion. Types of projects included designing anything from fixtures and fittings to large interior projects. Responsible for delivering the Dixons travel brand into airports, both landside and airside, dealing with airport authorities in the UK and Europe. Initiated design processes, standard details, shopfitting manuals for fixtures fittings and signage together with programs and design briefs.
Managed Internal and External resources to deliver projects on budget and within tight deadlines simultaneously.

• Created standard details for the multiple brands of DSGi
• Sole Designer responsible for Dixons Travel Airport stores.
• Introduced Dixons Travel Brand into Rome International Airport, 5 stores over 3 terminals.
• Developed New Add accessories stores for Heathrow T5, Stansted and Manchester T2

Design Manager, PCWorld Stores Group

Sept. 2005 to 2008

Responsible for the production of store construction layouts, joinery items, shop-fitting system and signage. Control and produce all drawings from design intent to construction, standard details and store specifications. Set design briefs with agencies and suppliers and ensured standards were met and transferred from initial concept to site on budget and to program. Managed external CAD resources, assigning work to meet program deliverables and making sure all drawings confirmed to building and CDM regulations. Communicated with local authorities to process planning applications for both adverts and HVAC, attended appeal hearings where necessary. Designed and presented new concept initiatives at Director and MD level for approval.

• Developed store planning processes and standards.
• Concept generation for PCWorld’s winning new revenue program.
• Management of PCWorld Standard Details and Shopfitting
• Designed new initiatives for fast-track program rolling out to 160 stores

Design Manager

June. 2004 to Sept. 2005

Design manager for the department responsible for the visual presentation and design of retail environments. The role involved close partnership with the client and suppliers; as well as the production of design packs detailing the signage for both external and internal spaces. In-house responsibilities included managing staff expectations and being a positive role model, invoicing clients and brainstorming strategies to develop new business.

Freelance Designer

Nov. 2003 to Dec. 2003

Employed on a contract basis to develop exhibitions and displays for major projects in the United Arab Emirates and the United kingdom. Work included the design and development of a themed ride, a permanent exhibition for wild cats and a restaurant/café for Blackpool Zoo, all by producing detailed working drawings and plans in AutoCAD.

Tom Dixon Design Ltd., London, UK

May 2003 to Jul. 2003

Assisted in development of various products and contributed to a major contract, Inn the Park, a restaurant interior designed by Tom Dixon. The work Involved creating a 3d model from CAD plans to produce visuals of the restaurant interior. Provided building material palettes and sourced manufacturers and costs. Also setup Tom Dixon Design Studio computer system and network installation.