Experience

Mark Asplin Whiteley Ltd.

• United Kingdom
• Furniture
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Designer-Draughtsperson

  • Aug 2017 - Present

  MAW design and manufacture high-end luxury bespoke furniture for super prime properties, palaces and superyachts in the UK and worldwide. With clients ranging from interior designers, architects and luxury furniture brands. My main role at MAW is liaising with clients to develop projects from their initial design intent, sketches or DWG drawings. I also work with the in-house skilled craftsmen and technical manager to develop the best construction methods for achieving the highest quality standards required for fine furniture. Daily tasks include 3D modelling on SolidWorks and creating accurate, thorough technical drawings for the workshop. It is vitally important to design each piece to the most efficient method for such bespoke one-off manufacture and for machining components on the 5-axis CNC. Other responsibilities include project management, procurement, marketing, site surveys and client meetings. In my spare time I am learning computer coding to assist with software elements of SolidWorks. This is a useful skill I intend to further develop in the future for coding websites.During my employment I have worked on a variety of interesting furniture pieces, both fitted and freestanding. I have designed many marquetry pieces for room panels, table tops and cabinet doors. Teaching myself how to design marquetry from scratch, iterate, draw on Illustrator/SolidWorks and render them in the appropriate veneer textures is one of the achievements I’m most proud of in my time at MAW.I have progressively grown in my role by an increase in confidence and a good level of assertiveness which pushes projects along. By being well organised with my communication skills and asking the right questions this provides further clarity whilst keeping key parties informed. Show less

• Marketing Graphic Designer

  • Jun 2018 - Jul 2021

  During my time at Mark Asplin Whiteley, including my role as a Designer-Draughtsperson, I accepted the additional responsibility of coordinating the Marketing. I redesigned the company’s website on Wix, their respective brochure on InDesign, designed magazine adverts and produced product photography using Lightroom and Photoshop. I also established and managed the social media profiles, wrote copy for the marketing materials while collaborating with the Director throughout this process. Working to the existing company branding but also refreshing and developing on this. I succeeded in drastically improving the company’s online presence and printed brochures; making the aesthetic sleeker and more high-end to showcase beautiful examples of MAW’s work to potential clients. Show less



WESTENRA

• Whitby, England, United Kingdom

• Marketer

  • May 2019 - Present

  Managing the marketing for Whitby-based Gothic Rock band WESTENRA, one of my main duties include; designing and maintaining the Website on Wix using graphic design artwork & logos provided by the guitarist, Also, editing band photoshoots using Photoshop, Lightroom & Affinity Photo. I manage the Digital Music Distribution to streaming services and bandcamp; including the distribution of Physical CD copies to fans in the UK and abroad. The monitoring of the Streaming Stats helps to glean insights into which songs are most popular, where in the world fans are located and what demographic they are. These findings all get taken into consideration when choosing the right setlist for live gigs. Working as a team, I also assist with the social media marketing and communications with fans and event promoters. Westenra is a project I’m very proud to be involved with, as the lead singer of the band, who also writes deeply meaningful lyrics and collaborates on songwriting with the bassist & guitarist. The band is 100% independent; having self-recorded, produced and released the debut album, 'First Light', in January 2021. The music video for one of the fan favourite songs 'Soul Shine' was filmed and edited by us too. Show less



Sheffield Hallam University

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• MDes Furniture Design Student

  • Sep 2012 - Jun 2017

  Academic year 2016/17 - Completing the 4th and final year of my Integrated Masters Degree. Academic year 2015/16 - Taking a break in study to get industry experience. Design experience in course modules. PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT During this module I undertook a 7 week mentored project with the Lab 4 Living and then a 5 week placement at Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens. These experiences have given me a great insight into what it's really like in the design world. It has improved my attitude to how I work and has shown me a different perspective on what my future career could be. For this module I received my highest grade in all my years at university: 1:1 (74%). MDES EXHIBITION In collaboration with MADE NORTH, this project was exhibited in January 2015. The outcome was solely inspired by Sheffield and represented what the city had to offer in 2015. After focusing on issues like sustainability and quality of materials I now consider these as important parts of my design process. In this module I have also gained valuable leadership and team working skills through being one of the spokespersons of the curation team. LIVE PROJECT: OCEE DESIGN I designed an innovative coffee table for a company who specialise in office furniture. The tessellating family of tables I designed fits with their existing product range and is ideal for an office break-out space. I got a great insight into the real life process of design: especially the restrictions with regards to manufacture and assembly of the product. This project boosted my confidence with presentations and raised the quality of my work. Show less



Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens

• United Kingdom
• Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Full Time CAD Designer

  • Jun 2015 - Sep 2016

  My role was to translate 2D designs into 3D models to then provide accurate plans for fitters and beautiful realistic renders to present to clients. I also assisted with: • Client quote meetings and measuring up the room • Maintaining the Solid Edge library of models • Ensuring all document templates contained the correct spelling and punctuation and made important changes where needed • Answering calls and liaising with customers, suppliers and colleagues • Admin duties • Pricing up quotes Training courses attended during my time of employment: 1. Eco driving course 2. Face-to-face selling course Show less



Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens

• United Kingdom
• Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Design Intern

  • Mar 2015 - Apr 2015

  As part of my university course I undertook a 5 week placement with SSK. I observed the kitchen design process from enquiry right through to the design; getting the job and installing the kitchen. Full training of the Solid Edge 3D modelling software and the creation of a kitchen model were taught to me. I also created sketches, designs and 3D CAD models for SSK branded kitchenware such as trivets, spice racks and utensil hangers. As part of my university course I undertook a 5 week placement with SSK. I observed the kitchen design process from enquiry right through to the design; getting the job and installing the kitchen. Full training of the Solid Edge 3D modelling software and the creation of a kitchen model were taught to me. I also created sketches, designs and 3D CAD models for SSK branded kitchenware such as trivets, spice racks and utensil hangers.



The Lab 4 Living

• Sheffield, United Kingdom

• Mentored Project on The Future Bathroom

  • Feb 2015 - Mar 2015

  During third year of university I did a 7 week mentored project, with Heath Reed from the Lab 4 Living and Design Futures, where I explored how to improve the future bathroom for the aging population. During this project I did extensive research through research papers, articles, studies and worked with a user-focus group to identify key problems and find ways to fix or improve them. From this research I developed a concept for a height adjustable sink that allows people of all ages, heights and abilities to use the bathroom sink. This makes it a more universal part of the home that adapts to all stages of a persons life. Everyone has a right to personal hygiene and I believe that one size shouldn't be make to fit all. ​ Show less



Disney Event Staff Ltd

• United Kingdom
• Staffing and Recruiting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Waitress and Bartender

  • May 2014 - Oct 2014

  I worked at some of the busiest events of the year at York, Doncaster and Uttoxeter racecourse including the St Leger Festival. To be efficient on the job I practiced good time management, fast arithmetic and always provided excellent customer service. I worked at some of the busiest events of the year at York, Doncaster and Uttoxeter racecourse including the St Leger Festival. To be efficient on the job I practiced good time management, fast arithmetic and always provided excellent customer service.



McDonald's

• United States
• Restaurants
• 700 & Above Employee

• Crew Member

  • Jun 2013 - Sep 2013

  Working as a team in McDonald’s has helped me to work efficiently under pressure in a fast paced environment, ensuring that the system runs smoothly. I used excellent communication skills to take orders and deliver to the customer’s needs. I am proud to say I achieved the Employee of the Month Award. Working as a team in McDonald’s has helped me to work efficiently under pressure in a fast paced environment, ensuring that the system runs smoothly. I used excellent communication skills to take orders and deliver to the customer’s needs. I am proud to say I achieved the Employee of the Month Award.



Archers North End Stores

• Swineshead, Lincolnshire

• Shop Assistant

  • Jun 2007 - Sep 2012

  I have five years’ retail experience working in a small convenience store, occasionally acting as store manager while the owner was away. I greatly enjoy working in this sector, especially when it comes to engaging with and helping customers. I have five years’ retail experience working in a small convenience store, occasionally acting as store manager while the owner was away. I greatly enjoy working in this sector, especially when it comes to engaging with and helping customers.