1. R E N É E H I G G I N S
244 George Washington Turnpike
Burlington, CT 06013, USA
Phone: (H) 860.673.7202 (C) 860.308.5669
E-Mail: ReneeGHiggins@gmail.com
OBJECTIVE
Interior Designer with a strong knowledge of codes, building systems, contract documents and administration and space planning, seeking a
position within a reputed firm that can fully utilize my aesthetic skills and experience using design concepts while completing projects that will
further the firm's goals.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
 Freelance Interior Designer 2011 – Present Bangalore, India
Experience: 11 Hayes Road, Prestige White Lodge, Richmond Town, Bangalore, India
Furnishing, painting, accessorizing, furniture selection and purchasing, purchasing
 Freelance Interior Designer 2007 – 2010 Beijing, China
Experience: 1401 Grand Millenium Apartment, Fortune Plaza, Beijing
Refurnishing, installation, accessorizing, furniture selection and purchasing, purchasing
2040 Yosemite Villa, Shunyi, Beijing
Subcontracting fabrication, installation, accessorizing, paint and wall covering selection, furniture selection and purchasing,
purchasing of antiques, and related items
1004 Yosemite Villa, Shunyi, Beijing
Refurnishing and refurbishing furniture and interiors. Subcontracting fabrication, installation, accessorizing, paint and wall
covering selection, furniture selection and purchasing, purchasing of antiques, and related items for both Landlord and
International Expatriates
Western Academy Beijing
As a Member of the FAC at WAB (Facilities & Assets Committee at Western Academy of Beijing), ensure that the school
consistently and accurately uses appropriate long and short term policies, processes and procedures to ensure the schools
facilities are maintained, sustained, cost effective and legally compliant which includes all land, structure and public areas
including all apparatus, plant, and machinery and equipment. Completed the RMB11+ Million Bridge that connects two
campuses cutting the distance to and fro for students as well as enhancing the community by incorporating green design by
transforming a polluted lake into a protected wetlands environmental center. Cultural Chinese Feng Shui aesthetic was
also implemented for further enhancement. Liaising with H2L2 Architectural firm for a $115K Master Plan and
renovations for WAB
 Interior Designer 2005 – 2007 Kaestle Boos Architects, New Britain, CT
Experience: Lewis S. Mills High School & Harbur Middle School
$50Million addition and renovation project of 308,900 SQF, fifth grade academic wing, middle school auxiliary
gymnasium, science and academic wing for the high school, home economics, shared auditorium and new high school
music wing. Renovated-as-new with a minimum of 20 year life expectancy. Responsibilities included Programming, Space
Planning, Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E), Fire Safety & ADA Code Implementation. Consultation and
coordinating design direction with Project Manager, Project Architect, Landscape Architect and other disciplines.
Meetings, Liaising, and presentations to/with the Superintendent, School Board Committee as well as the Community.
Designed custom signage and graphics, and lighting selection. Layouts of Architectural Interior Finishes with Presentation
Boards. Collated and provided product literature, data and specifications. Interior elevations, building sections, details, and
perspectives drafted using AutoCAD 2008. Estimates, Consult with Representatives, Delivery, Punch-listing, Site Visits,
Contract Documents, Construction Administration
New Britain High School
$40Million addition and renovation project of a Freshman Wing, Lecture Hall, Special Needs Wing, Home Economics,
Science Labs, and Behavioral Campus. Complete code upgrades. Responsibilities included Programming, Space Planning,
Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E), Fire Safety & ADA Code Implementation. Consultation and coordinating
design direction with Project Manager, Project Architect, Landscape Architect and other disciplines
Orange Restaurant – Atlas Park New York
$1.3Million restaurant in the center of a mall’s courtyard with a greenhouse design. Responsibilities included
Programming, Space Planning, Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E), Fire Safety & ADA Code Implementation.
Consultation and coordinating design direction with Developer/Owner, Project Manager, Project Architect, Landscape
Architect and other disciplines. Part of the branding team on custom signage and graphics, staff attire, dinnerware selection
and lighting selection. Layouts of Architectural Interior Finishes with Presentation Boards. Delivery, Punch-listing, Site
Visits

2. R E N É E H I G G I N S
 Interior Designer 2004 – 2005 NI Design, Farmington, CT
Experience: Barnes & Noble Bookstores, Nine West Stores, EMS, Easy Spirit, Blue Moon, Auction Pays, Liz Claiborne
Drafting using AutoCAD 2000, Finish Selection and Presentation Boards for Clients, Lighting Selection, Furniture
Selection, Client Liaison, Liaising with Manufacturers Representatives – sample orders, purchase orders, competitive
rates, Preliminary Plans / Block-out Plan, Demolition & Construction Plan, Reflected Ceiling Plans, Elevations, co-
ordinate Fixture & Finish Plans, Landscape Design
 Intern Designer 2002 The Blind Side, Verona, PA
Experience: Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh, PA
A $30K Living Room with Furniture, Elevations, Space Planning, Lighting Plan using AutoCAD 2000, Furniture and
Fabric selections, Arrangement of furniture and accessories within the design Store, Client and Representative Liaison,
Library Coordination, Purchasing and Selling of goods in store, contracts and sales proposals for clients and deliveries
Wexford Nursing Home, Pittsburgh, PA
A $1.5M renovation with particular emphasis on Codes and Barrier-Free design such as flammability, capacity and
access routes for geriatric and physically challenged individuals. Color selection and pattern were of extreme
importance to the aged individuals so that a calming, home-like environment was achieved
 Modeling / Photography / Commercials 1992 – 1995 South Africa
 Administrative Assistant to Managing Director 1991 – 1992 Brantam Financial Services, Randburg, South Africa
Experience: Prepared contracts and sales proposals for clients, Corporate Functions, Administration, Established reports to track
life and pension insurance renewals and updates, Client Liaison
 Legal Secretary 1989 – 1991 Gold Fields South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
Experience: Word Processing, Mining litigation, Contracts, Wills, Agendas, Filing, Faxing, Mailing, Travel arrangements
EDUCATION
 B.Sc. Interior Design 2000 – 2003 Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
 Coursework, Black & White Photography 1997 Butler County Community College, Butler, PA
 Mandarin & Chinese Culture Studies 2007-201 Ex-Pats Mandarin School, Beijing, China
SKILLS / ACHIEVEMENTS
Interior design skills
As an Interior Designer, I have technical proficiency in AutoCAD 2009, Photoshop, a vision and dedication to the
understanding of planning, and the know how to sell ideas to clients, create informative and persuasive proposals and
presentations, and maintain good client relationships. I have an understanding of plans, health, safety, and building codes.
My interpersonal communication skills enable me to work with architects, interior designers, contractors and other service
providers allowing me to be both a good team leader and good team player. I am able to negotiate and mediate when
necessary to solve problems. My discipline and organizational skills allow me to work well with clients and other design
professionals to develop design solutions that are safe, functional to the meet the needs of the client.
Personal skills
Goal-oriented individual, Teamwork skills, Ability to meet deadlines, Interpersonal skills, Written and Oral communication
skills, Ability to lead and/or support project team in design, production, documentation, consultant, energetic, positive
natured, self-motivated and independent.
AFFILIATIONS
Volunteer at Sun Village Orphanage and Huiling Home for Mentally Challenged
PTA Charity Committee Member
REFERENCES AND PORTFOLIO
Linda Zhang (Jones Lang La Salle), Beijing, [www.joneslanglasalle.com.cn]
Charles Boos (Kaestle Boos Architects), Connecticut, USA [www.kba-architects.com]
Ted Amenta (Amenta & Co), Connecticut, USA [www.amentaco.com]
Damon Hemmerdinger (Owner at A&Co), New York [www.atco.com]
Susan Sclafani (JCJ Architecture) [www.jcj.com]
*PORTFOLIO UPON REQUEST*