SAMANTHA GRATE
Papillion
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented Design Drafter with five years of experience delivering innovative drafting solutions for specialty firms. Recognized for exceptional communication skills and a strong ability to understand, visualize, and articulate client needs during the initial phases of projects. Proven asset to engineering, sales, and customer teams, adept at aligning client requirements with technical capabilities to drive successful outcomes. Committed to enhancing project efficiency and client satisfaction through creative problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Drafter
VirtuActive
Elkhorn, NE
04.2023 - 03.2026
- Received and reviewed details from design professionals to determine precise measurements for drawing preparation.
- Kept to tight deadlines and forged strong team bonds to accomplish challenging objectives.
- Adhered closely to national, regional and local code requirements for safety and risk management purposes.
- Implemented revisions as required by engineering, customer or suppliers.
- Worked with computer programs such Chief Architect to complete project drawings.
- Collaborated with engineers to create accurate design specifications and project documentation.
- Conducted thorough reviews of designs to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Effectively communicated with clients throughout the design process, ensuring their vision was accurately represented in final drafts.
Lead Designer
Design Level 4 Studio
Omaha, NE
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Created designs using computer programs such Chief Architect to complete shop drawings.
- Developed precise drawings from scratch based on written and verbal specifications supplied by customer, engineering or sales.
- Implemented revisions as required by engineering, customer or suppliers.
- Received and reviewed details from design professionals to determine precise measurements for drawing preparation.
- Adhered closely to national, regional and local code requirements for safety and risk management purposes.
- Oversaw project timelines and deliverables, ensuring alignment with client requirements and industry standards.
- Led design team in developing innovative product concepts, enhancing creative output and client satisfaction.
Drafter
VirtuActive
Elkhorn, NE
03.2021 - 11.2022
- Received and reviewed details from design professionals to determine precise measurements for drawing preparation.
- Kept to tight deadlines and forged strong team bonds to accomplish challenging objectives.
- Adhered closely to national, regional and local code requirements for safety and risk management purposes.
- Implemented revisions as required by engineering, customer or suppliers.
- Worked with computer programs such Chief Architect to complete project drawings.
Project Manager
SL Jensen Construction
Omaha, NE
09.2019 - 08.2020
- Created project plans with established timelines, assigned to appropriate teams and managed workflow throughout construction.
- Forecasted, scheduled and monitored project timelines, personnel performance and cost efficiency.
- Developed solutions to project risks and issues, meeting quality and timeline goals and objectives.
- Identified needs and coordinated resource allocation to deliver quality standards on time and within budget.
- Conducted periodic inspections of job sites for quality and progress.
- Prepared cost estimates for projects of varying sizes.
- Made changes to project scope and cost and implemented most effective change management processes to keep project up-to-date.
- Reviewed budget and subcontractor estimates in detail and analyzed for accuracy with scope of work relevancy in mind.
Cabinet Designer
CKF
Omaha, NE
08.2014 - 09.2019
- Measured cabinet spaces and designed detailed layouts.
- Adhered to production deadlines and reported delays to supervisors.
- Chose materials for custom cabinets fitting design and client wishes.
- Ordered materials for custom cabinets after designing layouts..
- Observed strict deadlines and adjusted plans according to changes in production schedules to maintain targets.
- Visited home sites when necessary to assess and fulfill customer needs.
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
- Placed orders and answered customer questions in-person, through email and over phone to maximize customer service.
- Fostered relationships with customers to expand customer base and retain business.
- Monitored customer order process and addressed customer issues.
Education
ASSOCIATES DEGREE -
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
02-2016
Skills
- Proficient in 20-20 Design
- Willingness to Learn
- Structural and Floor Plans
- Site Visits
- Elevation Drawings
- MS Office
- Creative Thinking
- Deadline Adherence
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Interpersonal Relations
- 3D Renderings
- Construction Procedures
- Scaling Expertise
- Specifications Understanding
- Interior/Exterior Experience
- Project Management
- 2D Plans
- Producing and Revising Drawings
- Chief Architect Software
- Blueprint interpretation
- Engineering documentation
- Budget Control
- Customer Relationship Management
Timeline
Senior Drafter
VirtuActive
04.2023 - 03.2026
Lead Designer
Design Level 4 Studio
11.2022 - 03.2023
Drafter
VirtuActive
03.2021 - 11.2022
Project Manager
SL Jensen Construction
09.2019 - 08.2020
Cabinet Designer
CKF
08.2014 - 09.2019
ASSOCIATES DEGREE -
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE