Nashwa Rafeeque
Interior Design Specialist
Dubai
Summary
As an Interior Design Specialist with over 6 years of experience, I’m passionate about leading store planning and expansion projects that bring creative and functional retail spaces to life. From the UAE to Egypt and Oman, I’ve had the privilege of designing and implementing layouts that not only meet regional needs but also elevate the customer experience. My deep understanding of design and architecture principles, along with my expertise in tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, allows me to create innovative and practical solutions that align with both aesthetic and functional goals. With a love for problem-solving, an eagerness to learn, and strong communication skills, I thrive in collaborative environments and am always excited to contribute to team success. I’m ready to embrace new challenges, tackle complex design projects, and make a meaningful impact while helping achieve organizational goals with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Interior Design Specialist
IKEA
Dubai
08.2018 - Current
- Spearhead strategic planning and implementation of new IKEA stores across UAE, ensuring store layouts align with commercial briefs and meet regional KPIs.
- Leverage deep market knowledge and customer insights to design store layouts that cater to specific local preferences, optimizing customer flow and space utilization.
- Manage full store planning process, from conceptual design to on-site execution, collaborating with technical teams and overseeing construction timelines to ensure timely project delivery.
- Prepare and manage BOQs and IMS ordering, ensuring minimal discrepancies in material orders and overseeing procurement for carpentry and fit-out materials.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and operations, to ensure design alignment with commercial goals.
- Oversee planning and integration of food and beverage components, ensuring operational efficiency while enhancing overall customer experience.
- Lead on-site supervision during fit-out phase, ensuring final store layout adheres to design plans and quality standards for store opening.
Product Designer - Furniture & Accessories
KHALID SHAFAR
Dubai
11.2016 - 07.2018
- Played integral role in designing and developing new product lines, including accessories and lighting fixtures, both for client-specific briefs and for expansion of existing product portfolio.
- Collaborated with renowned designers to create and showcase innovative designs at prestigious events, such as Dubai Design Days, enhancing brand visibility and fostering creative partnerships.
- Produced detailed technical drawings and specifications to guide production process, ensuring high standards of design integrity and functionality throughout product development.
- Actively supervised in-house production, overseeing execution of designs from prototype to final product while maintaining adherence to quality and craftsmanship standards.
Education
Master of Arts - Industrial Design
DJ Academy of Design
India 05.2013 - 07.2016
BBA - Business Administration And Management
Providence Women's College
India 06.2010 - 07.2013
Skills
Technical Skills:
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Revit
- IMS Ordering System
- BOQ (Bills of Quantities) Management
- Lighting Design
- Sustainable Design Practices
Soft Skills:
- Leadership and team management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Project management and timeline coordination
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments
Core competencies
- Retail Store Layout & Design
- Project Management & Timeline Coordination
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Budget Planning & Cost Optimization
- Sustainable Design Practices
- Customer-Centric Design Solutions
- Vendor & Supplier Coordination
- Interior Design & Visual Identity
Accomplishments
Projects Completed:
IKEA Al-Wahda, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
IKEA MOA. Cairo, Egypt
IKEA Avenue Mall, Muscat, Oman
IKEA Fujairah, U.A.E
IKEA Dalma, U.A.E
IKEA Al-Ain, U.A.E
Timeline
Interior Design Specialist
IKEA
08.2018 - Current
Product Designer - Furniture & Accessories
KHALID SHAFAR
11.2016 - 07.2018
Master of Arts - Industrial Design
DJ Academy of Design
05.2013 - 07.2016
BBA - Business Administration And Management
Providence Women's College
06.2010 - 07.2013
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