Mercia Abbott
Spatial Designer
Wellington, New Zealand
272219037
be.net/Mercia
I am an energetic, hard working fun loving individual with a passion for all things design. For the past 5 years I have been teaching Spatial Design at two internationally highly regarded University’s. Toi Whakaari and Massey University. I have also been working as a Kitchen Designer and freelance Spatial designer dabbling in exhibition design, graphic, interior and landscape design. Overall I would class myself as an all-round- er with some specialised ability’s that I believe give me a point of difference. I also have a range of skills, having worked in
a assortment of roles including banking, nance, retail and administration on top of those stated above. All these roles developed my customer service skills and my ability to problem solve, interact with people of varying cultures, age and back- grounds. But also how to hit targets and deadlines as well as working within a team. I am professional and I truly believe that excellent customer service, respect and an outgoing friendly personality is key to any role.
a assortment of roles including banking, nance, retail and administration on top of those stated above. All these roles developed my customer service skills and my ability to problem solve, interact with people of varying cultures, age and back- grounds. But also how to hit targets and deadlines as well as working within a team. I am professional and I truly believe that excellent customer service, respect and an outgoing friendly personality is key to any role.
Work Experience
New Zealand Post
Payroll Coordinator
Skills: Working the fortnightly payroll making sure the company's employees and contractors were paid accurately and on time. Filling answering employee’s questions and account recovery.
Outcome: This was a temporary position which required an organized, professional, motivated and capable problem solver with the ability to learn fast and operate efficiently.
Outcome: This was a temporary position which required an organized, professional, motivated and capable problem solver with the ability to learn fast and operate efficiently.
December 2010
- June 2011
Wellington, New Zealand
Farmers Kilbirne
Varied Role
Skills: Greeting and answering customer enquiries, cash handling, Eftpos. In conjunction with maintaining excellent product knowledge I also generated sales and carried out stocktakes in an accurate manner. Merchandising: This included men’s and woman’s wear as well as accessories and footwear. Product relocation and restocking of required areas as well as dressing mannequins and assisting the hanging of signs. Office: Calculating the banking and working out any discrepancies in the tills. Recording any staff errors and identifying possible training areas that were followed through by the department manager. Filling receipts and other documentation required for auditing. Printing out sales tickets and relevant assisting documentation.
Outcome: Customer service roles are of fundamental importance to any business and the impression created is a vital component of client and team satisfaction. I believe I maintained a good relationship with both the customers and staff whilst during and after working for farmers as well as continuing to master skills that I have generated over previous roles. Farmers Kilbirnie is a small store and working in this environment enabled me to work in a variety of roles gaining an understanding of different positions and responsibilities within retail as well as working within a small team.
Outcome: Customer service roles are of fundamental importance to any business and the impression created is a vital component of client and team satisfaction. I believe I maintained a good relationship with both the customers and staff whilst during and after working for farmers as well as continuing to master skills that I have generated over previous roles. Farmers Kilbirnie is a small store and working in this environment enabled me to work in a variety of roles gaining an understanding of different positions and responsibilities within retail as well as working within a small team.
December 2007
- June 2011
Wellington, New Zealand
Haylo Skin And Body
Receptionist
Skills: Greeting Clients, making appointments, answering phones, general filling and clearing emails. Light cleaning and re-stocking shelves, product knowledge with regards to sun beds, skin care, make up and other in house products.
Outcome: I have built a strong rapport with the clients, staff and owner of Haylo and occasionally when they are extra busy.
Outcome: I have built a strong rapport with the clients, staff and owner of Haylo and occasionally when they are extra busy.
Wellington, New Zealand
Volunteer At Orphanage In Nepal
Teacher/ caregiver
Skills: Taking care of 45 children, applying medications, teaching English and creative arts as well as basic hygiene.
Outcome: A valuable experience allowing me to accept all the challenges of working completely outside my comfort zone in order to assist others.
Outcome: A valuable experience allowing me to accept all the challenges of working completely outside my comfort zone in order to assist others.
Nepal
Westpac New Zealand Kilbirne
Teller Customer service
Skills: Providing Quality service to customers, processing teller transactions accurately and efficiently. Identifying Sales opportunities and working with all types of enquires from term deposits and foreign currency to product information.
Outcome: Within the first month I was given staff training responsibilities and trusted with safe combinations as well as being trained into a new position as head teller dealing with many different businesses.
Outcome: Within the first month I was given staff training responsibilities and trusted with safe combinations as well as being trained into a new position as head teller dealing with many different businesses.
Wellington, New Zealand
Westpac New Zealand Call Centre
Customer Service Representative
Skills: Managing risk and compliance, following Westpac phone standards to a level of high quality. Insuring customer’s needs were met while providing sale opportunities and referrals if needed. Thorough product knowledge so customers were fully informed.
Outcome: I assisted my teammates by providing regular updates on target figures and new information that came through. Occasionally running team meetings and creating new sales target and information games. Achieving a level of quality and skill, this allowed me to train new staff as well as occasionally being the on call supervisor for the Wellington site. Assisting staff enquires.
Outcome: I assisted my teammates by providing regular updates on target figures and new information that came through. Occasionally running team meetings and creating new sales target and information games. Achieving a level of quality and skill, this allowed me to train new staff as well as occasionally being the on call supervisor for the Wellington site. Assisting staff enquires.
Wellington, New Zealand
Armorguard Security
Undercover store security
Skills: Dealing with difficult situations in a calm and collective manner, writing clear and accurate statements for police officers.
Outcome: I gained self-management skills and a thick skin when working for Armourguard giving me confidence in knowing I can handle being under pressure in difficult and sometimes scary situations.
Outcome: I gained self-management skills and a thick skin when working for Armourguard giving me confidence in knowing I can handle being under pressure in difficult and sometimes scary situations.
New Zealand
Presbyterian Support
Presbyterian Resource Co coordinator 2012-2012
Strong focus on customer service mostly with the elderly, reassuring them, problem solving and providing assistance. Majority of the time these customers were distressed requiring a calm and resilient support officer. Organisation of staff rosters and finding replacement staff at short notice. Invoicing, ling and sending of staff payslip details. Answering phones and emails taking detailed notes on each call.
This position furthered my administration skills by learning how to rearrange and organise important details under pressure and at short notice.
This position furthered my administration skills by learning how to rearrange and organise important details under pressure and at short notice.
March 2012
- May 2012
Wellington, New Zealand
SJ Gordon Design
Spatial Designer
To provide design, planning, drafting, preparation of plans and documents in Auto Cad if not hand-drawn. Requesting prices, ordering materials for projects, Site management and super vision client liaison, contractor liaison, regular archiving of project and system les as well as providing administration support
to S J Gordon Design Ltd.
to S J Gordon Design Ltd.
August 2016
- October 2016
Wellington, New Zealand
M DARLING DESIGN
SPATIAL DESIGNER
Interior Design: This included putting together a design solution made speci cally for my clients requirements and personality. Including a design board, colour scheme, furniture choices, materiality, textures and an overall look for the space. As well as a furniture plan which suggested the best practical spatial layout.
Graphic Design: Creating event stationary for formal weddings including menu, reception details, seating charts, favor labels and Chinese tea ceremonies. As well as baby Shower and Milestone birthday parties.
Landscape Concept Design: This included putting together design concept sketches that met the clients brief. https://www.mdarlingdesign.com
January 2017
- Present
Massey University
Massey University Senior Tutor & Paper Coordinator
Teaching 224.257/8 Spatial Design Studio 2 and 224.157 Space Studio 1.
As coordinator I write briefs, organise site visits, guest speakers and implement the desired learning outcomes. I provide lectures and demonstrations that cover 3D digital and technical drawing and modelling. As well as workshop demonstrations and physical models with a strong emphasis on construction and materiality. All administration tasks including marking, moderation, absences and teaching tools are also my responsibility. I also update and maintain the spatial design blog and other Online forums and groups. The class sizes range from 30-45 students so being organised and staying on top of new technology and research is critical to this role.
Space Studio 100 Blog- http://www.spatialdesign.info/space/
Spatial Studio 200 - http://www.spatialdesign.info/blog/2015- year-02/design-studio-iib-ihi-wehi/
As coordinator I write briefs, organise site visits, guest speakers and implement the desired learning outcomes. I provide lectures and demonstrations that cover 3D digital and technical drawing and modelling. As well as workshop demonstrations and physical models with a strong emphasis on construction and materiality. All administration tasks including marking, moderation, absences and teaching tools are also my responsibility. I also update and maintain the spatial design blog and other Online forums and groups. The class sizes range from 30-45 students so being organised and staying on top of new technology and research is critical to this role.
Space Studio 100 Blog- http://www.spatialdesign.info/space/
Spatial Studio 200 - http://www.spatialdesign.info/blog/2015- year-02/design-studio-iib-ihi-wehi/
March 2014
- January 2019
Toi Whakaari
Specialised Digital Lecturer
In my role as the Specialised Digital Lecturer I teach two different papers to the Bachelor of Design (Stage and Screen) and stage and props students. Both roles involve teaching a digital computer program alongside other skills. For one paper I introduce first year students to 2D technical drawings skills. The second paper involves the second year students focussing on advanced drawing skills and 3D modelling and visualisation using Vectorworks.
July 2014
- October 2019
Wellington, New Zealand
Gibson Group
Exhibition Designer
Gibson group is a creative studio of digital experience designers and content creators who design location- based experiences for tourist attractions and cultural institutions, television programmes and films for national broadcasters and corporate clients. Core services include: Concept and narrative development / strategy, Exhibition design of physical spaces, My specific role is as a Spatial Design Contractor I have worked on the concept design for the Turanga Christchurch City library tactile interactive wall.
I am currently working on the conceptualisation and design of a visitor experience for the Margaret River and Busselton Tourism Association in Western Australia. This project looks to provide the visitor with a “Lighthouse Experience”. An understanding
of the geographical, cultural and environmental significance of where each lighthouse stands as there are 2 that cater to different audiences. The built history of the lighthouse and the evolution of technology, insight into the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and their duties. Telling the stories of the people who lived this life in a fun and interactive way. Which is something i have loved being a part of.
I am currently working on the conceptualisation and design of a visitor experience for the Margaret River and Busselton Tourism Association in Western Australia. This project looks to provide the visitor with a “Lighthouse Experience”. An understanding
of the geographical, cultural and environmental significance of where each lighthouse stands as there are 2 that cater to different audiences. The built history of the lighthouse and the evolution of technology, insight into the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and their duties. Telling the stories of the people who lived this life in a fun and interactive way. Which is something i have loved being a part of.
October 2018
- July 2019
Kitchen Studio
Kitchen Designer
By listening to my clients, I get to understand there needs and this enables me to design and create their dream kitchen whilst adher- ing to deadlines and budget requirements. Every design is unique and is individually created with 3d visualisations that allow my client to see and feel what we can achieve together to understand how they could live and work in their new space. Detailed plans, sections and elevations are produced to allow the operations man- ager to order each speci cally crafted pieces.
Detail is incredibly important as everything needs to be precise and accurate for our installers to understand and craft the clients new kitchen the way it was designed. This role provides me with the ability to see the entire project through from start to nish. From concept design, presentation, detailing, construction to nal prod- uct. Maintaining good communication with my clients throughout this process is vital so understanding the installation schedules is also something I have become involved in. It is a wonderful feeling to see a collaboration of ideas come to fruition.
Detail is incredibly important as everything needs to be precise and accurate for our installers to understand and craft the clients new kitchen the way it was designed. This role provides me with the ability to see the entire project through from start to nish. From concept design, presentation, detailing, construction to nal prod- uct. Maintaining good communication with my clients throughout this process is vital so understanding the installation schedules is also something I have become involved in. It is a wonderful feeling to see a collaboration of ideas come to fruition.
June 2018
- Present
Education
Massey University
Bdes Hons
Four years study at Massey University majoring in Spatial Design. Graduated 26/05 2011 with first class honors.
March 2007
- May 2011
Wellington, New Zealand
Victoria University
Unfinished BA
Two years at Victoria University Bachelor of Arts studying Classical studies, Italian, Maori, Anthropology, and Psychology.
February 2002
- December 2004
Liceo Artistico
Overseas exchange Credits
Overseas exchange to Rome, Italy studying Art at Liceo Artistico
January 2001
- January 2002
Italy
Languages
Italian (Conversational),
Maori (Beginner),
Awards
Massey University
First Class Honors
201105
Skills
Banking,
Concept Design,
Customer Service,
Design Programs,
Detail Fabrication,
Esperiant Creator,
Final Cut Pro,
Finance,
Hospitality,
Illustrator,
Indesign,
Indigo Rendering,
Microsoft Office,
Organisatioanl Skills,
Photoshop,
Scale Modelling,
Sketchup,
Vectorworks,
Workshop Trained,
Additional Information
•First Place in the Australasian Student Design Awards in the Exhibition Design Category 2011.
•Represented Massey University in the Australasian Student Design Awards in Three Categories. These were: Sustainable Design Group Project “Urban Dining” Major Design Retail Project “Upcycle” and Exhibition Design “Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.
•IwI Creativity Exhibition Participant for Massey University Wellington.
•Project Delivery Presentation to the Wellington Archives for potential Treaty of Waitangi and Conservation Room Exhibition.
•Nominated to Participate in The Best Awards 2011 for Sustainable Design.
•Works Featured on the Design Institute of Australia’s website at: http://www.dia.org.au/index.cfm?id=374
•Works featured at http://www.nudel.co.nz/index.php?q=competition for a nudel designer men’s briefs competition.
•Represented Massey University in the Australasian Student Design Awards in Three Categories. These were: Sustainable Design Group Project “Urban Dining” Major Design Retail Project “Upcycle” and Exhibition Design “Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.
•IwI Creativity Exhibition Participant for Massey University Wellington.
•Project Delivery Presentation to the Wellington Archives for potential Treaty of Waitangi and Conservation Room Exhibition.
•Nominated to Participate in The Best Awards 2011 for Sustainable Design.
•Works Featured on the Design Institute of Australia’s website at: http://www.dia.org.au/index.cfm?id=374
•Works featured at http://www.nudel.co.nz/index.php?q=competition for a nudel designer men’s briefs competition.