JULIE NAJAWICZ
West Elm
Nashville
19
years of professional experience
Professional manager with significant expertise in overseeing complex projects and ensuring timely delivery. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and risk assessment. Strong focus on team collaboration, fostering results-driven environment, and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability, leadership, and effective communication.
Work History
Interior Design and Sales
11 Months- Design and sales of commercial and residential engineered floors, LVP, LVT, laminate, tile, carpet (broadloom and tile) and area rugs. Developed accurate estimates and invoices using RFMS to streamline billing process. Produced detailed install drawings using Measure to ensure precise implementation of design. Site visits for design consultation and installations. Creating specification sheets with specified materials and visuals for clients and installers. Maintaining and following up on leads generated through CRM. Sourcing products and maintaining corporate showroom. (Formerly Watson Floor Gallery)
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Interior Design and Sales
8 Months- Assisted customers with sales and design on showroom floor, enhancing their shopping experience. Conducted site visits for design consultations, ensuring tailored solutions for client needs. Managed cash wrap procedures including sales, returns, and online order tracking, streamlining customer transactions. Inventory and restocking showroom floor. Visual merchandising.
- Worked weekends to support store operations
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Interior Designer and Sales
4 Years 10 Months- Designed and sold engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank, carpet, tile, area rugs, countertops and cabinet hardware, enhancing customer satisfaction and project outcomes. Creating estimates and invoices by utilizing QuickBooks. Scheduling measurements and installations. Managed material orders by placing, tracking and receiving, ensuring timely availability for projects. Collaborated with builders and homeowners to select finishes for entire houses, aligning design choices with client vision and project requirements. Onsite visits to oversee installations. Maintaining 6000 sf showroom.
- Collaborated with clients to understand design preferences and project requirements.
- Created detailed floor plans and design presentations using CAD software.
- Assisted in selecting materials, finishes, and furnishings to meet client specifications.
Owner/Designer
14 Years 10 Months- Owned and designed a general contracting firm specializing in roofing, metal fabrication, construction management, interior design, historical preservation, and estimating hurricane damage for insurance claims.
- Developed and implemented business strategies to optimize operational efficiency.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery to clients.
- Established vendor relationships to enhance product offerings and reduce costs.
Design Assistant
9 Months- Ordered, tracked and received furniture, lighting, area rugs, slabs, window treatments and finishes to ensure project timelines were met. Communicated daily with clients, vendors and contractors to facilitate smooth project execution. Creating furniture placement layouts utilizing AutoCAD. Maintained daily office operations to support team efficiency and workflow.
- Assisted in creating design presentations for client meetings, ensuring alignment with project goals.
- Coordinated material samples and resources for interior design projects, enhancing client engagement.
- Supported design team by organizing project files and documentation for streamlined access.
Sales and Event Manager
10 Months- Coordinated with event managers and clients to sell, plan, and implement events including weddings, conferences, and conventions for up to 2000 attendees. Menu selections and drafting room layouts utilizing AutoCAD. Negotiated contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions for events. Creating and implementing Banquet Event Orders (BEO). Working with the Executive Chef, Food and Beverage and Banquet staff to execute each event. Billing and payment processing. Managed office operations, ensuring availability of equipment and supplies for seamless event execution.
- Coordinated logistics for conferences, ensuring seamless event execution and attendee satisfaction.
- Developed detailed event timelines, facilitating effective communication among team members and stakeholders.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to secure optimal pricing and service quality.
Director of Development
1 Year 1 Month- Planned and implemented fundraising efforts through Annual Fund, donor dinners, receptions, and major annual gala, enhancing community engagement and financial support. Managed Development staff, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve fundraising goals. Reported to school board on fundraising efforts and events, providing insights to inform strategic direction.
- Developed and implemented strategic fundraising initiatives to enhance financial sustainability.
- Cultivated relationships with donors, alumni, and community stakeholders to expand support network.
- Led comprehensive grant writing efforts, securing funding for key school programs and projects.
Education
Bachelor Of Applied Arts - Interior Design, Art
Skills
Client-focused approach
Problem-solving
Computer skills
Time management
Organizational skills
Attention to detail
Design adaptability
Project management
Decision-making
Client communication
Design software proficiency
Excellent communication
Verbal communication
Friendly
positive attitude
Problem resolution
Organizational management
Multitasking
Timeline
Interior Design and Sales
West Elm
12.2025 - CurrentRead More
Interior Design and Sales
Weightman Family Flooring
09.2025 - CurrentRead More
Interior Designer and Sales
Floor Décor Design Showroom Inc.
10.2020 - 08.2025Read More
Design Assistant
Valarie Britz Interiors
07.2019 - 04.2020Read More
Sales and Event Manager
Jekyll Island Convention Center
09.2018 - 07.2019Read More
Owner/Designer
Bart Enterprises
02.2010 - 12.2024Read More
Director of Development
Antilles School
05.2007 - 06.2008Read More
Central Michigan University
Bachelor Of Applied Arts from Interior Design, Art
Read More