Responsible for the innovation and design of new product ranges as well as bespoke carpets and rugs. New yarn developments in both wool and synthetics. This role demands the ability to visualise the end product from raw materials with technical and mechanical understanding of tufting.Creative carpet and textile designer / colorist / stylist in residential, contract and hospitality markets.Insightful trend / color forecasting and developing and delivering successful products and sampling programs to the market place.Attend trade shows including textile and knitwear, such as Pitti Filati, Heimtexil, Domotex in Europe, USA, and Asia, Neocon, Milan Design Show, SpinExpo

Manage and lead creative direction for Design/ Development guides for supporting Brand Plan strategies.Export brands like, U.S Polo Assn, Benetton, Thaddeus, Marks and Spencer, IKEAConceptualize and execute internal and external presentations and pitches.Identify fabrics and yarns that are within budget guidelines (line plan) to develop into productKeep current with market trends for both Retail and Exports market.Manage and oversee all aspects of knit/sweater sampling development process and production. Mentor Designer direct report and manage creative process with other designers/ interns, merchandisers/ marketing, and outside vendors. Drive and meet project budget estimates and deadlines through partnerships with project management.Define standards and best practices and ensure that leading practices are shared within the firm in relation to "state-of-the-art" techniques, equipment, and advancements within the business.Facilitate knowledge transfer. Develop/execute winning pursuit strategies. Motivate, lead, develop, and coach people.

Fabric research, design and development for men’s and women’s design and liaison between design and production team -to ensure quality, price and timing for Untouched World and MerinoMink.Expertise in developing designs programmes for WholeGarments, sweaters and tech packs. Ensure consistent, high-quality design and implementation, with creative knit techniques for accessory as well.Product development process from yarn sourcing, supervising sample making process, to sample approvalContinually develop test fabrics or reinvent current fabrics based on the seasonal calendar. Advise on pattern design and garment construction to determine the best fabric and trim combinationsIn depth understanding of knitting statements and construction techniques, which are necessary to achieve fit and form.Design application structure and behavior through: Company philosophy, Sketches, Prototypes, Functional specifications.Experience in Sock, glove and headwear.Projects: Designed and developed Rodd and Gunn winter 11/12 Men’s Sweater Made in New Zealand collection.Facilitate collaborative design projects with directors and design colleaguesStyle Pasifika Fashion Awards, Campaign for Wool Awards, World of Wearable Art. Designed Men’s collection in lambswool, for Merino Peak (Made in New Zealand) to target middle segment market in Australia and New Zealand.

To develop, evaluate new and exciting yarns, swatch development and knit techniques.Problem Solving/Troubleshooting at all stages from development through production. Developing designs CAD programmes and sweaters tech packs, specifications, layouts, mock-ups and conducting fit meetingsResponsible for Knitwear sample development and managing the work with in house factoriesMonitor calendar to ensure all development dates are adhered to.Travel to Japan and Europe for research and training with Shima Seiki.

CAD training on SES machines, Whole Garment, Whole Garment Mini, Integrate, and SDS-ONE Design at Shima Seiki, Japan to enhance my skills to express artistic flair and transformed into practical designs.