Helene-Benedicte Klaussen
Senior Design & Project Management Professional
Nesøya, NO.About
Highly accomplished Senior Design and Project Management Professional with over 15 years of entrepreneurial leadership in interior and product design, complemented by extensive experience in education. Proven ability to lead projects from concept to completion, manage complex budgets, and foster strong client and stakeholder relationships. Adept at leveraging advanced design software and strategic thinking to deliver innovative, aesthetically compelling, and highly functional solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
Work
Béni Design
|Founder & Lead Designer / Project Manager
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Summary
Led all aspects of interior design and project management for private and corporate clients, specializing in aesthetic and functional solutions from concept to completion.
Highlights
Spearheaded comprehensive design and project management for diverse private and corporate clients, including Block Watne and Hetlandhus, overseeing projects from conceptualization through successful completion.
Managed all financial aspects of projects, including budget development and cost control, ensuring profitable outcomes and efficient resource allocation.
Cultivated robust client relationships and managed cross-functional teams of suppliers and craftspeople, ensuring seamless project execution and high client satisfaction.
Developed and implemented innovative design solutions that harmonized aesthetics with functionality, establishing a strong market presence and expanding a network of national and international industry contacts.
Sørumsand Videregående Skole
|Subject Teacher & Contact Teacher (Interior & Exhibition Design)
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Summary
Taught interior and exhibition design, including digital programs, and developed engaging concepts and presentations for students.
Highlights
Provided instruction in VG2 Interior & Exhibition Design and VG3 Exhibition Design, focusing on data programs and graphic design principles.
Developed and delivered engaging concepts and presentations, enhancing student understanding and practical application of design principles.
Supported students as an English teaching assistant, fostering language development and academic success.
Bjørkelangen Videregående Skole
|Subject Teacher & Contact Teacher (Interior & Exhibition Design)
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Summary
Guided students in interior and exhibition design, fostering creative problem-solving and practical application of design principles.
Highlights
Guided VG2 Interior & Exhibition Design students in presenting design proposals and client interaction, emphasizing target audience definition and concept development using ICT tools.
Taught practical skills including sketching, technical drawings, presentation drawings, and model building, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of design execution.
Facilitated material selection and the integration of aesthetic and functional solutions in student projects, preparing them for real-world design challenges.
Zett Interiørdesign
|Interior Designer
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Summary
Managed and executed individual client projects from start to finish for private and corporate clients.
Highlights
Managed end-to-end interior design projects for private and corporate clients, ensuring successful completion from initial concept to final delivery.
Collaborated closely with clients to understand their vision and translate it into functional and aesthetically pleasing design solutions.
Coordinated project timelines and resources effectively to meet client expectations and project deadlines.
Norway Designs
|Salesperson & Stylist/Decorator
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Summary
Contributed to sales and visual merchandising as a stylist and decorator for a design-focused retail environment.
Highlights
Supported sales efforts and enhanced customer experience through effective product styling and store decoration.
Maintained high standards of visual merchandising, contributing to an appealing retail environment and driving product sales.
Manpower
|Sales Roles (Various)
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Summary
Held various sales positions, contributing to client acquisition and revenue generation for diverse businesses.
Highlights
Developed strong client relationships and achieved sales targets across multiple assignments for Manpower.
Managed diverse customer portfolios, effectively addressing client needs and contributing to business growth.
Sligo Institute of Technology
|Teacher
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Summary
Taught at a higher education institution in Ireland, contributing to academic instruction.
Highlights
Delivered educational content to students at Sligo Institute of Technology, fostering academic development and engagement.
Urbanglass: New York University
|Assistant Teacher
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Summary
Assisted in teaching roles for New York University, supporting educational programs.
Highlights
Supported instruction and student learning as an assistant teacher for New York University programs.
Fred Lawrence Co. Inc.
|Freelance Designer (Picture Frames)
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Summary
Provided freelance design services for picture frames for a New York-based company.
Highlights
Designed custom picture frames as a freelance professional, contributing to product development and client satisfaction.
Volunteer
Frøyasgt. 10 Condominium Association
|Board Member
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Summary
Served as a board member for a condominium association, contributing to community governance and decision-making.
Highlights
Participated in board meetings and decision-making processes for the Frøyasgt. 10 Condominium Association, ensuring effective management of shared property and resident interests.
Education
Fagskolen i Fredrikstad
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Part-time study
3D Design, Building & Construction Visualization
Courses
Ideation, Planning, and 3D Modeling for Building & Construction Visualization
Collaboration Processes and Tools with Architects, Engineers, and Suppliers
Universal Design and Holistic User Experience
OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University
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Teacher Education
Arts & Design Education
Courses
Guiding Students in Various Materials, Tools, and Techniques
Organizing and Leading Practical Workshop Activities (Craftsmanship, Innovation, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship)
Fostering Creativity, Engagement, and Exploration
Utilizing Diverse Methods to Adapt Teaching to Student Needs and Interests
Translating Ideas into Action and Communicating Knowledge of Reuse and Sustainability
Exploring Professional Themes and Reflecting on Professional Practice
Parsons School of Design
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Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Product Design & Glass
Courses
Sketch & Concept Drawing, Technical Drawing, Layout, Design & Development
Model Making, Prototyping
Materials: Metal, Wood, Plastic, Glass
ICT Tools: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Ashlar Vellum (Technical Drawing), InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Basic Alias (Silicon Graphic and SketchUp)
Oslo Markedførings Høyskole (Oslo School of Marketing)
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Higher Education
Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Organization & Management, Consumer Behavior
Courses
Marketing, Accounting & Finance
Organization & Management
Consumer Behavior
Rudolf Steiner Videregående Skole
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High School Diploma
General Studies
Courses
Class Representative in Student Council and Planning Committee
Awards
Oslo City Cultural Grant
Awarded By
Oslo City
Awarded a grant to further develop glass design expertise.
The Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation Grant
Awarded By
The Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation
Received grant for a study trip to Japan to further develop packaging design for food & products, including participation in the 2005 Aichi World Exposition.
Outstanding Product Design Award
Awarded By
American Society on Aging
Recognized for excellence in product design by the American Society on Aging.
Glass Design Exhibition
Awarded By
Glass Art Society, Asheville, North Carolina
Featured in a prestigious glass design exhibition.
White House Christmas Ornament Competition Winner
Awarded By
The White House
Winning entry in a Christmas ornament competition, exhibited at the White House.
Languages
Norwegian
English
Certificates
Career Guidance, Communication & Personal Development
Issued By
Unknown
CPR/First Aid Certification
Issued By
Unknown
Skills
Emerging Technologies
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Design Software
InDesign, Ashlar Vellum, Archicad, Solibri, Illustrator, Photoshop, Basic Alias, SketchUp.
Office Software
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Design & Project Management
Interior Design, Product Design, Concept Development, Technical Drawing, Model Making, Prototyping, Budget Management, Client Communication, Supplier Management, Creative Problem-Solving, Aesthetic Integration, Functional Design, Visual Merchandising, Exhibition Design, 3D Visualization, Universal Design, Project Leadership, Strategic Planning.
Teaching & Communication
Curriculum Development, Student Guidance, Presentation Skills, Relationship Building, Intercultural Communication, Pedagogy, Workshop Leadership, Information Processing & Dissemination.
Business & Operations
Reporting, Documentation, Business Development, Sales, Entrepreneurship, Ethical Awareness, Execution, Adaptability.