Alison Puhalski

Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Kitchener-Waterloo, MillerKnoll dealership location, I drove all new business to the company by developing strong relationships with local industry partners and clients. Backed by a strong team of designers and administration, I was able to achieve unprecedented success in RFP awards and direct referral business. In 2023, Raven Studio was the top-performing dealership for MillerKnoll in Canada and #3 in North America for its market size, and on-track to achieve the same for 2024. Workplace Strategy Consulting: I conducted multiple large-scale workplace strategy and change-management workshops for private and municipal government organizations to a high-degree of success. Learning and Product Knowledge: I performed regular in-person lectures to local Bachelor of Interior Design program classes on the history of classic design pieces from the mid-century, and the commercial furniture industry.

KLAUS by Nienkamper is one of the premier luxury, European-import, furniture and lighting showrooms in Toronto. Focusing on customer experience excellence, I provided service and sales to some of the country's most demanding residential and hospitality design clientele.

Responsible for all business activities for the Canadian market and NY State for an up-scale bedding and textile manufacturer. Developed business in multiple regions and maintained existing accounts with a high degree of service. Conducted multiple large-scale training events for A+D professionals and client sales staffs. Maintained a high-level of understanding of current design styles, trend forecasts, and product knowledge. Increased sales in Canada by 60% for the luxury fine linens division, Nancy Koltes, Italian Fine Linens. Represented the company and industry events- High Point Market, NY Now, and the Canadian Gift Show. Supported the company by providing written marketing materials and voice-overs for training videos.

As the Lead Project Manager in the Custom Drapery Division of Eastern Accents, sales rose 40% in our department during my tenure. I managed a team of sewers, carpenters, and professional drapery installers to deliver outstanding results to our clients. From the initial design, professional measure, fabric and parts procurement, to the final installation my hands-on and detailed oversight left clients and team members happy and confident.

Working with clients both in-store and at their homes to develop design plans, and furniture selections to create functional and beautiful rooms to a high-level of success. Executed professional measures, floor plans, room color, furnishings, and accessory selections, and designed custom drapery and bedding.

I developed the curriculum, and taught 3 sessions with over 75 students per semester in Acting for the non-major and Acting 101 for Theatre Majors. I worked with Continuing Education to develop a drama class for community children ages 5-9, and offered private acting lessons for students 12-18.

Supervised and assisted the Technical Director in teaching Stage Craft for beginners and non-majors. Also, executed the construction of stages and sets from plans drafted by the Set Designer at the University, and for traveling operas and shows coming through the Midwest. The skills I utilized are carpentry, CAD design, and welding. I also acted as the Prop Master and Assistant Lighting Designer for several productions.