John A.

Experience

• Manager & Design Support Chocolate Secrets & Wine Gardens · Full-time Jul 2022 – Present 3 yrs 5 mos Dallas, TX, United States Returned to a leadership role to manage operations, scheduling, inventory, and team coordination in a fast-paced environment. Continued contributing to in-store design improvements and layout refinements. Strengthened organizational discipline, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication. Strengthening skills that support consistent, client-ready design output in remote CAD production roles.
• Architectural Designer Robert Trown & Associates · Full-time May 2019 – Jul 2022 3 yrs 2 mos Dallas, TX, United States Worked as an architectural designer at a boutique firm specializing in ultra-high-end residential estates up to 100,000 sq. ft. Responsible for detailed AutoCAD production drawings, architectural documentation, and coordination across interiors, landscape, and art curation disciplines. Produced 3D models and visualization assets using Revit and Rhino to support client presentations and material studies. Built designs to exacting standards, managing fine-grain detailing from apron assemblies to site planning. Collaborated within a multidisciplinary environment where precision, iteration, and manufacturability were critical. This role developed advanced technical drafting skills, 3D modeling fluency, methodical documentation habits, and the capability to interpret complex design constraints. Gaining abilities that are directly applicable to mechanical/product CAD workflows.
• Manager & Operations Lead Chocolate Secrets & Wine Gardens · Part-time May 2012 – Apr 2019 6 yrs 11 mos Dallas, TX, United States Managed operations for a multifaceted hospitality and small-batch manufacturing business featuring a chocolate shop, full dining menu, wine service, live jazz events, and an art gallery. Led teams during high-demand service periods, optimized workflows, coordinated scheduling, and maintained inventory and ordering systems. Oversaw event-night staffing to ensure consistent performance under pressure. Took on design responsibilities, including the concept and execution of an in-store waterfall feature. Developed strong operational planning, quality control, team communication, and detail-oriented project execution. Skills that map directly to organized CAD production, version control, iterative design, and meeting technical requirements.
• Cashier & Operations Assistant Green Earth Metal Recycling · Part-time May 2008 – Aug 2012 4 yrs 3 mos Dallas, TX, United States Supported a high-volume recycling operation during holidays and summers, handling customer transactions with accuracy and efficiency. Assisted with end-of-day cash reconciliation, inventory counts, and workflow organization. Developed reliability, precision, and comfort with structured, process-driven environments. These foundational skills translate directly to production-oriented design work. Gained early exposure to physical materials, small-team operations, and systems thinking, all of which support strong performance in CAD modeling, documentation, and manufacturing coordination.