Hello, I'm
Gabriela Chan
A product designer elevating how people navigate space in all dimensions by pairing curiosity with strategic thinking.
Experience
Piper Republic, Remote | October 2024 - Present
Visual + product designer
A multimedia company focused on sustainability in architecture and design, where I led a rebrand and web redesign to create a high-fidelity prototype in Figma.
- Interviewed 10 users to gain insight on their experience and frustrations with sustainability in the design and architecture industry
- Collaborated with a team to evaluate the client site using heuristic analysis, studying the user flow, and creating a site map to improve the efficiency of navigation
- Created a component library and style guide that reflected the brand’s visual identity and responded to user feedback.
555 International in Chicago, iL | December 2021 - August 2024
senior designer
A bespoke fabrication and design firm that that creates tailored solutions. I managed 3 projects at a time, collaborating with a team of architects, contractors, and engineers to integrate design with structural and mechanical systems.
- Created and presented unique, compelling design concepts tailored to hospitality environments, including 2 restaurants, 2 branded retail stores, and 3 corporate buildings.
- Developed and managed project budgets totaling $400,000 - 900,000, including cost estimation for custom fixtures, furniture, and finishes.
- Visited project sites 2 to 6 times a quarter locally and nationwide to oversee installation and ensure design integrity during the build phase.
The Gettys Group Companies in Chicago, IL | February 2021 - December 2021
designer III
Luxury hospitality design consulting agency creating design concepts per brand guidelines for major hotels including Mariott, Westin, and Renaissance Hotels.
- Produced construction-level drawing sets including finish plans, RCPs, elevations, and specifications for contractors and builders.
- Optimized space utilization for aesthetics, functionality, and guest experience, considering flow, accessibility (ADA), safety, and comfort.
- Incorporated eco-friendly design principles and sustainable materials to meet green building standards (LEED).
AvroKo Hospitality + Brand Bureau in New York, NY | September 2018 - September 2020
Designer
A creative strategy, branding, and development agency, where I coordinated visual design assets for 6 projects to align with brand identities and goals for clients including Quality branded restaurants and The Walt Disney Company.
- Prepared detailed mood boards, sketches, and 3D visualizations to communicate design ideas to clients and stakeholders.
- Stayed up to date on trends in hospitality design, materials, and technology by networking with vendors and going to national and global industry events like BDNY, ICFF, Neocon, and HD Expo.
Design | Illustration + UI graphics • User flows • Concept sketching • Wireframes + Mock ups with Balsamiq and Figma • Presentation layouts + concepting • Editing in Adobe Photoshop • style guides + pattern library • Web + mobile design
prototyping | Rapid prototyping using Figma + Balsamiq • Interactive flow with Webflow
research | Heuristic evaluation • Contextual inquiry • Task analysis + User testing • Personas • Journey mapping • Affinity mapping • (WCAG) Accessibility audit • Information Architecture
Tools | Figma • Adobe InDesign • Photoshop • Blender • 3Ds Max • SketchUp • AutoCad • Webflow
General Assembly | NOV 2024
User Experience Design Immersive
Pratt Institute | May 2018
BFA Major Interior Design, Minor Psychology