Helene-Benedicte Klaussen

Senior Design & Project Management Professional

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 Experience

Founder & Lead Designer / Project Manager

Béni Design

Jun 2013 - May 2024

Led all aspects of interior design and project management for private and corporate clients, specializing in aesthetic and functional solutions from concept to completion.

  • 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.

Subject Teacher & Contact Teacher (Interior & Exhibition Design)

Sørumsand Videregående Skole

Aug 2010 - Jun 2013

Taught interior and exhibition design, including digital programs, and developed engaging concepts and presentations for students.

  • 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.

Subject Teacher & Contact Teacher (Interior & Exhibition Design)

Bjørkelangen Videregående Skole

Aug 2009 - Jun 2010

Guided students in interior and exhibition design, fostering creative problem-solving and practical application of design principles.

  • 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.

Interior Designer

Zett Interiørdesign

Jul 2005 - Aug 2009

Managed and executed individual client projects from start to finish for private and corporate clients.

  • 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.

Salesperson & Stylist/Decorator

Norway Designs

Nov 2001 - Jul 2005

Contributed to sales and visual merchandising as a stylist and decorator for a design-focused retail environment.

  • 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.

Sales Roles (Various)

Manpower

Jun 1994 - Aug 2001

Held various sales positions, contributing to client acquisition and revenue generation for diverse businesses.

  • 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.

Teacher

Sligo Institute of Technology

Aug 1999 - Jun 2000

Taught at a higher education institution in Ireland, contributing to academic instruction.

  • Delivered educational content to students at Sligo Institute of Technology, fostering academic development and engagement.

Assistant Teacher

Urbanglass: New York University

Aug 1998 - Aug 1998

Assisted in teaching roles for New York University, supporting educational programs.

  • Supported instruction and student learning as an assistant teacher for New York University programs.

Freelance Designer (Picture Frames)

Fred Lawrence Co. Inc.

Jul 1998 - Jul 1998

Provided freelance design services for picture frames for a New York-based company.

  • Designed custom picture frames as a freelance professional, contributing to product development and client satisfaction.

Education

3D Design, Building & Construction Visualization

Fagskolen i Fredrikstad

Aug 2021 - Aug 2022

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

Arts & Design Education

OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University

Aug 2008 - Jun 2009

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

Product Design & Glass

Parsons School of Design

Sep 1993 - Jun 1997

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)

Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Organization & Management, Consumer Behavior

Oslo Markedførings Høyskole (Oslo School of Marketing)

Sep 1990 - Jun 1991

Courses

  • Marketing, Accounting & Finance
  • Organization & Management
  • Consumer Behavior

General Studies

Rudolf Steiner Videregående Skole

Sep 1985 - Jun 1988

Courses

  • Class Representative in Student Council and Planning Committee

Volunteer

Board Member

Frøyasgt. 10 Condominium Association

Jun 2013 - May 2017

Served as a board member for a condominium association, contributing to community governance and decision-making.

  • Participated in board meetings and decision-making processes for the Frøyasgt. 10 Condominium Association, ensuring effective management of shared property and resident interests.

Certificates

Career Guidance, Communication & Personal Development

Unknown

Feb 2021

CPR/First Aid Certification

Unknown

Mar 2012

Awards

Oslo City Cultural Grant

Oslo City

Jan 2002

Awarded a grant to further develop glass design expertise.

The Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation Grant

The Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation

Jan 2002

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

American Society on Aging

Jan 1997

Recognized for excellence in product design by the American Society on Aging.

Glass Design Exhibition

Glass Art Society, Asheville, North Carolina

Jan 1995

Featured in a prestigious glass design exhibition.

White House Christmas Ornament Competition Winner

The White House

Jan 1994

Winning entry in a Christmas ornament competition, exhibited at the White House.

Languages

Norwegian , English

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

Interests

Travel

Photography

Architecture & Design

Art & Culture