Hello, I’m Dawn Mc Adam, a creative interior designer with over 20 years in the industry, specializing in commercial design & build and immersive themed environments. I enjoy guiding projects from initial client briefing meetings through handover, producing presentations, technical drawings, mood boards and schedules, and turning a vision into a functional, visually stimulating space. My recent work on immersive themed environments for large water park projects in the Middle East deepened my passion for theming design. I collaborated with lighting designers, animatronics specialists and ride engineers to transport guests into playful, interactive worlds. I led a team of six, delivering interior and exterior theming across multiple zones, while managing tight deadlines and budgets. I’m now seeking a stable role with inspiring projects from inception to fruition.

Dawn Mc Adam

Hello, I’m Dawn Mc Adam, a creative interior designer with over 20 years in the industry, specializing in commercial design & build and immersive themed environments. I enjoy guiding projects from initial client briefing meetings through handover, producing presentations, technical drawings, mood boards and schedules, and turning a vision into a functional, visually stimulating space. My recent work on immersive themed environments for large water park projects in the Middle East deepened my passion for theming design. I collaborated with lighting designers, animatronics specialists and ride engineers to transport guests into playful, interactive worlds. I led a team of six, delivering interior and exterior theming across multiple zones, while managing tight deadlines and budgets. I’m now seeking a stable role with inspiring projects from inception to fruition.

Available to hire

Hello, I’m Dawn Mc Adam, a creative interior designer with over 20 years in the industry, specializing in commercial design & build and immersive themed environments. I enjoy guiding projects from initial client briefing meetings through handover, producing presentations, technical drawings, mood boards and schedules, and turning a vision into a functional, visually stimulating space.

My recent work on immersive themed environments for large water park projects in the Middle East deepened my passion for theming design. I collaborated with lighting designers, animatronics specialists and ride engineers to transport guests into playful, interactive worlds. I led a team of six, delivering interior and exterior theming across multiple zones, while managing tight deadlines and budgets. I’m now seeking a stable role with inspiring projects from inception to fruition.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Development Project at Self-employed / Freelance
October 1, 2021 - Present
Over the past 18 months I have been working on the complete refurbishment of an auction property, providing surveys, feasibility studies and interior design concepts for small property developers; involved in feasibility studies and interior design concepts, includes client liaison and project delivery.
Theming Lead at Atkins Global
April 1, 2018 - May 1, 2021
Initially hired to design the interior of the new HQ; internally recruited to the theming team for a major waterpark development in Doha, Qatar; produced themed hand sketches to communicate storytelling; led and mentored a team of six; developed immersive themed elements for the entire park across 14 retail outlets, 16 F&B outlets and 26 rides in six themed zones; delivered through RIBA stages 2-4 with a focus on guest experience, including props and landscaped environments.
Freelance Professional at Self-employed / Freelance
November 1, 2016 - April 1, 2018
Freelance professional collaborating with creative organizations and clients to deliver innovative concepts and considered design across a wider spectrum of projects; clients included Area (Senior Pitch Designer on Workday Tender) and Blue Jelly (Senior Project Designer), delivering concept design, space planning, working drawings and pitches.
Senior Pitch Designer at Blue Jelly
November 1, 2015 - November 1, 2016
Client-facing, brief development; concept design and space planning; production of working drawings for construction; pitch presentation and development; overseeing projects to handover.
Senior Project Designer at Morgan Lovell
March 1, 2014 - October 1, 2015
Client facing; brief taking; facilitating client workshops for understanding workplace functionality; interpretation of workplace study and time utilisation data; concept design and strategic space planning; pitch presentation and development; delegating work to a team; overseeing projects from inception to handover.
Project Designer at Peldon Rose
June 1, 2012 - February 1, 2014
Producing concept designs, space plans, mood & sample boards; pitch presentation and development; managing visualization and technical design; overseeing projects from inception to handover.
Project Designer at Denton Associates
August 1, 2011 - May 1, 2012
Client-facing; brief taking; concept design and strategic space planning; worked closely with clients and project managers to ensure design excellence.

Education

Interior Architecture Diploma at Pretoria Technikon, RSA
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2000
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) at University of Pretoria, RSA
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services