Lauren Hunter

Experience

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  Hunter Art & Design

  Jun 2000 - Jan 2011

  Creative Director and Stylist

  In this role, I spearheaded creative direction for on-location and in-studio photo shoots by tailoring strategies to align with client branding, goals, and market trends. I crafted and pitched compelling creative strategies to enrich consumer engagement and desire for multiple brands. I assembled high-performing creative teams and cultivated a collaborative culture.Highlights of accomplishment in this role include:➥I built and managed a large portfolio of diverse clients, including but not limited to Bed, Bath & Beyond, Bon Appetit, Country Living, Design Within Reach, Hallmark, Hold Everything, InStyle, JJill, LLBean, Marshalls, Nic + Zoe, Pendleton Pottery Barn, Sundance, and Williams-Sonoma.➥I successfully executed multifaceted projects within predefined budgets and tight timelines. Show less

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  Restoration Hardware

  Aug 2009 - Sept 2015

  During this time, I led retail installations for large gallery spaces (5K to 80K square feet), ensuring visual consistency and alignment with the evolving brand identity. I defined and executed merchandising strategies to enhance customer experience and strengthen brand messaging across all touch points. I created and implemented company standards and operational directives, achieving uniformity across all locations.Highlights of accomplishment in this role include:➥I delivered hands-on leadership to dedicated teams, assessed job performance, evaluated training opportunities, and executed effective plans to improve productivity and efficiency.➥I facilitated cross-collaboration between stores and led innovative utilization of technology to connect with teams, share resources, and control costs effectively.➥I optimized visual displays and maximized impact by mapping and auditing lighting, furniture, rugs, art, and decorative accessories for initial store openings and seasonal floor changes.➥I conducted training sessions for associates focused on design principles and standards while driving team development and ensuring strict adherence to high visual quality standards. Show less

  • Visual Merchandise Manager/Gallery Curator

    Jan 2011 - Sept 2015

  • Visual Merchandiser

    Sept 2009 - Jan 2011

  • Stylist

    Aug 2009 - Jan 2011
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  Ralph Lauren

  Oct 2015 - Oct 2020

  Director Home Showrooms, Creative Services, RL Architecture + Design Studio

  With this organization, I steered design, development, and execution of distinctive interior sets and showrooms reinforcing Ralph Lauren’s heritage through incredibly detailed home furnishing displays and lifestyle photo shoots. I collaborated with craftsmen and specialty finishers to address complex construction challenges while maintaining high standards and meeting imminent deadlines. I managed project budgets of $900K, analyzed variances, and implemented effective plans to minimize budget deviations, control costs, and ensure timely project completion. I coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure goal alignment and maintain unified visual messaging across the brand’s global showrooms.Highlights of accomplishment in this role include:➥I headed selection of architectural and design elements, including flooring, moldings, lighting, hardware, and finishes while upholding consistency with brand's aesthetic and reinforcing cohesive themes.➥I partnered with PR and event teams to execute brand-defining events such as the 50th-anniversary fashion show featuring a runway exhibit, digital installation, and elegant seated dinner for 500 VIP guests in Central Park, NY.➥I pioneered innovation through the repurposing of all set materials and showroom elements post-photo shoots and showroom changes, promoting sustainability and significant cost savings.➥I mentored and navigated associate team members through design and feedback processes received from multiple assertive and heavily invested stakeholders. Show less

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  Walmart

  Oct 2021 - now

  Aesthetic & Technical Director, 3D Creative Technology, Walmart Creative Studio

  Currently, I leverage cutting-edge 3D technology to streamline creative content production, optimize marketing budgets, and deliver multimillion-dollar savings by reducing reliance on traditional photo shoots. I present detailed aspirational concepts to business partners and rendering teams, aligning creative vision with brand standards and enhancing consumer appeal. Highlights of accomplishment in this role include:➥I conducted quality assurance on 3D models and scene renders to verify technical precision and photorealistic visual appeal and excellence.➥I developed and maintained comprehensive 3D set and model library, including products, props, and set environments to support efficient cross-channel marketing initiatives.➥I utilized in-depth understanding of interior design, home furnishings, architecture, and customer preferences to evolve merchandising strategies and elevate consumer experience through impactful visual narratives. Show less