Amanda Ellis
@amandaellis
I create buildable architectural and millwork drawings for residential projects.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I've spent 13 years turning real residential projects into buildable drawings, from construction documents and millwork shop drawings to complete kitchen and bath design packages.
I founded ARE Designs in Japan to serve architecture firms, general contractors, cabinetry companies, and residential and civil clients directly. I own each relationship from first conversation through deliverables, without handoffs or telephone games.
At Classic Kitchens & Design, I produced full-scope AutoCAD packages for high-end remodels and new builds, including cabinetry, exterior-facing spaces, and outdoor kitchens. I ran projects solo from concept and ordering through final walkthrough, while resolving vendor pricing disputes that could have stalled jobs.
My background also includes project management, designer training, CAD software beta testing, remote-work setup, and office management. I've helped launch a new location, trained designers, exceeded quarterly sales quotas, and contributed to a company's first million-dollar sales year.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Founder & Drafter
ARE Designs
May 2026 - Present (4 months)
Built an independent drafting practice from zero, producing construction documents, millwork shop drawings, and design packages for residential and civil clients. Owns every client relationship directly, with no account managers or handoffs.
Kitchen & Bath Designer / Drafter
Classic Kitchens & Design
Oct 2023 - May 2026 (2 years 7 months)
Drew full-scope AutoCAD packages for high-end remodels and new builds, from cabinetry to exterior-facing and outdoor kitchens. Ran projects solo from concept through order processing to final walkthrough, and resolved vendor pricing disputes to keep jobs moving.
Kitchen & Bath Designer / Project Manager
California Woodworking, Inc.
Feb 2020 - Sep 2020 (7 months)
Managed multiple CAD platforms to take client homes from first sketch to finished design. Helped stand up a brand-new location, including POS systems and computer infrastructure built from scratch.
Kitchen & Bath Designer / Project Manager
Coast Supply
Jul 2019 - Feb 2020 (7 months)
Ran the full project lifecycle including vendor engagement, order processing, and account coordination. Implemented secure client account management and built the company's first secure remote-work setup from scratch.
Design Consultant
Bassett Furniture
Oct 2017 - Aug 2018 (10 months)
Became an HGTV Accredited Designer and beat sales quota every quarter while on the job.
Design Consultant & Trainer
Closet Factory
Aug 2016 - Sep 2017 (1 year 1 month)
Trained new designers on software and technique, and appeared on two episodes of a home-organization TV show.
Design Consultant & Trainer
Alpha Kitchens & Closets
Dec 2014 - Aug 2016 (1 year 8 months)
Beta-tested new CAD software company-wide and trained the team on it ahead of rollout.
Designer / Office Manager
A Place for Everything Closets
Mar 2011 - Jul 2014 (3 years 4 months)
Promoted to office manager and helped push the company past its first million-dollar sales year.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Self-taught
Self-taught, AutoCAD
Self-taught drafter with thirteen years of experience, learned AutoCAD through real projects rather than a formal syllabus.
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Salary expectations
Social media
Skills
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