Let’s sit down AND TALK WITH LISA

LISA, COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US HOW YOU BECAME PROJECT MANAGER RETAIL DESIGN AT DFROST?

I’m Lisa, 26 years old and grew up near Stuttgart. I got to know DFROST during my studies and then simply sent in an initiative application.

YOU JOINED DFROST RIGHT AFTER COMPLETING YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIES. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE RETAIL DESIGN PROJECT MANAGER POSITION AND TO DFROST RETAIL IDENTITY?

What really appealed to me about working as Project Manager Retail Design and DFROST was the opportunity to get to know the entire project process, from initial customer contact to invoicing. Managing projects, exchanging ideas with the client and then seeing the final retail experience at the POS is what I find most exciting. DFROST also offers an open working atmosphere with friendly interaction and a strong team spirit. It is this combination of comprehensive project management, a great working atmosphere and a wide variety of projects that makes the job so attractive to me.

AS A PROJECT MANAGER RETAIL DESIGN, WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

My day as Retail Design Project Manager starts with checking emails and a quick cereal. Depending on the phase of the project, there are different tasks: Communication and coordination with clients and manufacturers, preparation of proposals and invoices, shipping, and regular communication with colleagues. This makes every day different and exciting.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN YOUR ROLE AS A PROJECT MANAGER FOR RETAIL DESIGN?

My focus is on the overall management and coordination of our projects. I am responsible for the development of innovative prototypes as well as the precise planning and implementation of production steps. I also make sure that our products are delivered on time and I always keep an eye on the costs.

DFROST GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE YOUR ARCHITEKT IM PRAKTIKUM WITH CHRISTOPH STELZER. HOW DOES IT WORK AND WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU ALREADY GAINED?

For my internship as an architect, I document all the projects I work on and make sure that every detail is recorded. It is particularly exciting to attend the Chamber of Architects’ courses on a regular basis. The combination of practical experience and education has helped me tremendously both professionally and personally.

WHAT DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES DOES DFROST OFFER IN THE AREA OF RETAIL DESIGN AND AS PART OF YOUR ARCHITECTURAL INTERNSHIP?

In my day-to-day work, but also as part of my architectural internship, I have a lot of opportunities for further development and training. I think it’s great that I can decide for myself which courses I attend at the Chamber of Architects. This allows me to focus my training on the areas that interest me and are useful in my daily work. If I need additional training, I can always ask for it. They always make sure that we get the best possible support, whether it is internal training or external training.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE DEVELOPED AS A PROJECT MANAGER AT DFROST AND HOW DO THEY HELP YOU IN YOUR DAY TO DAY WORK?

I have learned to structure myself better and to stay calm in stressful situations. Prioritizing my tasks has become just as routine for me as communicating effectively with clients. I have also gained valuable experience in managing a project economically. All of these skills have helped me successfully complete projects and build strong client relationships.

WITHOUT WHICH ESSENTIALS COULD YOU NOT GET THROUGH YOUR WORKDAY?

I always start my day with a bowl of cereal, which gives me the energy boost I need for the tasks ahead. Equally important is my to-do list, which helps me stay organized and efficiently prioritize my tasks. These two elements are the foundation of my successful and productive work day.

WE REFER TO OUR TEAM AS THE BRAND COMPANIONS. WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES US SO SPECIAL AS A TEAM?

At DFROST, I have experienced a corporate culture that is characterized by open communication, a good working relationship and a flat hierarchy. This atmosphere ensures that everyone feels heard and appreciated. As a result, we work closely together as a team and support each other, which contributes greatly to our collective success.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF DFROST THAT ARE UNIQUE IN YOUR OPINION?

DFROST offers many advantages and benefits that I particularly appreciate. On the one hand, DFROST creates an inspiring working environment where creativity and innovation are very important. On the other hand, the flexible working hours allow me to achieve a good work-life balance.

The training opportunities offered give me the chance to develop in areas that interest me and are useful in my day-to-day work. This is particularly valuable with regard to my Architekt im Praktikum and the courses that support my professional development in the best possible way.

I especially appreciate the time we spend together as a team. Be it our weekend trips to new cities that we explore together or our regular team lunches. The many office dogs also contribute to the great working atmosphere. All these aspects make working at DFROST particularly attractive for me.

WHAT HOBBIES AND INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR SPARE TIME? HOW DOES DFROST HELP YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE?

In my free time I enjoy sports, drawing and I am interested in design and architecture. DFROST’s flexible working hours help me to achieve a good work-life balance. This means that I can easily integrate my hobbies into my daily life and have the freedom to pursue my interests without compromising my professional obligations.

YOU ARE ACTUALLY A TRAINED INTERIOR DESIGNER. WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN YOU WORK ON RETAIL DESIGN PROJECTS AT DFROST AND WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

I always walk through the world with my eyes open, discovering details that others often miss. I am constantly inspired by my surroundings and have a large pool of ideas to draw from. This openness to impressions and inspiration from my surroundings enables me to develop creative and innovative solutions for our projects. Our goal is always to find the best possible solution for the client, where space often plays a central role. I particularly enjoy space-related projects, where I can apply all of my expertise. Every client and every project is unique, which leads to an incredible variety of tasks and new challenges every day. There is no set formula that can always be applied, which makes my work exciting and varied.

IS THERE A RUNNING GAG OR INSIDE JOKE ABOUT YOU ON THE TEAM?

I grew up as a Swabian. The word KANISCHDER (kaːaːɛniːɛstseːhaːdeːeːˈɛr) is very specific to me.

DESCRIBE YOUR WORK AT DFROST IN THREE WORDS.

Diverse, flexible, creative

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM CLIENT YOU WANT TO WORK WITH?

I don’t have a dream client. Each client and each project is unique and brings new challenges. But overseeing a project where a complete store concept is implemented, including interior design, would be particularly interesting.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO OUR READERS AT THE END?

If you’re looking for an inspiring work environment, diverse projects, international clients, and an absolutely cool and passionate team, you’ve come to the right place!

Do you fit in our team? Let’s get in touch.