Elzbieta Cottingham

I am a creative and adaptable professional with experience across both retail and design sectors, combining strong customer-facing skills with a keen eye for aesthetics and detail. Adept at working in fast paced environments, delivering high quality design work, and providing excellent service that enhances customer satisfaction. Seeking a local opportunity that allows me to utilize my creative abilities, technical design knowledge, and retail experience to contribute positively.

Employment Experience

Following the death of my Husband I was at home supporting my children and sorting out the dissolution of the family matters. 2025 – to date

Architectural Assistant 2023 - 2024

BHB Architects, Cheltenham

• Architectural design and production of high‑quality architectural presentation drawings using AutoCAD and Photoshop, including detailed technical plans for residential and public projects
• Supported design development by selecting appropriate materials and producing well‑considered product and concept designs
• Collaborated closely with clients, gathering requirements and ensuring all design outputs aligned with project briefs and expectations

Care Assistant 2022 - 2023

Caremark, Cheltenham

• Provided domiciliary support, including personal care and assistance with daily living tasks
• Administered and monitored medications in line with care plans and safety guidelines
• Prepared meals and supported clients with nutrition and everyday household activities
• Offered companionship, emotional reassurance, and consistent person‑centred support

Landscape Architect 2022

Illman-Young Architect

• Utilised AutoCAD and Photoshop to create landscape designs and detailed technical drawings for residential and public space projects
• Selected materials and produced projects designs
• Liaising closely with clients to ensure designs met briefs and expectations

Sales / Stock Assistant 2019 - 2021

Next Retail

• Packed and prepared products efficiently for online customer orders
• Delivered friendly and effective customer service, handling enquiries and resolving issues
• Supported logistics operations, including organising stock and ensuring accurate order flow
• Assisted with stock management, replenishment, and maintaining organised inventory areas

CAD Designer 2019

PKL, Cheltenham

• Produced precise 2D and 3D technical drawings using industry‑standard AutoCAD software to support design projects
• Interpreted design briefs and collaborated with project teams to develop accurate models, layouts, and detailed specifications
• Reviewed and updated drawings to ensure compliance with project requirements, quality standards, and regulatory guidelines

Team Leader and Design Director 2015 - 2018

Cottingham Design Group, Dubai

• Primarily leading the planning team: photoshop presentation boards, hand sketches, landscape plans and urban design drawings

Other previous employment has included: 5 years as a Real Estate Agent and Office Manager for Group Seven Properties, Dubai, 6 years as an Architect for Cracknell, Dubai, 4 years as a Building and Interior Design Architect for DAR Design & Architecture Bureau, Dubai, and 2 years as an Architectural Assistant for Technical Studies Bureau, Dubai

• I grow up in Poland in a family specializing in tailoring and owning retail private business; my Mother, Grandmother and all before we remember were seamstresses providing local elite with high quality garment.

• Master of Science, First Class, Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
• I grow up in Poland in a family specializing in tailoring and owning retail private business; my Mother, Grandmother and all before we remember were seamstresses providing local elite with high quality garment.
• Vocal Studies, Higher Film School, Poznan, Poland
• Language skills: English (fluent), Polish (native), and Russian (basic)