Denis Bjelica
Designer, developer, and project manager responsible for delivering over 150 projects ranging from BIM management of Des Moines Airport & Missouri State University College of Natural and Applied Sciences, to writing code for the Museum of Science Fiction, or developing VR walkthrough/models of the US Ambassador’s residence in Malta.
Ideation - Achiever - Intellection - Context - Strategic
Education
MS: Human Computer Interaction
Iowa State University
2021 – 2023
BA: Art & English
University of Iowa
2010 – 2013
Expertise
Project Management
UX Design & Research
Active Collaboration
3D Modeling & Texture
Technical Communication
Training & Mentorship
Feature Delivery
Documentation
Technical Skills
3Ds Max, Maya, Revit, Rhino, Blender, Substance
Unreal Engine & Unity
Adobe Suite
C++, Python, Lua
Figma & Adobe XD
Microsoft Office
Jira
Awards
Graduate Research Excellence Award
Iowa State University / 2023
Iowa Startup Factory
Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship / 2023
Graduate College Emerging Leaders Academy
Iowa State University / 2022
Achievement Letter
Grant Wood Art Colony / 2021
Interests
Fine Art
History & Culture
Golden-Age Science Fiction
Game Mechanics
Philosophy / Classics
Educational Gaming
Spreadsheets
Experience
Founder and Principal Consultant
Digital Salona / Norwalk, Iowa / 2014 - Present
Freelance experience developing innovative projects like Alethia and Terra Virtualis while consulting on UX, XR, and game engine challenges. Collaborated with clients ranging from architecture and print publishing to educational technology.
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Strategic development and execution of over 75 projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes by utilizing Agile and PMI approaches to increase revenue 8-10% YoY.
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Fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving and project execution by setting clear project standards, timelines, and costs.
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Prototyped for web, mobile, and VR in Figma and Adobe XD; developed in C++ and Python; and deployed across custom and commercial engines.
BIM Manager
BNIM / Des Moines, Iowa / 2022 - 2024
Designed and implemented workflows and processes across multidisciplinary teams of designers, architects, contractors, and stakeholders. Improved architectural model coordination and aligned design teams with stakeholders. Identified, documented, and mentored best practices and tools.
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Upskilled architects, engineers, and project managers with digital and cloud-first techniques by creating educational materials, video tutorials, new-hire training, and one-on-one mentorships.
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Developed comprehensive multimodal training materials (VR, written, tangible) along with custom web technolgoies to connect resources.
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Leveraged technical expertise to streamline project workflows with rich data insights to inform decision-making by identifying and incorporating AI and smart-design tools like Tally, ACC/extensions, and Stable Diffusion.
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Fostered a culture of continuous learning by hosting training seminars, organizing vendor presentations, and in-person events.
Solution Specialist
Verizon / West Des Moines, Iowa / 2018 - 2022
Communicated technical problems to customers and businesses. Functioned as the point of contact for business and large accounts. Spearheaded merchandising, clerical, and operational efforts to ensure operational efficiency.
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Utilized tuition assistance programs to offset cost of the graduate program.
Architectural Visualization Developer
Allegis Group / Waukee, Iowa / 2017 - 2018
Collaborated closely with stakeholders to draft commercial and residential spaces. Developed advanced workflows to achieve consistent performance and increase pace of production.
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Developed client-wide materials library creating dual-use render and design materials utalizing OSL and Substance Designer.
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Created architectural plans and visualizations utilizing Revit, 3ds Max, Redshift, V-ray, Substance, Unreal, and Twinmotion.
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Developed innovative and marketable designs for home-show magazines, mail flyers, posters, websites, social media and signs.
LG Mobile Market Manager
Marketsource Inc. / St. Louis, MO / 2015 - 2017
Represented LG Mobile in the southern St. Louis market. Developed relationships with key stakeholders within the geographic market to promote training and buy-in of mobile products and services.
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Responsible for the development and delivery of brand training across major national accounts by creating, managing, and executing events.
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Established and maintained strong relationships with carriers, agents, dealers, vendors, executives, program managers, and retail staff to foster collaboration and support.
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Analyzed market and revenue data to identify trends and developed actionable solutions to address sales challenges and capitalize on market opportunities.
Research
Terra Virtualis
Published 05/24
https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/entities/publication/423aa5cf-9291-4e93-bb61-a73a205c146d
Research-based initiative develops systems and practices for educating about art, culture, and history within virtual environments. The project emphasizes pedagogical methods enhanced by technology to improve educational outcomes and engage users in an open-world walking simulator that provides immersive, curated educational experiences.