Lead Interior Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Organization Overview

For more than 40 years, Saroki Architecture has believed that excellent architecture can be achieved at every level. From small interior details to urban spaces, the firms work has improved the quality of life in many communities, and that exposure has advanced the course of sustainable and durable architecture here in Michigan.

Using the best principles of urban design and sustainable architecture, Saroki Architecture has created spaces with obvious synergy and resonance. Its buildings have created places and attractions that have evolved the social, cultural, and financial well-being of many communities.

Saroki Architecture has been honored with 78 awards in the last 40 years including historic preservation, commerce design, building awards, showcase awards, Firm of the Year, and green construction to name a few.Leading from their core values of Customer First, Strive for Excellence, Respect and Team Player , this award-winning collaborative team is widely recognized for high-end luxury design and a world-class customer experience.

The Opportunity : Interior Design Lead

The Interior Design Lead is responsible to lead all aspects of interior design and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) projects including budgeting, planning & design, scheduling, vendor management, procurement, cost estimating and negotiations, communication, records management, invoice processing and project close-out.

Reports to : Alex Saroki, AIA

Direct Supervisory Responsibilities : Interior Designer

Key Responsibilities

Design Management :

Manage design development for projects coordinating internal and external resources

Close collaboration with colleagues and client to ensure that objectives are achieved through design

Create or oversee the production of design drawings to ensure all relevant information is included

Coordinate presentations or updates to keep the extended team informed throughout the design process

Monitor and document critical design decisions to ensure they are consistent with project goals and delivered in a timely manner

Prepare and communicate project budgets relevant to interior finishes and FFE

Maintain current industry knowledge of design trends and vendors

Team and Vendor Oversight & Leadership :

Serve as a member of the firms leadership team, participating in quarterly strategy and planning sessions

Collaborate with suppliers, partners, design consultants and internal colleagues to leverage the best possible design solutions with consistent high quality

Build a high-performing, customer-centric team.Responsible for the recruitment, coaching, and performance management of assigned team members

Ensure that responsibilities are clearly documented, regular evaluations are held, and sound personnel management practices are in place

Exceptional relationship management with direct report, colleagues and external vendor partners

Review and comment on all deliverables

Manage interior designers budgets and discern the need and request for additional scope work

Design Execution :

Manage installation for all design projects, including but not limited managing vendors and delivery of FF&E supplies

Provide on-site support during and after set up and installation process while conducting follow up to ensure adherence to the highest quality standards and best business practices.

Assist with project close-out

Liaise between vendors and project team, general contractors, director of construction, other project managers, architects, procurement companies and asset managers

Track and report on procurement and expediting, and ensure complete and timely delivery of the FF&E

Assist with site logistics and supplier deliveries for FF&E in coordination with project team

Perform cost estimating and preliminary pricing to monitor pricing in the FF&E budget

Communicate with external and internal key stakeholders regarding status updates, progress and financial reporting, budgets, change orders and vendor performance metrics

Cultivate and maintain strong vendor relationships; oversee process to negotiate contracts in terms of pricing, quality, timing, and supply availability, ensuring costs are within budget

Track status updates and communication with vendors

The Qualified Candidate

Saroki Architecture seeks a client focused, proven design professional.The successful candidate will have proven interior design experience with prior success with creating luxury design outcomes in a collaborative environment.The selected candidate will be worldly with an elevated sense of style and taste, with extensive familiarity in luxury commercial settings.

Specific requirements include :

Education and Experience

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university

Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience with a proven track record in interior design and specifying and procuring furniture and finishes

Experience working with a multi-disciplinary team and select external partners

Drawing skills and proficiency with design tools such as AutoCAD or Sketchup

Proficiency with project management tools such as Bluebeam, Excel or Microsoft Project

Competencies and Attributes

Personal values alignment with the firms core values : Customer First, Strive for Excellence, Respect and Team Player

Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy as well as maintaining the highest integrity and ethics

Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with high-net-worth clients

Solid, persuasive verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to deliver inspiring and succinct presentations and conduct productive meetings

Demonstrated ability to work independently with a great deal of accountability, as well as, a proven record of working collaboratively and diplomatically with others

Demonstrated ability to build and motivate a diverse team of vendors

A strong sense of customer service and a passion for creating world-class outcomes for clients

Strong business acumen; organizational skills; ability to set priorities; process and project management skills

Exceptional time management skills

Possesses a current knowledge of industry trends in various commercial settings (e.g., restaurants, offices, country clubs)

Desired / Preferred Qualifications :

NCIDQ certification