Retail Designer

Overview

MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design is currently looking for a Retail Designer (Level 3) to join our team in our Seattle, WA office!

You will be working in our Consumer Experiences (CX) Market, where you will have the opportunity to design and deliver on various types of fast-moving retail and Food & Beverage projects that anticipate the needs and lifestyle shifts of evolving users.

Designers at this level oversee all phases of the design process including experiential concept design, programming, space planning, furniture selections, casework design, fixture and equipment specifications, material selections, design documentation, and detailing. They also manage the preparation of graphic presentations and design drawings by design staff and work closely with architectural staff to ensure design intent is properly integrated and maintained throughout all phases of design, documentation, and construction. Designers on this track have expertise in retail or experiential design and/or possess other specialized design skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams in the generation of comprehensive original design concepts and completion of design deliverables including preliminary design documentation, conceptual plans, 3D renderings, and exhibits.
• Work collaboratively with architectural and design staff on projects of varying types and scale. This includes a detailed understanding of how jurisdictional requirements, client standards, constructability, and programmatic guidelines impact and inform designs. Designers at this level may work across MG2 markets and coordinate with various studios. 
• Possess a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of construction documents including ability to lead, manage, review, comment, and provide guidance on various design related production efforts. 
• Assist with production of design related construction documents as required.
• Conduct design research from a wide variety of benchmarking sources for ideation and provide detailed design documentation to architectural project teams.
• Oversee completion of timely and accurate surveys of existing conditions in spaces identified as potential sites for tenant improvements. Identify any potential risks and issues and review potential design solutions with Project Manager and design staff. 
• Research project materiality and FF&E specifications with a comprehensive understanding of durability and aesthetic qualities, as well as sustainable design considerations. Provide recommendations based on scope of work, project budget, and sustainability goals. 
• Oversee data collection, project programming, and preliminary space planning. 
• Lead design meetings and actively collaborate in larger team meetings as required. 
• Lead QA/QC reviews of design deliverables related construction documents to ensure design intent is maintained throughout all project phases.
• Perform relevant research of building products and materials as necessary to generate preliminary project specifications for furniture, fixtures, and finishes. Collaborate with specification writers, sustainable material specialists, product representatives, and Project Managers to finalize overall project specifications. 
• Contribute to the execution of Construction Administration procedures including review of design related RFIs and project submittals.
• Oversee production of design deliverables used in RFP/RFQ responses and marketing proposals, provide guidance and comment as necessary. 
• Manage internal and external design resources; ensure consistent quality and project profitability. 
• Actively participate in efforts to build and support a design culture at MG2, including adherence to design rigor standards and processes. 
• Produce accurate and timely work in accordance with the project schedule and workplans. Work should demonstrate understanding of contractual obligations, design intent, and the project budget. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, design or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in a professional architecture or design firm focusing on brand/commercial interior environments.
• Previous experience leading design focused  meetings and overseeing the production of design deliverables. 
• Comprehensive understanding of the  relationship between design and constructability.
• Proficiency with Revit, Sketch-Up, Auto-CAD,  Adobe Creative Suite, and Enscape.
• Detailed knowledge related to material  selections and production of outline specifications; experience with  sustainable material sourcing and documentation of embodied carbon required.
• Demonstrated experience with furniture, fixture,  and equipment selections, product research, and documentation.
• Full understanding of merchandising needs in  a store environment.
• NCIDQ Certification and LEED certification preferred but not required
• Retail experience required
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $80,000 to $124,000 per year (depending on qualifications) 

What We Offer

At MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, we value our employees with great benefits and worthwhile programs. We are proud of the many initiatives at MG2 such as our focus on Sustainability and Inclusion & Belonging. We promote MG2 culture firmwide and within each of our offices through monthly recognition, happy hours, summer events, and an end of year Holiday Party to celebrate our accomplishments. People make the place at MG2 – Join our growing firm today!

MG2 offers competitive benefits that support our employees in their life and career. This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to:

• Employer provided employee healthcare plan and reduced cost premium plans, life insurance, and short and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off, 7 paid Holidays, and an additional 3 Floating Holidays.
• Employer sponsored Family Planning Program and employer Paid Parental Leave.
• Learning & Career Development opportunities.
• Employee Wellness and Employee Assistance Program.
• Participation in a 401K program including eligible company match percentage, after waiting period.