Senior Interior Designer

SUMMARY

The Senior Interior Designer provides planning services to ensure optimal use of space and develops occupancy and logistical options to achieve client needs. They will develop design concepts, strategic occupancy plans & forecasts according to client needs and specifications and with consideration to factors such as cost, budget, timelines, environment, structural impact and limitations. Design work must meet client specifications and must be delivered within budget and timelines. This includes day-to-day churn services, needs analysis/validation, stacking, blocking, cad layouts, etc. Options are developed in support of annual planning and in response to client on-demand business needs. 

The Senior Designer works with internal BGIS staff as well as client and external consultants, as required, to ensure timely, successful implementation of space & occupancy planning initiatives. Leads and reviews work of other Interior Designers as required.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Design Delivery

• Performs interior design activities including needs analysis, programming, work process analysis, stacking, blocking, finishes selection, design conceptualization, rendering, digital sample boards, specification writing, construction drawing creation, estimating construction administration, deficiency identification and problem solving as required.
• Develops design concepts that meet client needs and with consideration to work process, culture, project implementation, plans, serviceability, sustaining costs, environmental considerations (LEED), impact to related building systems and other project specific conditions. Executes design projects within pre-established budget, time and architectural program limitations.
• Renders design ideas in the form of 3-D renderings, sketches, plans, models and schemes using computer aided design (CAD)software in response to client needs.
• Prepares working drawings, and construction documentation to meet all building codes within applicable jurisdiction.
• Develops and prepares material cost estimates, project specifications, and requirements tender documents, schedules, and staffing plans to complete projects.
• Works with clients to define project.
• Manages the interior design lifecycle for each client engagement.
• Creates schedules while monitoring progress against timelines.
• Works closely with project manager, design coordinators, and project teams on conceptual designs, presentations, design development, and production.
• Responsible for project deliverables, meeting overall project design schedules, as well as preparing and presenting design presentations.
• Prepares technical documentation (e.g. user guides, technical specifications).
• Assists in the development of documentation and implementation of design process, policies and procedures.
• Assists with RFP bid document submissions.
• Liaise with clients, architects, engineers, trades, project managers, vendors, and other project concerned parties.
• Produces sample boards for presentation to clients.
• Performs work with minimum supervision, and work is assigned in terms of technical objectives.
• Provides support, and guidance and production assurance for complex or urgent problems.
• Makes recommendations or decisions on architecture, application design, standards and process improvements in line with client needs and requirements. 
• Estimates and prioritizes work to maximize value while considering risk, effort and dependencies.
• Raises impediments, risks and issues as early as possible and work with the team to mitigate as needed.

• Selects materials according to design standards and budget. 
• Undertake space planning responsibilities, as required. 
• Acts as first point of contact, collecting information from clients and internal team members and conducts site visits to understand client’s spaces/spatial requirements, deficiencies, business adjacencies, workflow, constraints, and opportunities. 
• Applies applicable building codes (e.g. egress and life safety) and liaise with local authorities as required, for purpose of gaining layout approvals. 
• Vendor Management – Develops and maintains effective relationships with vendors. Monitors work progress and oversee vendor performance to ensure quality completion. 
• Complies with all regulatory, environmental, health and safety requirements. 
• Manages expectations and needs of client user groups without compromising client BGIS objectives. 
• Responds quickly to client requests. Ensures proper and timely reporting and systems inputs. 
• Takes responsibility for your individual and the team’s results. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• University degree in Interior Design, Masters’ Degree preferred. A combination of Diploma in Interior Design and work experience will be considered. 
• At least 10 years of industry experience in commercial interior design. 
• At least 1 to 2 years of successfully mentoring a team of designers. 
• Must have experience with large and medium size projects, hospitality and commercial. 

Client 

• Effective client service skills with ability to manage client expectations or redirect to supervisor as needed. 
• Strong client orientation. 
• Strong client service/management skills. 
• Develop client case studies for Marketing materials. 
• Create sounds relationships with clients, contractors, and suppliers to promote repeat business. 

Interpersonal & Soft Skills 

• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Must have excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation, documentation and report writing skills. 
• Strong analytical, problems solving, and conflict management skills. 
• Strong organizational and communication skills. 
• Superior time management skills including the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously. 
• Results-oriented with strong client service/management skills. 
• Great teamwork skills and ability to work autonomously. 
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high volume, deadline driven environment. 
• Communicate your ideas through a variety of methods including verbal, written, sketches, 3D perspectives, and AutoCAD. 
• Facilitation skills: Run weekly status meetings with the team and clients to ensure project delivery. 

Management

• Provide guidance and mentorship to the design team to ensure quality design is carried throughout projects. 
• Mentoring and coaching junior staff. 

Technical Skills 

• Must be proficient in MS Excel, MS Office, MS Project, and AutoCAD. Experience working with SketchUp, Bluebeam, Adobe, and InDesign. 
• Experience in facilities office planning and general knowledge of real estate business. General understanding of leasing structures and operating costs. 
• Ability to financially assess proposed office relocations and changes including cost estimating and forecasting skills. 
• Exceptional project management skills to ensure targeted schedules are met for all projects on time, on budget, and on scope as agreed with the client. Strong project management documentation skills including project specification writing. 
• Strong working knowledge of project management, design, move management, construction and scheduling as well as knowledge of various furniture systems, interiors, materials, and finishes. Creation and management of project budgets and workback schedules to ensure the firm is delivering on time and on budget. Exhibit detail-oriented project management skills. 
• Knowledge of and experience with industry standards, applicable building codes and regulations, including LEED. 
• Ability to work on multiple projects, schedule and meet deliverables, you also need to exhibit detail the design to allow for co-ordination, accurate pricing and construction. 
• Experience with RFP/RFI bid process and document submissions. 
• Develop high-quality drawing and documentation sets that are clear, comprehensive and consistent to allow for accurate pricing, cooridnation and construction.
• Thorough knowledge of construction, mechanical, and electrical space impacts. 
• Thorough knowledge of building issues, building and safety codes the range of relevant products and materials, ergonomics, LEED, Bill 124 and applicable industry standards and regulations. 
• Review final working drawing packages and document contemplated changes, site instruction, change orders. 

Licenses and/or Professional Accreditation 

• ARIDO is preferred
• BCIN is an asset

• NCIDQ, PMP, LEED AP is an asset. 

This is a regular, full-time position with a salary range of $75,440 - $94,300 per annum. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to experience, education and performance related to this role.