POSITION SUMMARY
The Designer is responsible for all aspects of the design process from concept through installation, designing within the various established project budgets and timelines and for maintaining strong client and vendor relationships. Additionally, the Designer is responsible for ensuring that the aesthetics of all projects align with the ABD STUDIO brand and meet all client expectations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OPERATIONS
● Attend weekly team meetings
● Tag and file office expense receipts on a continual basis
● File project reimbursable expenses on a continual basis
● Source and continuously update materials within studio sample library
● Assist with onboarding and training of new design team members
● Meet weekly with Project Manager and Principal to review project progress and upcoming design team priorities
● Inform Principal of necessary updates to the Operations and Procedures manual on an as needed basis
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / MARKETING
● Attend industry events
● Participate in the styling of project photo shoots
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
● Source project specific design inspiration including images, vendors, etc
● Maintain prompt correspondence with clients, contractors and architects on a continual basis throughout the project in regards to design specific items
● Issue design programming questionnaire and closet programming questionnaire as applicable throughout project to gather necessary client requests and information to inform design
● Lead internal design presentation preparations and attend subsequent meetings
● Attend site visits and project OAC meetings on an as needed basis
● Record detailed notes during design presentations, project meetings and site visits to ensure accurate documentation of client preferences, as well as, project updates and requirements
● Ensure all design sourcing and selections are within the allotted project budget and timeline (as provided by the Project Manager)
● Ensure aesthetic of presented designs corresponds with ABD STUDIO aesthetic, client’s authentic style and requests
● Develop project design schemes, including:
○ Develop CAD furniture floor plans and ensure all design selections fit appropriately within the project floor plan dimensions
○ Develop CAD elevations and detailed drawings as necessary
○ Source furnishings, plumbing, light fixtures, cabinetry hardware, fabrics, finishes, art, home accessories / provisions, bath hardware and other interior materials as necessary - Work alongside the Principal and Design Assistant to finalize all design details
● Collaborate with fabricators on the construction of custom items:
○ Develop and / or review and approve construction drawings of custom items in collaboration with fabricators
○ Oversee on site measuring with vendors for labor and fabrication quoting of custom pieces such as but not limited to: window treatments, wallpaper, floor coverings, built-in seating, cabinetry, etc
○ Oversee custom piece fabrication, including workroom and site visits as necessary
○ Provide quality control, review and approve finish samples provided by fabricator
● Review all DFAs and provide approval or red line edits as necessary
● Collaborate with the design team, contractors and vendors to work through and determine solutions for any design challenges - communicate next steps and solutions to the team in writing
● Oversee Design Assistant in setting clear assignment and prioritization of tasks, including but not limited to:
○ Sourcing of furniture, fixtures and textiles and gathering of finish samples
○ Curation of the design presentations & prepping materials needed for design presentations
○ Quoting and proposal preparation for approved interior merchandise
○ Coordinating accessories schedule
○ Review and approval of all CFAs
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
● Distribute design specific tasks on a continual basis to the design team (Designer, Design Assistant and Design Intern) and continuously communicate task priorities
● Manage Monday.com “Spec Board” and all necessary orchestration of approved specifications from client approval through order placement
● Oversee and review specification input into Design Manager for all approved interior merchandise - coordinate proposal packet preparation and complete final review of all proposals prior to issuing to client
● Prioritize specific orders for placement with Expeditor and continuously stay abreast of Expeditors order placement progress
● Contribute towards all project interior architecture schedules as follows:
○ Communicate specifications to PM team - Review and approve all schedules before they are issued to the architecture and construction team
○ Prepare Paint Schedule
○ Communicate interior architecture schedule changes with PM team as necessary throughout the project - Review and approve all schedules before they are re-issued
● Coordinate with Bookkeeper on monthly invoicing to clients - Review and approve all invoices prior to issuing to client
● Participate in project installations
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
● Comprehensive industry knowledge of furniture, fabric, lighting, plumbing, stone, tile, millwork, custom furniture fabricators, and retail vendors
● Expertise in crafting cohesive design schemes that balance scale, proportion, texture, color, client needs, budget, and functionality
● Confident leadership with a can-do attitude, effective ability to manage and motivate teams
● Engaged with industry trends through design publications, social media, and influencer networks, driving innovative solutions and team inspiration
● Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills, successfully managing multiple high-end residential projects
● Persuasive communication skills, clearly presenting design concepts to diverse clients
● Strong relationship-building abilities with clients, management, and peers, fostering a collaborative work environment
● Self-motivated and dependable, excelling both independently and in team settings
● Positive and adaptable in connecting with varied personalities, enhancing team and client dynamics
● Dedicated to maintaining high-quality standards while maximizing efficiency in all design aspects
QUALIFICATIONS
● Submission of designer portfolio required
● 5 years minimum of employment at an interior design firm with specific experience focused on the full design process from inception to installation
● Undergraduate or graduate degree in design related field
● Experience in successfully collaborating with and managing teams
● Must own and have access to a reliable car - Mileage will be reimbursed at annual IRS standard mileage rates
● Must be willing to travel to projects in locations outside of the Bay Area
● Must have strong construction based technical skills and be highly skilled with construction documents and drafting in AutoCAD
● Proficiency with Design Manager or Studio Designer required
● Hand-drawing or digital modeling skills is a plus
● Competent with Google Drive (sheets, docs, slides), Google Sketch Up, Adobe Creative Suite
