Design Principal Interiors

POSITION TITLE: DESIGN PRINCIPAL INTERIORS - CHICAGO

DEPARTMENT: FORUM STUDIO CHICAGO

REPORTS TO: PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

DIRECT REPORTS: INTERIOR DESIGNERS

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

Must be capable of developing highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions in the corporate/commercial and institutional market sectors. Must also have an established design reputation evident through design awards, publications, education or other venues, and positive client references. Ability to guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects. Capable of meeting design excellence goals while meeting management goals and project budgets. Must be responsible for targeting and developing strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent. have the proven initiative to teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in the essentials of design excellence and in the critical tenets of Design Philosophy. Effective in mentoring and developing junior design staff, challenging, inspiring and/or motivating others to join in the constant pursuit of design excellence. Will be a key design leader who must have the vision and attitude to lead design efforts from multiple offices, while effectively partnering with office management, project management, and AEP discipline leaders on all efforts. Must be capable of identifying, attracting and retaining key design staff, and will be active in local, national or international professional design related organizations.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for leading the design process to ensure the successful completion of high quality projects.
Demonstrating strong conceptual and schematic design skills to translate building programs into thoughtful design solutions.
Leading clients through the design process and integrating with the Forum Studio team.
Active participation in the business development and client networking requirements.
Integrate with Forum Studio management team to ensure project design success and financial responsibility.
Assist in the business planning, business development and client targeting efforts.
Ensure effective communication and coordination on assigned projects between all disciplines and parties.
Embrace and understand ‘design/build’ and ‘integrated project delivery’ methods.
Project status and financial reports, and initiation of any necessary corrective actions.
Proposals, drawings, specifications, calculations, charts and graphs
Resolve disputes and conflicts related to assigned projects and Clients.
Accountable for the quality of service and profitability on assigned projects.
Extensive and independent contact with Clients, industry organizations and vendor representatives.
Interact and negotiate with Client project representatives.
Maintain regular contact with all assigned project Clients, including the best possible development of personal relationships, and strive to keep Client satisfaction at a high level.
Develop a quality relationship with assigned Clients and analyzes Client circumstances to recognize new business opportunities.
Demonstrate a knowledge of the application of architectural/engineering to project constructability as applied to construction methods and materials, and the economics involved.
Perform assignments independently with defined expectations as to the general results expected.
Provide design direction and on-the-job training to the project team.
Direct and/or participate in Client meetings, and presentations.
Keep Department Manager informed of all circumstances that could affect projects or Clients.
Keep abreast of technological developments.
Attend technical and professional society meetings and seminars.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience/Attributes
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, and over fifteen years of multi-discipline experience; or
Master’s degree in Architecture, and over twelve years of multi-discipline experience; or
Minimum fifteen years of comprehensive experience; advanced design and technical knowledge in architecture and construction.
Equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Ability to lead projects at an appropriate level of involvement and exercise judgment
Managed junior staff
Established/demonstrated level of professional accomplishment in architecture/planning/preservation (architecture preferred for immediate need) Evidence should include awards, recognition by AIA and/or other professional peer organizations
Demonstrated commitment to design and technical excellence (been a design leader)
Demonstrated commitment to profitable, sustainable practice
Demonstrated commitment to sustainable design

Skills and Special Requirements/Licensing:

AutoCAD.
Revit
Thorough knowledge of required building codes.
Excellent computer skills.
Licensed Architect

Work Environmental & Physical Demands:

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing duties of this job, would occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.
Overtime may be necessary as workload’s dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends and/or holidays.
Job will generally be performed in an office environment, but may require travel to and visit a Client’s office, production facility or industrial/construction job site. Conditions will vary at each location, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.
May be assigned to work at a Client’s office, facility or site for an extended period of time. Conditions will vary at each location, but the conditions listed above will generally apply. When performing outside Forum Studio’s office, appropriate safety training and safety equipment will be provided by Forum Studio and/or Client as required.