Project Designer - Auto Dealership Team

Description

Department: Design

Reports To: Design Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary: The Project Designer (Auto) will assist or lead sales team members in the design and specification of assigned design projects for clients in the Auto Dealership industry. Design services include programming, design concepts, space planning, commercial furniture specifications, site visits, and furniture installation drawings. Works closely with our internal sales, project coordinators, project managers and installation team members to ensure a positive and successful client experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Project Designer Specific Responsibilities:

· With minimal direction, assists in or leads in the auto dealership design and specification of assigned projects.

· Assists or Leads sales and design team members in the preparation of client presentations. 

· Leads in ensuring the accuracy of all drawings and specifications before presenting to the selling team member or client – operate with little to no specification errors. 

· Demonstrates in-depth knowledge in design trends and appropriate product application. 

· Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of Teknion research and lead in consultative selling efforts. 

· Prepares and presents design contracts, assist Design Team members with contracts. 

· Serves as mentor and coach to other design team members. 

· Demonstrates high level rendering and presentation capability. 

· Serves as a champion of a design team metric, responsible for efforts that create a streamlined approach. 

2. General Designer Responsibilities:

· Programming

o Attends client planning meetings; presents plans and information, with confidence, to clients for review and approval.

o Conducts programming by interviewing clients/end/users and produces reports.

o Reviews site; conducts field measurements and plan-to site adherence checks.

o Verifies existing inventory/product if necessary; produces as-built drawings/specifications.

· Design Development

o Develops and presents block/space plans.

o Selects, develops and presents color/finish boards.

o Provides design budgets for projects; maintains daily timesheets; manages actual time against budgets.

o Develops product specifications; verifies specifications against plans; produces order-ready specifications utilizing technology; verifies accuracy.

o Manages changes and revisions.

o Maintains detailed project documentation including records of key decisions, and notes from client/internal meetings.

· Final Design

o Creates finished working drawings for specification and installation; validates plans against construction, electrical and A & D drawing set.

o May conduct field review during/after installation with Project Managers and/or installation crew.

o Manages adherence to project schedule and budgets.

o Communicates regularly on assignment status to all parties involved.

o Ensures complete and accurate plans/specifications are order ready. May be required to conduct organizational interfaces with; client, A&D firms, contractors, project managers, sales, sales administration, internal operations personnel, and installation crews.

3. Serve as a Steward of iSpace Core Values and Brand 

· We are EXPERTS: We provide well thought out solutions to support our client’s business needs.

· We are RESOURCEFUL: We will find ways to get it done and make it look easy.

· We VALUE all PARTNERSHIPS: Our partners are not viewed as transactions, but friends. We support each other and celebrate in each other’s successes.

· We believe in TEAMWORK: All of us together are better than each of us alone.

· We have FUN: Having fun is part of our work experience. We bring our culture to life by enjoying ourselves and each other.

· We Are OWNERS: We are 100% employee owned. We think and act like owners, making every decision count for our collective success.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following.

Confidence – Demonstrates self-assurance in decision-making and design recommendations. Communicates ideas clearly and assertively. Maintains composure in uncertain situations. Takes ownership of work and is comfortable representing solutions to internal and external stakeholders.

Innovation – Develops innovative approaches and ideas. Displays original thinking and creativity. Generates suggestions for improving work. Meets challenges with resourcefulness. 

Managing Customer Focus - Develops new approaches to meeting customer needs. Establishes customer service standards. Monitors customer satisfaction. Promotes customer focus. 

Planning and Organization - Integrates changes smoothly. Plans for additional resources. Prioritizes and plans work activities. Sets goals and objectives. Uses time efficiently. Works in an organized manner.

Problem Solving - Develops alternative solutions. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Identifies problems in a timely manner. Resolves problems in early stages. Works well in group problem solving situations. 

Quality - Applies feedback to improve performance. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Displays commitment to excellence. Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities Contributes to building a positive team spirit Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views gives and welcomes feedback.

Requirements

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Interior, Industrial or Architectural Design and 4+ years’ experience in furniture/office/space planning or equivalent combination of education and experience. Furniture Dealership experience preferred.  Knowledge of building codes for furniture design required.

Computer Skills:

· Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

· Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and specification software(s).

· Preferred experience with 20/20 technologies, Bluebeam, Sketchup and Configura.

Other Skills and Requirements: 

· Possesses excellent time management and delegation.

· Solid interpersonal skills; ability to communicate (both oral and written) effectively and professionally with both internal and external clients.

· Understands systems furniture; able to learn and apply new product knowledge. Millwork experience needed.

· Excellent problem-solving ability and follow through.

· Strong attention to detail and highly organized.

· Works well under pressure in fast-paced conditions; excels at multi-tasking and prioritizing.

· Some travel may be needed (10%).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level is usually moderate. 

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.

iSpace Environments is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other basis under law.