Sr. Interior Design Associate
A Senior Designer is responsible for producing high quality project design deliverables in both FF&E and construction documents. A Senior Designer can work on any/all phases within TLS standards of practice including but not limited to Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration. They are responsible not only for their own work but also their team’s work and work directly with contractors, trades and clients to ensure the facilitation of a project’s completion; on-time, on/under-budget, and meets TLS quality standards. All deliverables are to be reported to and reviewed by Kate Sadler, Principal Designer and owner before being presented to client or issued for construction. As the Senior Interior Designer, the associate is required to perform the following duties and undertake the following responsibilities in a professional manner.
Management/Mentoring Roles:
Can manage at least 3 different projects at once as well as managing their team of associate designers on their projects. This includes being responsible for all of their own work as well as the timely completion of their team's work. They are responsible to check that all work is completed to TLS standards
Manage client relationship, client communication and client satisfaction and client expectations consistently throughout the entire project
Mentoring and supporting junior design team members. Delegating elements of your projects to junior team members and overseeing their success and failures.
Managing the logistics team to ensure all items are accounted for and on time for when needed on site
Managing and coordinating necessary trades to ensure all design aspects are correct and are scheduled correctly
Regular reviews and check ins of their team deliverables for accuracy, efficiency and thoroughness ensuring the team is delivering a high quality product
Act as a positive role-model to others and support the TLS company culture
Demonstrates a high degree of Time Management skill and constantly seeks to streamline processes and procedures to increase quality and efficiency
Managing project budgets to ensure everything presented to the client is feasible
Key Responsibilities + Design Skills:
Consistently bringing great, fresh ideas to the team that are project appropriate, captures the look and attitude and articulates why they feel it meets the needs
Has a well-developed eye for scale and balance, designing elements that ‘fit’ the space for maximum impact
Regularly follows trends in architecture, interior design, art and fashion so that own work and ideas are of an ‘International’ caliber as well as sophistication level.
Designs ‘around corners’ not just major areas - so spaces flow consistently, areas tie together for maximum impact and secondary focal points are established and used to build upon the underlying ‘story’ and attitude
Can differentiate the needs of different ‘styles’ and ‘looks’ and deliver those styles without letting personal preferences impact choices
Is highly skilled in ‘Lighting’ as a design element, knows how to use lighting, shadows and layers for certain situations, space use and impact. Regularly follows lighting suppliers and magazines to watch for new trends and applications and fixtures. Introduces new ideas and approaches in concepts.
Prepare working drawings and schedules in Revit and specifications for tender using strict Local Studio standards
Interface and communicate in meetings, presentations and site visits
Conduct tender and trade calls, prepare agendas, and coordinate with other professionals such as contractors, architects, engineers and other trades to ensure job success
Regularly corresponding and visiting site to ensure design intent is carried out properly
Prepares for regular project team meetings pertaining to project tasks, deliverables, and milestones
Is proactive at continuing their design education and development by keeping up with new FFE and booking in learning events for themselves and The Studio
Researching and sourcing FF&E, creating Quotes, WorkSheets and PO’s. Communicating with the team to ensure all FF&E is specified correctly in the drawings package and will be delivered on time and on budget.
Continuously creating SOP’s for studio members & updating existing ones
FF&E Specification Requirements:
Proven ability to independently produce a set of quality specifications and issue quote requests that require few questions from outside agents, that deliver quality products at the level intended, that are within budget and meet operational needs for the project.
In depth knowledge of the major manufacturers and their products, fabrication techniques, finish requirements and ability to deliver quality products on schedule and per budget.
Is an expert at reviewing shop drawings and samples to insure drawings and finishes match TLS specifications.
Has expert knowledge of fabrication techniques for drapery, bedding, pillows, upholstery, custom furniture, fixtures and knows how to achieve a wide array of designs; and is then able to create detailed specs for fabrication.
Administrative Roles:
This could include running project errands, contacting suppliers, product research, material sourcing and mailing/arranging pick up of packages for the office.
The preparation of deliverables for the client. This includes but is not limited to arranging and providing client facing information for presentations as per TLS presentation standards.
Maintain an organized and neat workspace and office environment.
Establish and maintain excellent supplier, trade and client relations
Be punctual for office opening times & project meetings on site.
Technical Skill Set/Construction Knowledge:
Skilled at fluently discussing methods of construction and correct uses in Interiors and installation methods for: blocking, moisture barriers product, millwork joinery, anchoring, sealing, ceiling treatments, finishing details, slab needs/leave-outs, railings, painting, wall covering, various flooring installations, stone fabrication, tile patterns and grout details, sheetrock finishes, plaster, stucco, foam, MDF, fiberglass trims, metal work, millwork, textures, doors and windows, bars and cabinetry, paneling, mirrors etc. and then apply this knowledge by making appropriate recommendations for applications.
Understands mechanical system and basic needs including ductwork, thermostat locations, air returns and output grills and locations, baseboard heating, sprinkler needs types of heads, basic code knowledge and required locations, HVAC units; to ensure coordination with design.
Understands Architectural and Structural needs such as beams, columns, bearing walls tying elements to structure: and understands when these professionals need to be called in to consult with TLS team in order to insure our design is viable and what modifications may need to be made.
Has a very good sense of what can and cannot be done based upon structural limitations or requirements
Putting together project binders for the site and trades
Construction Documents:
Finished Floor Plans – tagged/keyed and noted for all areas - developed as required for final approval.
Furniture Plans for all areas – developed as required for final approval
Demolition if required – noted, dimensioned, and tagged for minimal questions during construction due to clarity and quality of information provided.
Dimensioned construction plans – noted, tagged, elevation symbols, sections, schedules in a way that allows for minimal questions during construction due to clarity and quality of information provided.
Finished Elevations with millwork, outlets, wall sconces, cabinetry, specialty finishes and treatments noted, tagged and indicated in a way that is clear for construction and fabrication.
Finished RCP with ceiling materials, treatments and heights clearly called out and dimensioned where needed.
Lighting that the layout has been designed in a way that is well located for drama, highlighting and special effects, task, and convenience of usage and operations and that is also designed to meet energy codes and project budget.
Knowledge of types of lighting, applications, energy requirements, lamping and appropriate light spread.
Skilled at researching finished materials and learning about their required applications as well as installation requirements so that the information can be noted in depth on the drawings.
Can analyze photos and sketches of cabinetry and millwork and determine fabrication technique; then draw comprehensive details and sections so it can be fabricated with few questions from the fabricator achieving the desired effect.
Proven ability to create comprehensive finish schedules, lighting schedules, door and hardware schedules that include enough information for quality installation and ordering with few questions of clarification by installers.
Has expert knowledge of our local OBC & investigates codes as per project location to ensure all items and designs meet or exceed minimum code requirements.
Education Experience Requirements:
Formal education with a degree or diploma in the interior design field
At least 5 years of experience in the field
At least 3 start to finish large scale (3000 - 5000 sqft.) projects completed successfully with references
Proficiency and extensive experience in design software (we use Revit for all interior design construction package drawings)
At least 2 years of management/delegation experience is an asset
Experience working as a team as well as an individual contributor
High level of mastery in construction documentation and concept development and selections
Transportation and valid driver’s license
Ability to travel domestically and internationally; hold a valid passport
Why TLS
Company culture is very important at TLS and we want our studio to be an amazing place to work, and we do our part to take care of our team. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide:
Health benefits package
Spotify Premium subscription
Mindful Mondays - When everyone is following TLS standard operating systems in an efficient manner we gift Mondays off to our associates
Discounts on our products so you can style your home how you like it.
The tools you need to get your job done well! We supply state-of-the-art in-studio computers or laptops and monitors, keyboards, laser printing, wireless mouses, and the software you need to succeed.
Company lunches on Fridays.