Design Assistant
Job Description:
Goals and Objectives
The Design Assistant is tasked with supporting all aspects of interior design and installation for Firmdale Hotels in New York and Kit Kemp New York collaborations. All activities performed by the Design Assistant support the unique style that distinguishes Firmdale Hotels.
Required Education/Experience
The Design Assistant should have the following education and experience:
• A college degree in interior design or a related field and 2+ years of experience (including internships), or a degree in another field and 3+ years of interior design experience.
• Success in a supporting role working with a variety of stakeholders across multiple locations.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Excel, Photoshop and Microsoft Office.
Knowledge and Skills
The successful Design Assistant must demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:
• Problem solving ability essential for management and coordination of complex tasks.
• Attention to detail, organization and the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects often against tight deadlines.
• Strong verbal, written and visual communication skills with all levels within an organization and outside parties.
• Demonstrated understanding of the design process and a passion for applying creative approaches to furniture, furnishings, fixtures and artwork.
Competencies
Thoroughness: Ensuring that one’s own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate; carefully preparing for meetings and presentations; following up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled.
Artistic Ability: Use a sense of style to develop ideas, concepts and designs that are aesthetically pleasing.
Creativity: Be imaginative in recommending furnishings and fabrics and in creating spaces that represent the company aesthetic.
Interpersonal Skills: Communicate effectively and build relationships with internal hotel staff, vendors, designers, engineers, and general building contractors on ongoing projects.
Visualization: A strong sense of proportion and visual awareness in order to understand how pieces of a design will fit together to create the intended interior environment.
Analytical Thinking: The ability to tackle a problem using a logical, systematic, sequential approach comparing two or more alternatives.
Essential Functions
The Design Assistant has the primary duty of supporting all aspects of design and installation for Firmdale Hotels in New York and for Kit Kemp New York collaborations.
This primary duty consists of the following essential functions:
1. Complete all administrative related tasks for each project.
• Place orders for furniture, fixtures and materials.
• Follow up on orders and shipping status.
• Organize and maintain files, folders and sample materials.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries and follow up on action items.
• Organize meeting notes.
2. Assist with product sourcing and presentation preparation.
• Maintain a vendor database.
• Keep up to date on available products and materials
• Assemble product boards and materials.
3. Develop AutoCAD plans including floor plans and furniture plans.
4. Coordinate and assist with project installations.
• Pick up and return supplies.
• Manage supply inventory lists.
• Create and maintain punch lists.
• Photograph rooms and public spaces.
5. Coordinate and assist with ongoing maintenance of guest room and public area decor.
• Work with Hotel Housekeeping and Engineering team to identify action items and follow up.
• Participate in regularly scheduled room surveys.
6. Provide support for Kit Kemp projects as requested.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to read, review, enter and retrieve information from computer and hard copies.
• Regular communications in person, writing and by telephone.
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs or other elevated structures, in addition to sitting in front of a computer.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel independently between properties, to showrooms and vendors.
Relationships
• Person Assigning Work; Ruby Kean, Head of Design, New York
• Supervises: No subordinates
• Regularly Works With or Provides Results For; Hotel Management Team, particularly Engineering and Housekeeping, Designers, Vendors, Construction Crews.