JR Hospitality Interior Designer

At Dawson Design Associates, we don't just design hotels; we craft immersive, narrative-driven experiences. Our studio in Kitsap County is a demanding, high-octane teaching and learning environment, where designers with a strong desire to build upon an existing career in hospitality design can thrive. We are looking for a talented and qualified Junior Interior Designer who is as much an artist as they are a project manager and is comfortable with client-facing roles and a fast-paced team environment.

Location: Port Orchard, WA (In-Office)

Experience: 0-2+ years (preferably in Hospitality Design)

Reporting to: CEO / Founding Principal

This is a rare opportunity to receive personalized mentoring from an award-winning team. You will work in a beautiful rural setting that fuels creativity but make no mistake: this is a demanding role. We are looking for a "take-charge" individual who can bridge the gap between high-level conceptual artistry and the organization required to run a project from Concept through Construction Administration.

Key Responsibilities

A Junior Designer is responsible for producing high-quality project design deliverables in both FF&E and construction documents. A Junior Designer can work on any/all phases of development including Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration. They report to the Job Captain or Project Manager on tasks and deliverables and work directly to ensure the facilitation of a project’s completion; on-time, on/under-budget, and meets DDA’s quality standards.

Responsibilities Include ...

Implementation / Project Production Team Member:

· Knows where to store files in system

· Organize and maintain the sample room.

· Organize project samples, project filing binders, and finish binders in an orderly manner and according to DDA standards.

· Maintaining up-to-date project file (binder) with all email and other correspondence.

· Package/prepare items for shipment.

· Prepare presentation booklets for client meetings.

CD Documentation

Knows CAD standards and applies them

Block up elevations from drawings with accuracy

Thorough and accurate at red line pick-ups

Clouds and notes revisions on drawing/specs modifications

Can draw and tag finished plans and elevations that meets firms standards

Can produce basic sections and details of millwork and furniture

Can produce door, hardware, plumbing, lighting, finish schedules

Put together an architectural binder for CD/DD

Able to produce furniture layouts and floor plans skillfully.

Can read CD drawings including section and details expertly.

FF&E Specification Requirements

Scan images and format for specs

Format actual specs on sheets.

Can format a completed spec book including index sheets and contacts

Assists with matrix process

Can interpret what is needed for the ‘look’ and select appropriate FF&E items

Can draw simple custom furniture drawings and details

Know how to produce drapery and bedding drawings, custom upholstered furniture, case goods, lighting, and custom furniture. Produce all drawings for fabrication in CAD.

Contact vendors, order samples, collect and document pricing and lead times.

Organize all aspects of the specification process -- answering questions, sending packages, selecting, etc.

Research sourcing - cataloging of vendors/resources.

CA Process

Send formatted replies to RFI per instructions

Sets up and follows Addendum system

Complete project close-out details, documentation, storage of records.

Teamwork:

· Asks questions for clarity, keeps team informed of progress

· Maintain billable hour level on a weekly basis; communicate any deviation with Project Manager.

· Communicate with Project Manager(s) regularly, alerting them of possible problems or conflicts with project specs, drawings, vendor delays, etc.

· Actively participate in team meetings, status meetings, training classes, read and understand DDA’s philosophy, standards and procedures

· Offer unsolicited feedback on how to improve system and procedures when opportunities arise. Take initiative to make positive change.

· Demonstrate leadership skills in assisting team to produce quality projects -- stay up with team, assist as and when needed, take initiative.

Colors & Materials:

· Know how to produce color boards according to DDA standards.

· Knows sourcing for products (uses, pricing, appropriateness)

· Selects appropriate FF&E products for review that capture the look and attitude as well as durability and pricing

· Shows good eye for color and materials

· Looks for fresh ideas rather than pieces that ‘work’

· Demonstrate comfort at exploring new ideas in design.

· Demonstrate a good eye for scale and balance, color and material relationships in both architecture and FF&E.

· Can analyze magazine images and recognize the design principles being used to create ‘THE LOOK.’

Technical

Understands basic Branding and Positioning concepts

Have good hand-sketching skills. Able to sketch something quickly in order to show ideas and concepts.

Able to scan and crop images in Photoshop, manipulate, if required, to eliminate adjacent images, remove writing, etc.

Able to input sketches into CAD, block up elevations, manipulate floor plans, dimensions, create schedules, tag finishes from redline set, and set title blocks.

Personal Traits

Works efficiently and at a brisk pace

Works independently for extended periods

Can change directions quickly without being overly flustered or bothered

Seems comfortable with pace and pressure of office

Take initiative and move forward on assigned tasks confidently while working independently and competently.

Able to skillfully negotiate around roadblocks and obstacles to follow through and complete tasks on schedule and within budgeted hours.

Professionalism

Act with professional level of conduct and behavior at all times.

Good communications skills i.e. Articulates concerns, alerts others to problems

Looks for solutions when confronted with roadblocks

Shows enthusiasm for work

Reads magazines and periodicals to educate self to industry

Stays as needed to compete tasks at hand to meet deadlines

Consistently checks own work for accuracy and completeness

Introduction to Reps and product knowledge

Flexible and open to new ideas and feedback

Shows willingness to learn new ideas and processes

Write professional correspondences in email, transmittals and letters.

Develop knowledge of the industry, in both design and hotel operational terms. Keep abreast of trends and watch ‘what’s hot’ internationally by following the media, including magazines provided by DDA.

Professional Attributes

· Artistic Soul, Logical Mind: We highly value artistic training and a keen interest in fashion and style, paired with a high level of reasoning and problem-solving.

· Proactive Initiative: You are the person who takes notes without being asked and prepares for the meeting before the invite is even sent.

· Collaborative Leadership: You can manage others, check work for quality control, and work independently with limited supervision.

· Curiosity: You must have a deep sense of curiosity and a "thirst" for learning the complexities of luxury hospitality.

Why Dawson Design Associates?

We offer unlimited possibilities including career advancement and international travel for those individuals who prove themselves to be highly creative and dynamic performers for our team. You will work directly with the Principal, gaining insight into the highest levels of the industry.

Note to Applicants: Only serious players need apply. We require former employer references and referrals to ensure you have the grit and talent to match our team's pace. Must be located or willing to relocate within a commutable distance to Port Orchard, Washington, United States

Benefits:

Dental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offVision insuranceBenefits:

401(k)Dental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offVision insuranceEducation:

Bachelor's (Required)Ability to Relocate:

Port Orchard, WA 98366: Relocate before starting work (Required)Work Location: In person