Suzanne Lovell Inc. is seeking a motivated and passionate Senior Interior Designer for a full-time role in our Chicago office. The position entails owning and managing assigned projects from concept through completion, while working directly with clients to ensure they receive the highest level of service. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years’ experience in high-end residential work.
Who we are: For over 30 years, Suzanne Lovell Inc. has consistently delivered gracious and timeless residences for private clients. With a solid architectural foundation, we strive every day to design residential interiors that offer unique lifestyle experiences for our clients. Our team of experts work collaboratively across a range of specialties and disciplines including interior architecture, interior design, fine art research, construction administration and custom furniture design. In addition to a lively and creative work environment, we are proud to offer eligible team members a competitive compensation package including medical benefits, 401k matching, and paid time off. We believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, as such please explore our work at www.suzannelovellinc.com
The responsibilities of the job will include, but are not limited to the following:
- Own and manage assigned client projects such that job schedules, budgets and scopes are realized or adjusted as needed from preliminary furniture plans and budgets, all the way through procurement and final install, while working with Owner and Partners to source and specify materials and furniture as needed.
- Work directly with our clients to ensure they receive the highest level of service and that their visions for their residence is realized.
- Create and manage technical drawings and design for custom furniture.
- Responsible for the management, training and mentoring of junior designers, providing technical and design guidance, regular reviews of specifications across all projects and procurement support.
- Serve in a leadership role as the link between architectural requirements and product selections across projects, coordinating and drawing locations for specialty lighting, window covering, wall covering, floor covering and other elements that depend on the frictionless communication between the interior design team, the architect and the site.
- Strategize across disciplines with the goal of creating seamless and engaging Client Experiences across projects.
- Assemble and analyze project schedules, procurement reports and status updates with the goal of recommending data-driven strategic decisions that move projects forward in the Client’s best interest towards final installation and completion.
- Act as a key player in the procurement workflow across the interior design team as the lead for managing purchasing plans, install calendars and bi-weekly procurement meetings while also being a contributing member of the team responsible for technical review, specification and authoring purchase orders.
- Own relationships with specialty installers and oversee accuracy and shop drawing reviews for custom furniture as needed, ensuring flawless installations at the site
- Prepare project space plans and integrate selections into architectural drawings.
Skill Requirements:
- Must possess a thorough knowledge of interior architecture practice with emphasis on materials, construction methods, and integration of various elements and/or aspects.
- Must possess strong technical design abilities on residential interior design projects
- Demonstrate and practice sound understanding of the entire Suzanne Lovell Inc. portfolio of projects and exercise an ability to apply that understanding to tactical decision making regarding internal project management, quality, attention to detail and workmanship
- Head on approach to problem solving skills with a keen sense of anticipating and identifying issues and finding solutions
- Detail-oriented with a proven ability to prioritize numerous tasks in order to meet deadlines and manage complex projects
- Ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects simultaneously while working collaboratively with the Suzanne Lovell Inc. Team, vendors, and other professions
- Strong motivational characteristics that allow for effective management of people and processes
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience preparing Client-facing presentations, internal updates and notes
- Be a thought leader in design and innovation for the firm in order to ensure that client spaces are unique, including a constantly evolving understanding of past project vendors and new product sources consistent with the level of quality expected by Suzanne Lovell Inc. Clients.
- Able to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage client expectations
Years of experience: 8-10 years – experience in high-end residential work preferred,
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or Architecture
Software Skills: Proficiency required in AutoCAD, Blue Beam, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Studio Designer Webware