Senior Designer

Summary

This role is responsible for developing the approach and goals for the design of the project. Balancing his/her responsibilities for both the communication of and management of design tasks, the Designer ultimately assumes the lead role in defining a project’s opportunities and analyzing various ideas as well as collaborating on their successful implementation. Working with the Project Manager, the Designer is responsible for assuring that all projects to which he/she is assigned to fulfill the design and performance objectives as established at project start-up as well as sharing the responsibility for adhering to the project schedule and budget. A strong ability to communicate ideas, concepts and issues to clients as well as internal staff is required. The Designer is responsible for developing the design resources of the firm, developing a familiarity with the SGA’s design culture and continuing to develop his/her own design skill.

EssentiEssential Duties + Responsibilities

• Participates in the process of defining project goals during the initial Project Start-upprocess. Assists the Project Manager with day-to-day project coordination. Oversee the performance of individual team members in fulfilling their assigned tasks. Has ability to coordinate multiple projects at one time. Provides leadership to in-house project team by coordinating and motivating members of the design team, provides effective problem solving in addressing project challenges by providing solutions that are consistent with the service philosophy of the firm and the goals of the project.
• Coordinates the technical efforts of assigned tasks of team members and assures that tasks are accurately completed within designated time frames.
• Monitors internal project team design progress toward deliverable schedules. Keeps Project Manager apprised of project status and submits recommendations for design approval as projects progress. Schedules and coordinates in-house project review with project PM, department directors and principals.
• Assumes the lead role in defining design ideas, communicating these ideas with the project team and overseeing the implementation of these ideas in presentations, documents and built work. The Designer must be capable of creating design options which meet the client’s needs and project goals while advancing SGA’s design goals. Responsible for day-to-day development of design studies; seeks design guidance where appropriate and solicits in-house review and approval of department director and principals before client presentations. Responsible for scheduling and orchestrating all formal in-house design reviews, client presentations and public hearings; takes responsibility for resolving design issues. Pursues an ongoing familiarity with contemporary design ideas and direction in order to remain current with the overall design profession.
• As part of the Project Architect role, the Designer is responsible for the daily progress of construction document development; assists the Project Manager in assigning and managing the completion of individual team member tasks. Has full knowledge and use of SGA standards and is as equally responsible as the PM for team adherence to the standards.
• As part of the Project Architect role, the Designer reviews and approves appropriate shop drawings, reviews ongoing progress of the work and completed punch lists. Resolves issues and problems that arise during construction; coordinates construction administration process with the projects assigned Construction Administrator. The Designer is capable of attending and actively participating in weekly CA meetings, as required by the projects PM.
• Has full understanding of consultant (structural, civil, M.E.P., etc.) documents; is responsible for full coordination of all consultant documents as they relate to achieving the design goals of the project.
• The Designer has full understanding of the codes and zoning laws affecting the design and documentation of their projects. Responsible for directing Job Captain for code reviews on all projects to which they are assigned.
• Consistently has high billable percent of time. Generally the Designer is expected to achieve an 85% direct labor percentage over the course of a year.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential task satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Serves as a role model and mentor for others.
• Displays ability to coordinate with all project team members, contributes to office knowledge and spirit in specific and demonstrated ways. Resolves team conflicts when they arise; conducts oneself in a professional manner at all times.
• Continually advances one’s own professional skills, contribute positively to projects and takes ownership of and responsibility for successful completion of project tasks and assignments.
• Articulates well in both verbal and written communication. Has ease and full ability to present information to clients and lead project meetings and conference calls with multiple parties when project manager is not present. Is able to analyze and define complex ideas and display openness to input from others. Is able to provide input into the documentation of design decisions.
• Develops lasting relationships with clients, vendors and consultants, builds client loyalty.
• Continues to increase knowledge base to remain current in the industry. Shows commitment to one’s own education and advancement by seeking and completing training and education; is involved in professional organizations and participates in industry related events.

Education + Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, though specific experience, when applicable, can be substituted for required degree. 
• 8 or more years of experience

Certificate + Licenses

Is either a LEED accredited professional or working toward accreditation within 1 year of becoming a project designer.

Technology

• Must be proficient in using REVIT, AutoCAD, Photoshop, In-Design and all Microsoft Professional products with specific emphasis on PowerPoint, Word and Excel.