Associate Design Director

Reports To Design Director  (or designated supervisor indicated in dwp organization chart)

Position Description

The Associate Design Director leads project teams in developing interior design concepts, working under the direction of the Design Director. This role involves investigating design options, developing concepts, preparing documentation for authorities, tenders, and construction, and mentoring junior designers. The Associate Design Director ensures projects align with client needs, design goals, regulatory requirements, sustainability principles, and dwp's quality standards and integrates new technologies into the design process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Design.


• Minimum 8 years in Architecture or Interior Design experience.


• Proven track record of successfully delivering interior design projects.


• Must be from internationally recognised Interior Design practices


• Middle East experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to develop and articulate interior design concepts.


• Ability to lead and manage project teams.


• Ability to use BIM software (e.g., Revit, ) and related tools.


• Adaptability and willingness to integrate new technologies, including AI, into design workflows.


• Capabilities to use AI tools, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI.


• Collaboration and teamwork skills.


• Communication skills (written, verbal, and visual), excellent.


• Google Workspace proficiency.


• Interpersonal and mentoring skills.


• Knowledge of interior design principles, building codes, and construction methods.


• Presentation skills.


• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.


• Proficiency in design presentation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape, Lumion, Twinmotion, Marq).


• Time management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Design Leadership and Concept Development

• Lead project teams in developing interior design concepts, ensuring alignment with client briefs, dwp design philosophy, and project goals.


• Investigate and evaluate design options and alternatives.


• Develop and refine design concepts, working collaboratively with the project team.


• Guide the team in utilizing AI tools for design exploration, space planning optimization, and material selection.

Project Documentation

• Oversee the preparation of design documentation for authority submissions, tenders, and construction, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant standards.


• Collaborate with the BIM/technical team to ensure effective use of BIM software and adherence to company standards.


• Review and provide feedback on drawings, specifications, and other project documents.

Project Coordination and Management

• Assist the Design Director in planning project workflows and resource allocation.


• Monitor project progress and address any design-related issues, escalating as needed.


• Coordinate with consultants (MEP, structural, lighting) to ensure integrated design solutions.


• Contribute to project budget development and cost control.

Team Leadership and Mentoring

• Mentor, train, and supervise senior and junior designers, fostering their professional development.


• Ensure that team members adhere to dwp policies and procedures.


• Provide guidance and support to the team in using AI tools and technologies.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and internal teams.


• Present design concepts and solutions to clients and stakeholders, with support from the Design Director.


• Collaborate with the Business Development team on proposal preparation.


• Provide project information and updates for use in the company's CRM system (HubSpot) and marketing materials.

Administration

• Assist the Design Director in preparing reports, and ensure timely project documentation.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure that all design work meets dwp's quality standards and client expectations.


• Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback.


• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

AI Integration

• Implement the use of approved AI tools, including LLMs and Generative AI in projects.


• Oversee the use of AI tools by the design team to enhance communication, data management, research and information retrieval, and process automation.


• Provide training to the design team to implement the use of AI tools.