Overview
Above their core responsibilities as a Industrial Designer, the incumbent will assist in creative direction of design development projects, collaborating with the department manager to organize and delegate tasks within the team, support designers, and serve as a reference for department activities. They will ensure quality verification in line with department standards.
The incumbent will manage their prototype projects, overseeing the design process to prototype completion, including material ordering, timeline management, and leading internal and client sample reviews. As the primary liaison between the client and Artitalia’s internal team, the transfer of information will be streamlined, ensuring client expectations and design details are communicated clearly and maintained throughout the prototype phase.
Accounts overlapping with Account Manager responsibilities will be excluded from the incumbent’s duties.
RESPONSABILITÉS
- Execute senior-level responsibilities
- Research and planning design
- Develop design concepts and client presentation
- Manage projects and prototype development
- Other tasks
DETAILS
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1. Execute senior-level responsibilities
- Provide support and guide team members with problem solving, creative and technical
- Aid department manager with team prioritization of work based on analysis of strategic importance, outstanding tasks, obstacles or barriers, budgets, resources, and deadlines
- Assist in creating DES project numbers, design development agreements, and participating in design integrations in the department manager’s absence.
- Participate in the creation of project documentation and department processes
- Available to attend design and manufacturing related shows/exhibits, locally or abroad
- Meet with suppliers to discuss new product line and potential partnerships
- Regularly prepare and share with the design team new creative ideas, systems, materials, finishes, etc., inspire and promote creative thinking
- Aid department manager in preparing activities or team building experiences that promote creativity, communication, and teamwork
- Responsible for work delivered to be done within budget (money and time)
- Advanced knowledge of estimation documentation
- Advanced knowledge of engineering procedures and standards
- Oversee training and development of design team – new personnel
- Will be involved in project kick off meetings with client and sales, will work in close collaboration with design team members, sales, and client to optimize for customer needs, business constraints and technological realities
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2. Research and planning design
- Research and planning based on available information
- Prepare list of missing requirements, implement design checklist
- Participate in design meetings, conference calls and design charrettes
- Work directly with suppliers to propose and specify appropriate, cost-effective solutions for materials or buyouts (eg. lighting, specialty hardware, security systems, etc.)
- Appropriate selection of materials and finishes to best compliment design aesthetics, functionality/purpose, and work within the client’s budget
- Manage time and output to respect deadlines and stay within budgeted hours allotted to each project
- Identify erroneous or conflicting information that is a barrier to project progression and raise flag to team lead or account executive following proper project protocol
- Produce and maintain a scope of work
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3. Develop design concepts and client presentation
- Translate requirements into creative, cost-effective designs that can be manufactured
- Develop and 3d model (in Solidworks) design concepts of fixtures and/or interior environments for various industries: retail, restaurant, hospitality, material handling, etc.
- Produce sketches of ideas/preliminary concepts for internal brainstorming and/or to be shared with clients
- Produce mood boards to convey the inspired look & feel of the proposed design
- Produce physical sample packages for clients to review and approve
- Produce photorealistic renderings (in 3ds Max or Solidworks)
- Produce simple 3d Animations (in 3ds Max or Solidworks)
- Produce 2d fixture CAD blocks in plan view or elevations
- Produce fixture layouts using architectural CAD files provided by the client
- Participate in client presentations (in person, conference call or web conference)
- Produce design concept presentations for clients
- Work with design team to standardize the creation and storage of all design related files
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4. Manage projects and prototype development
- Create 3d models and 2d drawings for manufacturing using Solidworks.
- Prepare supporting documents required for estimating, purchasing and installation.
- Value engineering: To propose alternate construction details, materials, finishes, etc. to add value to a project by providing a cost-effective solution that does not compromise the original design intent and basic functionality.
- Oversee the end-to-end design and prototype process, from concept to completion, including design reviews, coordinate material procurement, timeline management, organize meetings (e.g., kickoff meetings) and client/internal reviews.
- Ensure compliance with department standards by verifying designs, resolving technical issues, and providing constructive feedback to maintain quality and functionality.
- Create and verify 3D models, 2D drawings, and supporting documents (e.g., installation instructions) for production, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
- Serve as a liaison between design, engineering, and production teams, facilitating smooth communication and collaboration to address challenges and implement value-engineered solutions.
- Maintain clear documentation, manage project timelines, and escalate risks as needed, ensuring client expectations are met and lessons learned are applied to future projects.
- Coordinate and incorporate design changes based on feedback, assessing their impact on timelines, resources, and costs
- Provide regular updates on prototype progress, ensuring client expectations are managed and met throughout the development phase
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5. Other tasks
- Follow all company policies and department procedures and standards
- Keep a neat and organized sample library, both physical and virtual
- Keep up to date with new design and CAD software
- Work with engineering and production to provide guidance on the build of new products
- Visit client sites for investigation of issues, failures
- Provide technical support to sales
- Attend and participate in kick off and technical meetings
- Participate in continuous improvement projects
- Any other related tasks
REQUIREMENTS
- Education: DEP Industrial Design
- Experience: 4+ years in a similar position; Experience in manufacturing field
- Specific knowledge: Solidworks and Adobe Creative Suite (intermediate knowledge); Experience in custom wood and/or metal fixture, furniture manufacturing (strong asset); Advanced understanding of design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation methodologies
- Abilities/Skills: Bilingual in French & English; Professional written and oral communication; Creative/innovative, sketches, organized, results oriented; Proactive, experience in fast paced environment; Strong attention to detail; Multitask, works well autonomously or in a team; Decision making, leadership; Strong presentation skills and ability to make a convincing case and impressively pitch creative concepts
- Behavior: Team player, resourceful, motivated