Senior Designer

SAA interiors + architecture; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision

14 paid holidays per year

Tiered PTO starting at 18 days/year

401k Plan

Casual work attire, snacks and office:

Summer Flex Schedule (Half Day Fridays

Job summary

SAA interiors + architecture in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Designer to lead interior design teams from concept through construction documentation. You will own small projects independently, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with Design Leads on large-scale ventures to ensure project success.

Responsibilities include coordinating with consultants, managing client relationships, and guiding FF&E selections, finishes, and lighting while maintaining SAA brand standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture or Interior Design.
• 5–8 years’ experience at an architecture or design studio.
• NCIDQ, CID, FitWel and LEED accreditation preferred or within 12 months of hire.
• Proficient in SketchUp and AutoCAD; working knowledge of Revit.
• Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead interior design teams and projects from programming to construction documents.
• Develop and maintain positive client relationships.
• Create clear project objectives and requirements.
• Lead selection and presentation of FF&E, color palettes, and lighting.
• Produce finish plans, specifications, and material selections.
• Provide design support during execution and coordinate with consultants.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relations

Project management

FF&E knowledge

SketchUp

AutoCAD

Revit

Adobe CC

Construction documentation

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture/Interior Design

NCIDQ/CID/LEED preferred

Tools

SketchUp

AutoCAD

Revit

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Job description

Senior Designers maintain strong attention to detail while managing multiple projects, from conception to realization. They can take ownership of small projects (25,000 SF or less) and design them independently. Assist in the mentoring of our Junior and Intermediate Designers. Work closely with Design Leads and Design Principal on large-scale projects to ensure each project’s success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

(Include the following, other duties may be assigned)

• Lead interior design teams and projects that include programming client needs, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, space planning and construction documentation.
• Lead, develop and manage and maintain positive client relationships.
• Create and communicate clear and attainable project objectives and requirements.
• Lead the selection and presentation of furniture, furniture systems, fabrics, equipment (FF&E), color palettes, and lighting.
• Work with teams to generate finish plans, specifications, and material selections needed for construction.
• Provide design support and documentation during completion and execution of design concepts.
• Work with external consultants, product representatives, furniture dealers, and fabricators.
• Assist the Lead Designer and Design Principal in project scheduling, staffing/productivity, consultants and vendors.
• Engage in marketing and business development efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) or Master’s degree (M.A.) from college or university in Architecture or Interior Design
• 5-8 years’ of experience working at an architecture or design studio
• NCIDQ, CID, FitWel and LEED accreditation preferred or within 12 months of hire. Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability and wellness strategies including LEED, WELL and other green rating systems.
• Proficient in SketchUp and AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of Revit.
• Strong Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite applications including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Demonstrated knowledge with project management, construction administration, consultant coordination, and client relations.
• Strong knowledge of the design process, including FF+E, furniture systems and specifications, color and materials.
• Provides design support, leadership and new product knowledge and trends to the firm.
• Point-of-contact for case studies and post-project analysis for future work.
• Has an interest in developing building exterior design modifications and site design/planning.
• Possesses a keen eye for detail and has the ability to QA/QC any project and adhere to SAA brand standards.
• Strong willingness and ability to mentor fellow design team.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and relationship management skills.

LIFE AT SAA

At our heart, we are a creative firm, and we have fun with what we do. We are a tight knit community, supporting each other in and out of the office. We understand work/life integration and encourage our employees to bring their personal experiences and passions into their roles. Innovation is the key to our success and that comes from everyone sharing ideas and exploring ways to make the industry, firm, and your job better. We also believe the best ideas come from those passionate about their company and continually look for ways to bring enjoyment into the workday. We have a full-time event planner on staff to curate these experiences both for our SAAers and our clients.

We offer full benefits and fun employee perks including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 14 paid holidays per year
• Tiered Paid Time Off (PTO) starting at 18 days/year
• 401k Plan
• Casual work attire, complimentary snacks, drinks and office events.
• Summer Flex Schedule (Half Day Fridays)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

We’re team oriented and have fun while designing amazing spaces! The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to success fully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is an Exempt Full-Time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, to be discussed with your direct supervisor.

TRAVEL

This position requires up to 20% local travel. Limited travel may include attending meetings and work sessions in other SAA Offices, Client Offices, or Job Site. Mileage will be reimbursed at predetermined market rate. Individual must possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and have reliable transportation. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and per diem provided when appropriate.

AAP/EEO Statement

SAA is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered without discrimination with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other statuses protected by state, local or other applicable laws.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.