Senior Designer (18-Month Assignment)

The D. E. Shaw Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Wellness reimbursement

Family building benefits

Charitable gift match

Job summary

The D. E. Shaw Group is seeking an experienced Senior Designer to join its Administration team in New York. The role focuses on designing and evolving global office spaces, collaborating with consultants and vendors, and delivering projects from concept to completion.

Ideal candidates bring 8–10 years in corporate workplace design, proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit, and a strong portfolio of space planning and FF&E coordination. Full-time with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or related field.
• 8–10 years of corporate workplace design experience, up to ~100,000 sq ft.
• Experience designing cafés, pantries, and workplace food amenities desirable.
• Self-sufficient design professional able to work with limited supervision.
• Strong knowledge of architectural detailing, construction docs, materials, methods, and codes (ADA).
• Expertise in FF&E: finishes, procurement, installation coordination.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop space plans, block plans, stacking diagrams, test fits, and conceptual design solutions.
• Collaborate with external architectural, interior design, and specialty consultants and vendors; review proposals, furniture selections, finishes, and materials against standards.
• Review architectural/interior docs for consistency with approved design intent and project requirements.
• Provide construction administration support: site observations, RFI/submittal review, field condition coordination, punch-list oversight.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to translate evolving business needs into design solutions across the project lifecycle.
• Own smaller-scale workplace projects from concept through completion, including surveys, scope, documentation, furniture coordination, and implementation.

Skills

Space planning

Concept development

Client collaboration

Project management

Communication

FF&E coordination

Detail-oriented

Self-sufficient

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Interior Design

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Procore

Bluebeam

Adobe Creative Suite

Enscape

Job description

OVERVIEW:

The D. E. Shaw group seeks an experienced senior designer to join its Administration team. This role will play an integral part in the design, planning, and evolution of the firm's global office spaces. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a growing workplace portfolio while collaborating with a talented team in a dynamic and collegial environment.

This is a full-time, salaried position that includes a full benefits package for the specified term. A high performer in this role may be considered for full-time, permanent employment following the assignment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO DAY-TO-DAY:

• Independently develop space plans, block plans, stacking diagrams, test fits, and conceptual design solutions.
• Collaborate with and provide design direction to external architectural, interior design, and specialty consultants and vendors, reviewing proposals, furniture selections, finishes, and materials against the firm's design standards, functional requirements, and business objectives.
• Review architectural and interior design documentation, including construction drawings, specifications, and shop drawings, for consistency with approved design intent and project requirements.
• Provide construction administration support, including site observations, RFI and submittal review, coordination of design-related field conditions, and oversight of punch-list resolution to ensure successful project delivery.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams to translate evolving business needs into thoughtful design solutions, coordinating effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Own smaller-scale workplace projects and room conversions from concept through completion, including site surveys, scope development, documentation, furniture coordination, and implementation.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• A bachelor's degree, preferably in architecture, interior design, or a related field.
• Eight to ten years of professional experience in corporate workplace design, space programming, and planning, with demonstrated experience on projects of up to approximately 100,000 square feet; hospitality design experience is a plus.
• Experience designing cafés, pantries, and workplace food amenities, including direct coordination with kitchen and specialty consultants, is highly desirable.
• A self-sufficient and resourceful design professional able to work effectively with limited supervision.
• Deep technical knowledge of architectural detailing, construction documentation, building materials, construction methods, and applicable building codes, including accessibility and ADA requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), including furniture systems, finishes, materials, specifications, procurement, and installation coordination.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and confidently communicate design recommendations to stakeholders at all levels.
• Well-developed creative and analytical thinking, sound design judgment, and exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Procore, Bluebeam, and Adobe Creative Suite; NCIDQ certification and experience with Enscape are preferred but not required.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, with a willingness to roll up one's sleeves and contribute wherever needed.
• The expected annual base salary for this position is $120,000 to $170,000. Our compensation and benefits package includes variable compensation in the form of a completion bonus, and benefits including medical and prescription drug coverage, 401(k) contribution matching, wellness reimbursement, family building benefits, and a charitable gift match program.