Job Description

Intermediate Interior Designer / Interior Architect

JOB SUMMARY

Designing Justice + Designing Spaces (DJDS) is a non-profit architecture & real estate development firm that is building a national portfolio of projects designed to help interrupt the prison industrial complex, opening new pathways for our communities most impacted by mass incarceration. To achieve this mission our team is composed of architects, designers, real estate developers and community members working together to create solutionary spaces and places that bring dignity, well-being and care to the communities we serve.

We are currently seeking to grow the team with this new role of interior designer, someone who is a positive, detail-oriented self-starter who feels at home keeping multiple projects moving through every phase of the design process. Given our mission we work on many types of building occupancy from various types of specialized residential to commercial and even workforce development. Beyond the baseline creative and technical skills, we are looking for someone who is energized by maintaining and growing professional relationships and curious about learning more about how environments contribute to the well-being of people, especially those who have experienced severe trauma.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES (4-6 years of experience)

• Undertake design projects from concept to completion on specialized residential, commercial, education, and workforce development project uses.
• Assist team in the preparation of technical and conceptual drawing and documentation for FF&E and interior design of various projects through all phases of development from programming, space planning, conceptual design, schematic, design development and construction documentation through the construction and furnishing phases of the project process.
• Work with the Project Manager and team to define interior/FF&E project requirements and schedule
• Assist the design team in all facets of the project design process including drawing production, test fit plans, selection of colors, finishes, furnishing and equipment plans, interior elevations and schedules for various project types
• Create drawings, “samples” and “mood boards” with specific products, fabric schemes, and any relevant items for client presentations.
• Research and source furniture, lighting, fabrics, wallpapers, and interior finishes within the project budget and aesthetic for presentation and final selection purposes.
• Community engagement and public ambassadorship of DJDS (may include public speaking)
• Work collaboratively with the design team and community engagement manager to strategize and create contextually appropriate tools for effective and creative engagement facilitation and data collection to inform the design process.
• Learn and utilize coding analyzing processes to effectively translate community engagement data to be used for building programming, preliminary design concepts,  and storytelling.
• Collaborate with consultants, contractors, fabricators and representatives including product reps, and furniture dealers to better understand products, specifications, costs and lead times.
• Provide exceptional client communication and service as required
• Keep sample library updated, in partnership with design team
• Research and follow industry changes, evolutions and best practises
• Intern management (when relevant)
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested (the company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time)
• Preferred but not required skills include:
  • Strong technical and design skills in the production of construction documents with a commitment to high-quality design
  • Proficiency in interior detailing with knowledge of construction materials, details, and methods.
  • Experience preparing drawings for city submission and an interest in the permitting process. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture from a CIDA accredited university preferred
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and hand drafting skills
• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, and Powerpoint and google suite applications
• Proficiency in Studio Designer is a plus
• Knowledge of furniture and product purveyors and associated design specifications and related costs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; attention to details is a must
• Ability to work on multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines in a highly-collaborative team environment
• Ability to read and coordinate architectural drawings
• Good drafting skills, color and composition sense
• Functional knowledge of textile and carpets and materials acoustical properties
• Cultural competency for a diverse range of cultures, communities, and lived experiences
• High level of emotional intelligence and ability to apply it
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a high level of discretion when needed.
• Commitment to learning and understanding cross-disciplinary collaborative teamwork and community-led processes and practices
• Adaptability to emergent project processes and problem-solving
• Thoughtful, empathetic negotiation skills
• Commitment to DJDS’ mission and goals
• Acute understanding of systemic racism and social inequities and their impacts on a range of individuals from systems-impacted individuals and their communities of care to elected officials.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

• Healthcare benefits with options for medical insurance under the company group plan. DJDS contributes 100% of employee, and child dependents under 26, healthcare, dental, and vision insurance plans offered under the group healthcare offerings.
• Compensation for this role will not exceed $80,000 annually

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a digital portfolio, following the directions below. If you have a website that includes your portfolio, you may send a PDF of your cover letter and resume, and the appropriate link(s) for the rest.

Email: resumes@designingjustice.org

Subject Line: Intermediate Interior Designer/Interior Architect

Attachment: One multipage PDF not to exceed 3MB

The PDF should include:

• Cover letter (in your cover letter please include (please limit to 400 words max):
  • Your experience or understanding of Restorative Justice
  • Your experience or understanding of Trauma-Informed Practice
  • An example where you have had to navigate a difficult conversation or resolve conflict in a professional setting
  • Your understanding of Emotional Intelligence and its relation to personal accountability
• Resume
• Portfolio with the following examples, for which you have primary authorship:
  • Project examples which clearly demonstrate your role in the design and completion of the project.
  • Project examples for which demonstrate your design acumen, creative process, and ability to produce design and construction drawings.
  • Other creative design, fabrication and artistic endeavors that support your design and creative development are welcome.

Please, no phone calls or recruiters. All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

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