Speculative Application for Senior Designer at Universal - Universal & Map : Job Details

Speculative Application for Senior Designer at UniversalDepartment: Designers Employment Type: Full Time Location: New York Description Universal Design Studio, is seeking to meet experienced Senior Designers, with a background in interior design, architecture or experience design as we plan our new projects and be part of our growing team in New York. The studio employs a bespoke approach to each project to create solutions that result in better spaces, experiences and cities through the transformative power of design. This would be a great opportunity to play a significant part in our future success. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so please don't hesitate to submit your application. Role description As a Senior Designer, you are an integral, client facing member of the Universal Design Studio team, responsible for day-to-day aspects of design projects and ensuring our studio output is of the highest level. Responsive and engaged in every stage of the design process from inception to completion. You inspire and influence our studio culture and approach each project with confidence, focus and belief in yourself and our team. You motivate others and guide the design team to develop original creative thought and technical skills, whilst sharing your knowledge, passion and experience with the studio. You have a high level of conceptual thinking, clarity of thought and have the ability to stop, reflect and disrupt if needed. You are knowledgeable about current design trends in spatial design, arts, and culture and you have an appreciation for how different design worlds intersect and have relevance in how we design spaces and experiences. You explore and develop ideas iteratively and unaided, you are willing to share ideas and are comfortable with embracing setbacks. You are comfortable with utilizing a range of visual tools to effectively convey mood, atmosphere and concept with clarity. This could include sourcing reference images through to hand drawn sketches or digital collages - you are conscious of the tool being appropriate to the task. You can present clearly, and concisely communicate your thought processes. Alternatively (or as well as), you have a strong focus on the detail and ensure accuracy, rigour and thoroughness is upheld throughout the lifecycle of a project. Open-minded, thoughtful and inquisitive - you embody our studio values and engage passionately with every aspect of studio life and culture. Design Excellence:

• Day to day lead on small to medium-sized projects, organising the project team and delivering output to the highest level, creatively and technically.
• Assist and implement creative direction, alongside the Senior Creative Team.
• Ensure your teams' deliverables meet Universal's creative and quality standards, under the direction of the Senior Lead team.
• Where issues arise, make recommendations without compromising the design intent.

Project Management:

• Prepare agendas, chair meetings and issue minutes (where Design Ops are not part of the project team).
• Overseeing, producing and co-ordinating full design intent and technical drawing packages, being mindful of the time assigned according to the programme and deliverables.
• Overseeing workload of Designers, Design Assistants and Interns within your team and ensuring it is manageable and adheres to project programme and deliverables.
• Review, comment or approve consultant and construction drawings, prototype mockups or samples.
• Ensure the project output adheres to the latest and best practice in construction methods.
• Represent Universal, attending and organising site meetings and responding to site issues.
• Ensure the team follows the correct and efficient filing protocol at all times.
• Lead internal project teams, meetings, kick-offs, wash ups with support of the Senior Team.

Learning & Development

• Foster and maintain positive relationships with clients.
• Present and clearly communicate analytical studies; compelling original concept ideas and detailed project knowledge to your peers and to clients.
• Maintain technical knowledge and expertise in joinery and architectural elements detailing.
• Maintain sound understanding of AIA stages/plan of work, building regulations and CDM.
• Meet any specific technical requirements on materials whilst remaining conscious of budget constraints and sustainability criteria.
• Stay up to date on current trends in the design world.
• Always be open to learning whilst sharing your technical skills, software knowledge and experience with colleagues.
• Further development of your area of expertise, finding ways to share your knowledge and passion.

Collaboration:

• Work alongside Design Ops to understand the status of information; the relationship to Universal's scope; liaise with consultants; communicating and coordinating detailed project information as required.
• Contribute to the internal studio design reviews.

Team:

• Participate in junior level recruitment activities, including interviewing and education outreach involvement.

To excel in this role

• A positive and proactive attitude.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Experience working with and leading creative teams.
• The ability to inspire and motivate those around you.
• A strong understanding of retail design; past experience with retail design projects (of varying scales, and at various stages) is encouraged.
• Vectorworks skills an advantage.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Further Information The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range from $80,000 to $120,000. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click here for more details: We want you to have every opportunity to shine and show us your talents - please let us know if there is anything we can do to make sure the assessment process works for you.