Associate Director - Interior Architecture

Role

As Associate Director – Interior Architecture Projects, you'll assist in managing our design and construction process on behalf of the Interior Architecture team and related world-class consultants.  You’ll liaise with the Head Office (Interiors and Architecture team), Construction site team, and global vendors and consultants on a regular basis. The successful candidate for this position will be passionate about and highly involved in the finer details of the projects, especially in terms of site-based project management and design implementation. They will be a technical expert in their discipline, and have managed major projects to include, but not limited to hospitality, residential, retail, dining, entertainment and/or airports.  

Job Responsibilities

•    Have sufficient design or hotel project management experience to take on a range of projects in a lead role under the guidance of the Director
•    Act as the primary interior design interface between site/construction team, Interior Architecture team, ID consultants and Operators.  
•    As the design and documentation phases have been completed, manage multiple hotel construction projects at one time to ensure the designs are properly processed and implemented.
•    Achieve creative, effective and cost-efficient design solutions throughout the design process that align with RSG's corporate pillars.
•    Utilize technology to enhance both the guest experience and operational efficiencies enabling Smart communities
•    Maintain a team-based approach within the working environment.
•    Build & maintain working relationships, both internal and external. 
•    Oversee all contractor submittals including shop drawings, finish sample reviews, furniture prototypes and mock-up exercises.  Ensure clear communication with RSG Design Project Leads and Design Consultants to confirm design intent where necessary.
•    Manage V/E exercises with Design teams and Operator to ensure all substitutions are accepted.
•    Problem solving and troubleshooting site issues as they arise.  NOTE:  You will be fully supported by our Design Teams during this process.
•    Attend factory visits for fit-out and furniture to review prototypes on behalf of Amaala
•    Attend Operator meetings to ensure the building and production work meets their Brand quality standards.
•    Manage and maintain tight construction schedules all through the submittals and prototype process
•    Lead or attend project meetings and presentations with construction and design team
•    Liaise with and assist in managing Hotel Operator’s Technical Design Team. Understand of general aspects of hospitality design and operations
•    Coordinate with the consultants and subconsultants to ensure provision of adequate resources through an efficient workforce plan aligned with the design stages and work priorities to achieve successful delivery of project.
•    Lead workshops with consultants and operators as required to achieve set milestones
•    Conduct QA/QC on all technical reviews and reports produced by the team. Lead the coordination for interior design drawings with all other disciplines. 
•    Mentor junior team members, train and empower local talents
•    Provide and demand the highest standard of work on all aspects of the position, company, and development
•    Ensure work is clearly authorized and proper procedures are followed
•    Provide written project updates to upper management as required
•    Promote Amaala in a professional manner to external stakeholders at all times.

Job Requirements - Qualification & Experience

•    Degree in Hospitality, Project Management, Interior Design or Interior Architecture required
•    Minimum 18 years of progressive interior design or project management experience required
•    Minimum 5 years of experience on luxury hospitality projects preferred
•    Minimum 5 years of experience with development company is preferred
•    International interior design or construction management experience preferred
•    Experience working on remote site projects and/or LEED sustainable projects preferred
•    Ability to work from site required
•    Good organization skills (Project Management required)
•    Good problem solving and agile decision-making skills required 
•    Ability to create, lead and work in a fast-paced and highly flexible team environment
•    Ability to work in a self-directed environment  
•    Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, BIM 360, InDesign, Sketchup, Aconex etc. preferred.
•    Ability to travel internationally required 
•    Strong, persuasive communicator with excellent verbal presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex design concepts to clients, operators, and contractors
•    Knowledge of furniture, finishes, materials, color selections, and specifications
•    Knowledge about innovations and trends both in and outside of industry with ability to connect the dots to influence innovative outcomes
•    Knowledge of and curiosity for global cultural norms
•    A desire to mentor team members, offer guidance and leadership 
•    Ability to speak up, share ideas and listen with curiosity
•    Understanding of general aspects of hospitality design and operations