Job Description

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Internal Developers (ID) are 360 workplace strategists consisting of a team of multi-disciplinary consultants. ID's combined knowledge from the real estate and built-environment provide their clients with data-led information to develop a future-proof workplace strategy - whether it be stay-vs-go, space optimisation, consolidation, or expansion. The team can manage workplace projects of any scale for both the commercial and retail sectors which include existing premises refurbishments, new fit-outs, and renovations throughout South Africa. ID deliver a total end-to-end business solution from inception to implementation.
The Designers play an integral role in executing on a client's brief and on ensuring that objectives are met. This role requires a combination of architectural design and technical skills along with the ability to manage projects effectively and communicate with clients and the internal as well as external consultant team.
The Designer must be capable of completing all stages of a project, from brief to final completion, ensuring that the client's brief, budget and requirements have been delivered in an interesting and innovative way.
Creating a Brief | Understanding Client Requirements
Aim: To understand the client's requirements and the needs of the people using the space and to translate this information into successful design and space planning.

• Understand the client's requirements and the needs of the individuals who will Utilise the space. Attend briefing meetings, where possible. Ensure that during briefing meetings you ask the right probing questions to gather any additional information on the client's requirements.

• Understand how the client's current working space functions in terms of circulation and relationships between different departments. This information needs to be kept in mind so that when the new space is finalised, you can set it up based on what worked, what didn't and then suggest solutions.

• Conduct the initial site meeting and compile briefs that consider the client's objectives, time-frames and budget for the proposed project.

• Once you have confirmed the brief, work on the space plan and the look book for the project.

• Once the client is happy with the space plan and look book, proceed with costing the project and establish a budget with the Project Manager.

• Utilise the budget to draw up construction drawings so that you know what your margin is on the project. Liaise with the Project Manager on profit margins, as ensuring profitability of projects is a key element of project management.

• Ensure that the construction drawings are sent to specialists or contractors for a final quote. Once the specialists provide you with a quote, ensure that you are getting the best possible deal from them.

• Specify suitable products and finishes as required for this specific application. Ensure all product's specified have been thoroughly researched, and contractors/ suppliers have provided reasonable (3 years + ) warranties.

• Manage company risk by ensuring all drawings have been double checked for accuracy by yourself, and a second person; all items specified have 3 years + warranties; and the client has approved in writing all drawings, specifications, and finishes, including amendments during the course of the project.

• Working closely with the workplace strategist to ensure that the workplace mythology is incorporated /

• implemented into the design and space planning of the project.

FF & E

• Compile and cost FF & E Schedules, estimates and quotes for all interior and workplace strategy projects.

• Assist with furniture procurement.

• Co-ordinate deliveries with the project manager

• Negotiate and discuss better pricing models with all suppliers.

• Update the furniture procurement supplier's and product database.

Delivering Designs | Ensuring Excellence
Aim: Utilise your understanding of the client's objectives to implement design solutions that meet the objectives and are aligned to the client's tastes. The design solution needs to be according to the brief and needs to be functional, appealing, and appropriate for the space.

• Compile the relevant construction documents and construction drawing pack using AutoCAD and REVIT.

• Produce accurate council submission drawings.

• Produce accurate Gross Lettable Area (GLA) layouts. Ensure that when you are doing this that you comply with

• all the standards and processes around calculating the GLA.

• Conduct site meetings regularly to ensure that the project is on track. Post site meetings, ensure that the project

• manager has updated the project status report. This needs to contain the clearly articulated minutes from the site

• meeting either bi-weekly or weekly.

• Oversee the instalment of the various design elements. This includes managing and communicating with

• suppliers and contractors on site as well as liaising continuously with the project team.

• Collaborate with the project team continuously to ensure that the best possible solution is delivered. This

• includes keeping the team updated on the project and any changes, as well as sharing insights and ideas.

• During the project, it is important that you ensure that the project is delivered on budget. This means continually

• evaluating where you are in line with the budget as well as tweaking different elements to ensure that you deliver

• on budget.

• Throughout the project, if the client wants to add additional elements to the space that do not fit within the agreed budget, ensure that you instruct the PM to issue variation orders for the client so that additional payments are processed.

• Assist with Move management and move co-ordination as and when required.

• Demonstrate a commitment to consistent excellence.

• Ensure that service meets quality expectations of the company and clients.

• Assist the business with becoming the leader in interior design and interior architecture by keeping up to date with the field of expertise and use such knowledge effectively within the business.

Business Development
Aim: Operate with a lens of business development and growth, while maintaining relationships with clients.

• Identify new leads and, when required, create pitches to convert this into new business.

• When you attend initial briefing meetings, ensure that you create a pitch that matches the brief and meets the client's needs. Win the client over through the quality of your solution and the way in which you execute your pitch.

• Compile and present design proposals and presentations to clients to illustrate your vision for the space.

• An additional element of business development is on-selling to current clients; however, it is imperative that this is approached in the right way so as not to compromise the current relationship with the client.

Client Relationships | Ensuring Client Satisfaction
Aim: Ensure client satisfaction and act as the point of contact with the client throughout the cycle of the project.

• Maintain a good relationship with clients and ensure that you always respond to all requests within the Service level agreement provided.

• On an on-going basis, follow up with the client to see if they are happy and ensure that you maintain a good relationship with them.

• Manage client expectations when they request deadlines to ensure that you meet client deliverables.

• Ensure communication to client is prioritised; and all client's requests or correspondence are responded to as a matter of urgency.

• Ensure all client communication has been recorded in writing and communicated to the entire project team.

General |Ongoing Additional Responsibilities
Aim: Additional responsibilities to be done to ensure effective business processes and governance.

• Ensure that time sheets are always up-to-date and accurate.

• Undertake other duties and training as may be reasonably required.

• Constantly update knowledge on new and existing design software and share your knowledge with the team.

• Proactively assist with building a supplier/contractor list.

• Mentor more junior designers in the business.

• Update and constantly make improvements to IS's website as required.

• Update the company brochure's, marketing materials and all relevant templates as and when required by the company.

• Assist with Marketing and Brand Strategy on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in interior design, Interior Architecture/Architecture OR BTech/MTech related.

• 8 Years + Working Experience in the commercial design experience, building refurb experience and architectural experience.

• A strong understanding of furnishings and finishes (lighting, wall and floor finishes, furniture, wet services as well as rates and prices for these products and services).

• Read, interpret and compile construction documents and construction drawing packs.

• Proficient in AutoCAD, REVIT, Adobe In-Design and Adobe Photoshop

• 3D Rendering

• Sketching abilities in order to sketch preliminary concepts.

• Compile Accurate Site Surveys

• Knowledge of local and international design trends

• Knowledge of Municipal Bylaws