FF&E Design Director

Overview

Job Summary: Under the direction of the assigned Project Director and the Associate for the project, the FF&E Design Head directs planning, organizing, and monitoring of project activities to ensure that services are consistent with the client program and office standards. Acts as a focal point for all project communication and ensures services are delivered within the established scope, budget, and schedule. The FF&E Design Head is expected to perform at an advanced level as a result of extensive training and/or experience.

• Review and develop interior design, FF&E, materials, and architectural concepts for projects in alignment with the client’s program, budget, and other relevant criteria.
• Initiate conceptual design with the FF&E design staff; provide direction on image selection and graphic layouts; and review presentations and material boards for all studio projects.
• Collaborate with assigned staff to develop project goals.
• Initiate and/or develop design intent for projects in coordination with various internal disciplines—including architecture, interiors, construction group project management, procurement, FF&E suppliers—and external consultants, ensuring alignment with brand standards and budget requirements.
• Distribute and maintain project-related documentation, including operator and/or brand standards, owner criteria, property improvement plans (PIPs), project schedules, budgets, and staff roles and responsibilities.
• Monitor project phasing in coordination with client approvals, and communicate phase transitions to assigned project staff, executive leadership, and the accounting team via email, written directives, project timesheets, meetings, and virtual conferencing.
• Regularly review contract documentation and shop drawings, and participate in contract administration to ensure design intent is maintained. Respond promptly to contractor or consultant inquiries, and manage all related correspondence, project logs, and supplemental drawing distributions.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and open communication with clients, internal staff, contractors, external consultants, and public agencies regarding the project, deliverables, and adherence to firm standards, practices, and policies.
• Initiate client meetings and prepare, publish, and distribute meeting minutes to all relevant parties.
• Initiate and coordinate regular weekly internal meetings, design reviews, and redline sessions with all FF&E design staff.
• Establish and maintain a project contact database in MS Outlook, including all pertinent points of contact, and ensure distribution to applicable team members.
• Allocate design fees and hours by project phase, task, and team member.
• Monitor overall staff utilization and manage the labor budget throughout the project.
• Coordinate client invoicing in collaboration with the accounting team.
• Prepare proposal requests and contracts; initiate and manage contractor/consultant bidding and negotiation processes; and develop and submit supplemental services requests across all applicable project disciplines.
• Coordinate the work of external consultants with that of the interior design, architecture, and other internal or in-house teams across multiple projects.
• Review timesheets for all project team members and ensure adherence to allocated time constraints.
• Serve as a mentor to design staff, providing guidance and education on office standards, practices, and policies.
• Monitor adherence to the project scope and notify the client and other relevant parties of any adjustments, alterations, or expansions. Submit requests for supplemental services as needed.
• Contribute to maintaining strong relationships with existing clients and assist in cultivating relationships with prospective clients.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of the firm’s design standards.
• Stay informed on emerging trends in the hospitality industry that may impact design approaches, documentation processes, or project execution.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

• A minimum of 10-12 years of experience in project coordination, management, design, and construction administration (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design required.
• Architectural licensure or post-professional certification in Interior Design required.
• Strong background in architecture, interiors, and construction, with a comprehensive working knowledge of drawing, specifications, and FF&E development.
• Ability to interpret architectural, interior, and consultant drawings accurately.
• Proficient in the review and processing of submittals, RFIs, and RFPs.
• Proficient in the current version of AutoCAD, with the ability to implement new software features and capabilities.
• Knowledge of relevant regional standards, ADA (Philippine Accessibility Law and local equivalents), and applicable building codes during the design phase.
• Strong financial aptitude and ability to manage within budget constraints.
• Knowledge of public safety and security regulations as they relate to design.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Adobe Acrobat, and standard Windows-based software.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%.

• Proven design talent and creative vision.
• Excellent multi-project management, organizational, and planning skills.
• Familiarity with commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the commercial office, retail, and hospitality industries.
• Awareness of current hospitality industry trends that may impact design strategies.
• Effective leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, build support, and drive engagement.
• Capable of training, mentoring, and motivating team members.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines.
• Thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Professional, ethical, and committed to excellence in communication.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, using sound judgment and reasoning.
• Exceptional time management skills.
• Creative and innovative thinker with the ability to apply ideas to the constructability of design documents.
• Adaptable and flexible in response to shifting project demands.

To apply, please submit your CV and design portfolio (PDF, under 15MB). We encourage sharing only your best projects to convey your artistic sense as a designer through the portfolio.