The Experiential Design Project Manager assumes full responsibility for planning, coordinating, and administering integrated Experiential Design services/scope and standalone projects for an in-house team of experiential designers. As the scale, complexity and duration of each project will vary, this role requires the ability to manage multiple projects alongside the Chicago Studio and the Experiential Design practice Leadership.
Job Duties:
- Proposal development: Crafting proposals/contracts to define scope and fee suitable for project deliverables.
- Organizing project teams and allocating team resources per project phase
- Establishing project schedule timelines and monitoring project schedule from project start to completion.
- Budget management: Able to communicate cost expectations with clients
- Bid management: Able to manage the issuance and receipt of graphics & signage bid documents followed by creating a comprehensive consolidated comparison document to help guide client selection.
- Facilitates the seamless integration of the Experiential Design process and schedule alongside interior architecture projects.
- Manages overall client relationships from assessment of client needs through design concept to the final delivery of the project.
- Works with design team to shape and understand the design strategy and concepts to ensure they align with the client ask.
- Identifies and pursues new business opportunities with existing and potential clients.
- Coordinates construction documentation and administration work to ensure compliance with design concepts.
- Ensures positive client and vendor relationships resulting in additional business or referred work.
- Internal project fee management: Tracks potential scope creep or variances to the budget and makes appropriate modifications or requests for additional services.
- Coordinates communication between project teams to ensure timely completion of documentation and deliverables.
- Assigns/tracks tasks, oversees work, and provides feedback to staff assigned to the project.
- Works alongside Experience Design leadership to develop staff to leverage on future projects.
- Helps maintain culture and a strong team dynamic.
- Able to provide quick solutions to complex problem-solving scenarios.
- Manages collections for assigned projects.
- Manages invoices and collections for assigned projects (monthly) working alongside IA Finance Director
- Discusses untimely payments with client to ensure commitment to pay.
- Reports financial performance of projects to the Managing Director and Studio Director on a regular basis.
Education:
· Graduate of architecture, art, design, or business school. Equivalent experience may be substituted.
Experience:
· 5+ years’ experience in the design/architecture/interiors industry.
Design, Technical & Consulting:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the A+E process, design, and construction related to interior architecture.
- Knowledge of code and ADA requirements.
- Proven ability to write and negotiate contracts for services, consultants, and contractors.
· Proven ability to solve contract and administration issues within the established design context.
Systems Knowledge:
- Advanced MS Office Suite skills, including Planner.
- Intermediate Revit skills.
- Intermediate Adobe Creative Suite skills.
· Deltek Vision skills or equivalent a plus.
Communication Skills:
- Advanced verbal and written communication.
- Foundational presentation and visual communication.
· Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff both internally and externally.
Managerial Abilities:
· Demonstrated ability to manage and lead all levels of staff through a combination of direct authority and subject matter expertise.