Director of Design - Interiors - HOK

We are currently seeking a Director of Design for our Interiors Group in Houston.Located in Greenway Plaza between the central business district and The Galleria, as the Director of Design for Interiors,you will be responsible for overseeing the regional interior design practice which includes ensuring the design quality of our projects (including project management), participating in marketing efforts and leading and being an active participant in staff development. You will also set and implement HOK design standards and lead the overall administration and organization of the interior design function which is in concert with HOK design philosophies.

Under the Design Quality / Project Management umbrella, you will be expected to:

• Guide and advise design teams by providing overall design direction that ensures a consistent and high-quality design throughout the business unit.
• Utilize knowledge of furniture, fixture and equipment, architectural/interior finishes, lighting, art, signage, color, and materials to carryout design intent.
• Connect with manufacturers and the design industry to ensure access to the most innovative products and services available and keeping abreast of new products, trends, technology, and business sector growth.
• Support and successfully execute the Interiors department goals and business plan for the business unit.
• Serve as project designer on selected projects by conceiving and executing design, being mindful of clients’ needs and vision, requirements, project budget, schedule, and site issues.
• Conduct research and seeks thorough understanding of client needs and respectfully challenge their understanding of appropriate interior design solutions.
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of design presentations to clients and drives consultant work to achieve design goals.
• Prepare and/or assist with fee and workload projections for assigned projects being mindful of additional design services opportunities and fee service augmentation.
• Incorporate Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects and implement and utilize HOK Standards for all projects, processes, and initiatives.

Marketing and Business Development responsibilities would include:

• Identifying new business opportunities while developing current client relationships.
• Developing and nurtures positive client relationships.
• Assisting marketing department in development of marketing campaigns, materials, webinars and overall proposal preparation.
• Providing oversight to marketing staff in the development of standard materials that describe the design portfolio, systems, and processes of the interior’s practice.
• Leading the preparation of award submittals.
• Assisting in the preparation of press releases and other materials publicizing assigned projects.
• Maintains an appropriate billable and non-billable percentage of personal and departmental time.

And Staff Development by:

• Acting as a mentor by coaching and motivating design teams and individuals and fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust among members of the group
• Preparing and delivering design staff evaluations and overseeing performance development, compensation consultation and workload allocation.
• Supporting HOK’s diversity efforts in exposing design staff to influences which will stimulate design creativity and innovation.
• Participating in interviewing and recruitment efforts of professional staff.
• Maintaining active memberships in value-added professional associations and attending conferences/lectures as appropriate.
• Taking personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.

• Significant experience in design, design development and project leadership for large-scale interior design projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor design staff.
• Advanced knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application, and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness.
• Advanced knowledge of furniture, fixture and equipment (FF&E), architectural/interior finishes, lighting, art, signage, color and materials to carryout design intent.
• Ability to manage the design group with a collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships, both internal and external.
• Ability to think strategically, implement change, enforces policy and resolves conflict.
• Thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets. Demonstrated ability to execute projects profitably.
• Proven ability to prioritize oneself and the work of others in order to meet deadlines and provide high quality service to clients.
• Thorough knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED guidelines.
• Knowledge of buildingSMART, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IDP).
• Proficiency in the basic technical skills of interior design including the following computer skills:
• Knowledge of Deltek Vision highly preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project.
• Proficiency in Newforma preferred.
• Proficiency in Revit and BIM is preferred.
• Knowledge of 3D Modeling software such as 3D Studio Max and Viz 2006 required.
• Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, and InDesign graphic software required.

• Bachelor’s degree in interior design or architecture required. Master’s degree preferred.
• 15 plus years’ experience with large interiors or architectural firm or division and 10 plus years as a senior level Interior Designer responsible for the design and project management of interiors. Supervisory experience required.
• Published and/or award-winning projects a plus.
• Must be professional Interior Designer and have passed the NCIDQ exam or be a registered Architect with current license required.
• If registered Architect, NCARB registration preferred.
• LEED credential required within 6 months of employment.

HOK is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits plan to meet their current and future needs. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(K) savings plans; disability, life and accident insurance; paid time off (PTO); and parental leave. In addition, HOK employees enjoy a flexible work schedule with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

HOK is a drug-free workplace. HOK is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.