Director of Interior Design - Related

The Director of Interior Design will be responsible to lead all aspects of interior/public spaces and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) projects including budgeting, planning & design, scheduling, vendor management, procurement, cost estimating and negotiations, communication, records management, invoice processing and project close-out.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Design Management

• Manage design development for projects coordinating internal and external resources
• Close collaboration with leasing and marketing group so that the sales/leasing objectives are achieved through design
• Close collaboration with Building Management group so that all supporting spaces and requirements are achieved through design
• Close collaboration with Construction team to ensure budget objectives are achieved
• Monitor the production of design drawings to ensure all relevant information is included
• Coordinate presentations such that the extended team is informed throughout the design process
• Monitor and document critical design decisions to ensure they are consistent with project goals and delivered in a timely manner.
• Prepare and communicate project budgets relevant to interior finishes and FFE

Consultants

• Work with Department Head to assemble the appropriate team of consultants in order to produce the highest quality product
• Review and comment on all deliverables
• Manage consultant’s budgets and discern the need and request additional scope work
• Track and recommend approval of invoices based on consultant deliverables

Schedules

• Develop and maintain deliverable schedules
• Collaborate closely with other all stakeholders so that documents are delivered and evaluated within the timelines established

Meetings

• Conduct periodic coordination meetings involving related consultants so that information is shared and dialogue is consistent

Design Execution

• Manage installation for new and existing properties, including but not limited to the execution of multiple FF&E projects under budget guidelines, managing vendors and delivery of FF&E supplies, support project schedules and timelines
• Provide on-site support during and after set up and installation process while conducting follow up to ensure adherence to corporate standards and best business practices. Assist with project close-out
• Liaise between vendors and project team, general contractors, director of construction, other project managers, architects, procurement companies, asset managers and purchasing staff
• Track and report on procurement and expediting, and ensure complete and timely delivery of the FF&E
• Assist with site logistics and supplier deliveries for FF&E in coordination with project team
• Perform cost estimating and preliminary pricing to monitor pricing in the FF&E budget
• Communicate with external and internal key stakeholders regarding status updates, progress and financial reporting, budgets, change orders and vendor performance metrics
• Assist with strategic planning to increase cost and process efficiencies, supply costs and cost savings on a regular basis
• Cultivate and maintain strong vendor relationships; oversee RFP process to negotiate contracts in terms of pricing, quality, timing, and supply availability, ensuring costs are within budget
• Track status updates and communication with vendors

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in interior design with proven track record of design management and FF&E project procurement
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture
• Demonstrated interior design experience exhibiting strong design skills
• Ability to lead projects that incorporate a variety of design aesthetics and strategies
• Knowledge of architecture and building processes
• Demonstrated experience in project management, space planning, design and procurement
• Strong negotiation skills with proven track record of achieving year to year cost savings
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize deadlines across multiple projects
• Detail oriented and organization critical
• Must be able to work independently and exercise good judgment with limited supervision
• Solid understanding of procurement best practices
• Superior customer service skills and the ability to present to all levels, both internal and external.
• Possess excellent communication (written and verbal), organizational and problem-solving skills

Related values diversity in backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are deliberate about the team and culture we are building. We aim to ensure competitive total compensation that is commensurate with experience, workplace geography, and market standards.

For information about how we use your personal information, including information submitted for career opportunities, please review our Privacy Policy at https://www.related.com/privacy-policy. 

#LI-JF1 #TRC #LI-ONSITE

Divisional Overview 

Related Midwest, the Chicago office of Related Companies, is the pre-eminent developer of luxury condominium and rental homes, master-planned, mixed-use, and affordable housing. Recognized for innovation and market-defining developments for more than 25 years, Related Midwest has reshaped luxury living in Chicago through a deep-rooted history of excellence.

We are a fully-integrated, highly diversified industry leader with expertise in every aspect of development including acquisitions, management, finance, architecture and design, construction, sales and leasing, and brokerage services. Given our size and scope, we have both the technical background and financial strength to execute a project of virtually any size or complexity.

We are committed to continue to break new ground and reshape the industry. Over the past few years, we have developed and brought to market more than $2 billion in luxury residential, mixed-use and affordable developments. Many of these projects were the largest and most complex executed in the market.

The goal of Related Midwest is to be nothing short of best-in-class in every facet of our business. Whether we’re pursuing luxury residential development, residential sales or leasing, mixed-use development, hotel development, retail development, affordable housing, property management or finance, we look for value-added opportunities in markets with high barriers to entry. Once these are identified, we execute each development with a commitment to excellence that is unmatched in the industry.

​​The results speak for themselves. In the last few years, we have been the most active real estate developer in Chicago. This level of success sets us apart from our competitors and provides several distinct advantages—including the creation of substantial purchasing and negotiating leverage, lower construction costs and more efficient management of our operating assets.

Company Overview

Formed in 1972, Related is the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States.  Headquartered in New York City, the company has offices and major developments across the world.  Related owns and manages a premier portfolio of assets valued at over $60 billion, including the 28-acre Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side.   

Related believes in investing in its talent and cultivates a positive, team-oriented environment where every voice is valued.  Employees are encouraged to boldly take on new challenges, transcend the status quo, and demonstrate strong entrepreneurial spirit.  In its relentless commitment to excellence, Related works to foster an innovative approach in its team members so that they can positively impact the communities in which they conduct business.  Learn more about Related at www.related.com.