A Work Of Substance is seeking an associate design director to join its team in Hong Kong.

About Substance

We are a collective of passionate explorers from 17 countries. We exercise the art of forgetting what we know and look to maps of the past, as we scavenge for vibrant stories about the people and cultures that our designs inhabit.

Our team of strategists, editors, graphic designers, architects, landscape designers, interior designers and product designers allow us to shape every single touch point.

Our designs are an opportunity to entertain a conversation with your guests, an invitation to interact and to contemplate, entertaining rituals and creating habits. It is an opportunity to tell your story and to tell a story that no one else is telling.

Job description

The associate design director is responsible for leading and managing design teams on complex, high-profile interior design projects across the hospitality, retail, residential, and food and beverage industries. You will work closely with the creative director (and/or design director) to set the creative vision and oversee all aspects of the design process, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

Design lead:

act as the lead designer on multiple concurrent projects, developing design concepts, construction documents and specifications
distil abstract business concepts and client needs into elegant creative solutions
deliver a holistic design ensuring the cohesion between the interior design, architectural design, product design and branding deliverables
lead brainstorming and concept ideation with team members to solve a particular challenge creatively
incorporate sustainable design principles and technologies into project work
stay up-to-date with industry trends, technologies and best practices, and incorporate them into the design process
oversee the selection and procurement of furnishings, materials, and finishes, ensuring alignment with the design intent and budget
coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to ensure seamless project delivery

Client relationship management and servicing:

serve as the primary point of contact for key clients and A Work Of Substance, ensuring timely response to client enquiries and team’s needs for clarification
manage client expectations and effectively communicate design decisions
proactively identify opportunities to expand client relationships and secure new projects

Project management:

collaborate closely with clients, project managers, and other stakeholders to understand requirements, manage expectations, and deliver exceptional design solutions on time, in full
proactively do a risk mitigation with clear action planning communicated across teams

Leadership:

manage and mentor a team of designers, providing guidance and regular feedback to help foster development and growth within the team and oversee their work
foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture
collaborate with the HR team to identify and hire top talent
build and manage a talented, diverse, inclusive team of creative designers whose skills are well-balanced across a range of design skill sets
drive collaboration and vision across the company to build alignment on priorities

Business development:

assist the creative director/design director in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
pitch ideas confidently and present the creative vision clearly to prospect clients
contribute to the development of design proposals and qualifications

Strategy:

assist the design director in setting the strategic direction for the design department and the agency

Requirements:

bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field
over eight years of experience in interior design, with a strong focus on luxury hospitality, retail, residential and/or F&B projects
proven track record of leading and managing design teams on complex, high-profile projects
excellent design skills, including the ability to develop conceptual ideas, create detailed construction documents, and select furnishings and finishes
strong project management and client-facing skills, with the ability to effectively communicate design solutions
proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management tools
thorough understanding of building codes, ADA requirements and sustainable design principles
extensive experience and proven ability in interior design and, graphic design concepts such as, but not limited to hand sketch case work, vignette scenes, hand colouring, rendering interior drawings, area take-offs and shop drawings
extensive proficiency and understanding of FF&E quantity matrices
extensive proficiency and understanding of imperial and metric measuring and drawing
excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities
strong leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills

Send your CV, Portfolio, and Cover Letter to careers@substance.hk

A Work Of Substance

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Associate Design Director