What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Designer position at Kaitlyn Wolfe?
POSITION OVERVIEW
As a Lead Designer, you will play a crucial role in guiding and overseeing the creative direction, design processes, and visual identity of our projects. You will assist in leading a team of designers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the strategic vision of our products or services. The Lead Designer will report to the Design Manager but you will also work alongside the Principal Designer creatively. Your innovative thinking, design expertise, and leadership skills will be pivotal in delivering compelling and user-centered design solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Design
● Drive the conceptualization and development of design concepts, ensuring they reflect the intended
message and user experience
● Collaborate with Junior Designer/Draftsman regarding technical measurements and shop drawings
● Design in SketchUp and Enscape/V-Ray with direction from Principal Designer and prepare concepts
throughout the design phase of the project
● Specify furniture, fixtures and equipment creating, maintaining detailed finish schedules and samples
alongside Junior Designer
● Communicate and meet with builders and architects to verify design details, measurements, etc.
● Stay updated on design trends, emerging technologies, and industry developments to drive continuous innovation within the design team.
● Lead in the installation of projects including preparing decor and on-site direction with furniture layout, artwork placement and styling
● Assist the Retail Manager with design services for Kaitlyn Wolfe Brand Custom Orders.
● Creative assistant to new product designs and curation specifically for Ground Floor and Substrate
● Create technical documentation and communicate with fabricators to confirm details via shop drawings and samples for product lines for KW Brand
Project Management
● Delegate tasks and ensure efficient project allocation based on team members' strengths and expertise as backup for Design Manager when needed
● Manage high-level, complex projects from conception to implementation, while maintaining a strong rapport with all clients, builders, architects and vendors
● Create action items for Junior Designer directly relating to change orders and design deliverable updates
● Visit project sites throughout the duration of the project to verify design details, as needed
● Collaborate with Procurement Team regarding pricing and ordering logistics
Leadership
● Attend and lead client & vendor meetings without the need of Design Manager or Principal Designer
● Lead the creation of high-quality design deliverables, including visual mockups, prototypes, user interfaces, and other design assets
● Assist Principal Designer & Design Manager with higher level tasks where needed
● Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment
● Assist with creating company processes and templates to support company growth
● Assist training new design team members, as needed
Administrative
● Communicate with sub-contractors on-site to ensure design is being executed correctly
● Meeting preparation
● Maintain organized files and documentation for design projects, specifically Fohlio, Visual Spec Book and Measurements
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
● Bachelor's degree in interior design or related field
● Minimum 5 years experience, non-negotiable
● Portfolio of design work
● Project & team management experience
● Expert in SketchUp, AutoCAD, Enscape/V-Ray and Adobe Creative Cloud
● Knowledge in Fohlio and Miro a plus
● Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
● Ability to problem solve
● Ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects and adjust work accordingly
● Possess strong verbal, written and visual communication skills
● Ability to self-manage and demonstrate professional maturity
● Ability to be productive working from home, a coffee shop, a jobsite, etc.
● Ability to be flexible with work hours - some days starting early, some days starting late, and ability to work weekends, if needed
CORE VALUES
Growth Mindset
Lifelong Learning & Humility
Inspired by Nature
Giving Back
Purpose-Driven
Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion