Head of / Lead FF&E Designer

Head of / Lead FF&E Designer

Role Description

About the role

This is an exciting career move that will allow you to take ownership of FF&E within high-end residential projects in the UK and abroad to support the design direction of the Project Leader and assist in leading junior members of the design/FF&E team. You will have a positive and professional attitude at all times towards clients, suppliers, and the wider design team.

You will have a meticulous eye for design and detail, evident in your well put together portfolio and the ability to collate and understand the overall project scope, budget, programme, and deliverables across all RIBA Stages (0-6), together with a thorough understanding of working to deadlines and delivering exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

1. Prepare concept designs with Design Directors
2. Present with confidence to both internal and external stakeholders
3. Collaborate seamlessly with Interior Designers and the wider project team
4. Prepare spatial planning and schematic design schemes in AutoCAD, i.e., furniture layout plans and decorative lighting plans (RIBA Stage 2)
5. Prepare design development presentations and documentation, i.e., furniture selection presentations, furniture layout plans, decorative lighting plans, and joinery detailing (RIBA Stage 3)
6. Prepare FF&E tender documentation packages independently, including drawings, schedules, and specifications (RIBA Stage 4)
7. Understand the procurement process, including storage, logistics, delivery, and installation, and carry out procurement tasks without the assistance of a procurement manager
8. Liaise with the wider design team, including specialist sub-consultants and suppliers as required
9. Liaise with clients to effectively communicate project deliverables and expectations on a regular basis
10. Assist in leading junior and mid-weight FF&E designers through key RIBA stages
11. Set out procurement scheduling to ensure timely installation
12. Liaise with suppliers and consultants to review and approve shop drawings (including sample sign-off)
13. Visit site for inspections at key intervals and demonstrate the ability to problem solve as queries arise
14. Liaise with suppliers/contractors on site to answer formal requests for information (RFIs) and record and/or sign-off design variations
15. Report proactively to the Project Leader on project progress, including raising potential client or project issues as they arise
16. Communicate effectively, including reporting on personal weekly deliverables
17. Understand client budget and work towards outlined parameters
18. Assist design directors in preparing fee proposals by estimating Stage timescales and team resourcing

About you

You will have previous experience of working within a collaborative, creative, and resourceful team and demonstrate FF&E project running skills. You will have specialized experience in the design and construction of interior design and FF&E high-end residential and/or hospitality projects. You will be able to demonstrate:

1. 5+ years’ experience working in the Interior Design and/or Architecture industry
2. Hold a Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in FF&E Design or Interior Design
3. AutoCAD skills preferred to deliver documentation as outlined above. You must be capable of independently documenting work to RIBA Stage 4+
4. High End Residential or Hospitality experience highly regarded
5. Ability to ideate, create and push design boundaries to contribute to Banda’s design excellence and innovation
6. Ability to take the project through all stages of documentation with the assistance of a junior team member and project director
7. Demonstrate good technical knowledge and ability to develop design drawings into detailed work packages that show a high level of awareness of detailing appropriate to the FF&E item being designed, together with buildability and budget in mind at all times
8. Experience on site, liaising with project manager, contractor, client, and wider design team
9. Ability and confidence in dealing with suppliers and consultants
10. Thorough understanding of UK building regulations and standards relevant to project/role
11. Excellent understanding of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop and Estimac (or similar)
12. Exceptional understanding of suppliers, materials, fabrics, sanitaryware, lighting, and ironmongery specifications
13. Ability to select and develop key FF&E items, work to deadlines (often on projects simultaneously) and site requirements
14. Ability to integrate and lead a team of FF&E designers
15. Understanding of cost and assisting Design Director to help deliver exceptional results within the ID and FF&E budgetary framework set out by the client or stakeholder(s)