Senior Designer I

About Watg WATG is the world’s preeminent destination and hospitality design firm. We are employee-owned, home to more than 500 professionals globally, located remotely and in our offices in Atlantic City, California, Dallas, New York, Honolulu, London, Singapore, and Shanghai.

Our approach to design applies a hospitality ethos to the development of all shapes and sizes. From initial feasibility studies to finishing touches, we operate globally as an integrated, multidisciplinary practice. Along with our interior design studio, Wimberly Interiors, we specialize in hospitality, gaming + entertainment, urban + mixed-use, and high-end residential design.

We were founded in Honolulu in 1945, and the spirit of the islands taught us to focus on community strength, self-reliance, and sustainability – which we still prioritize today. We passionately believe that culture and heritage are the roots that lead to long-term resilience. We stay true to our values of designing spaces that respect, protect, and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for our clients and their communities.

WATG is hiring a Senior Designer I for our office in New York. This role requires in-person collaboration, with the option to work remotely only on Friday.

ROLE The Senior Designer I combines creativity and technical knowledge with business skills and understanding to produce functionally beautiful spaces for our clients. The Senior Designer has broad design skills, a background in architecture or interior design, and can create an array of innovative design concept solutions. The Senior Designer utilizes creativity, foresight, and judgment to meet project requirements and carry out exceptional design.

Responsibilities

• Works as part of a team on interior design projects that include programming client needs, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, space planning, and construction documentation
• Develops innovative design concepts that are practical, aesthetic, safe and reflective of the intended purpose and function of the project, meeting client goals on schedule and within project budget
• Sculpts interior spaces as a holistic experience, including specification of furniture, lighting, artwork and finishes/materials
• Participates in the selection and presentation of furniture, furniture systems, fabrics, equipment (FF&E), color palettes, and lighting
• Generates finish plans, specifications, and material selections needed for construction
• Provides design support and documentation during completion and execution of design concepts
• Works with external consultants, product representatives, and fabricators
• Leads day-to-day project coordination efforts with the ability to prioritize deadlines, manage communication and coordination with clients and consultants
• Communicates conceptual design ideas through 2D and 3D presentation/design drawings
• Supports the Construction Administration phase by responding to RFIs, COs, and reviews shop drawings
• Assists Project Manager and client in subcontracting fabrication, installation, and arrangement of the materials, finishes, and furnishings required
• Participates in in-person client meetings and Owner presentations with the Project Director, Creative Director, or senior leadership
• Participates in architectural contract preparation, and liability and fee calculations for related projects
• Participates in team meetings to align the project deliverables with the design intent
• Mentors and guides other members of the team
• Incorporates Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects
• Fosters a green workplace through sustainable work practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field from an accredited university
• Environmental accreditation preferred
• 10+ years in an architectural practice with experience in hospitality interior design and management of all phases of projects
• Proficient in Revit, SketchUp, and other computer design programs (AutoCAD, Rhino, 3D Studio Max, Grasshopper)
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Knowledge of furniture, finishes, materials, color selections, and specifications
• Graphics and visualization skills to effectively communicate design ideas
• Understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets
• Manages multiple projects of a complex scope, cons…