London, UK
Senior planner designer
at WATG and Wimberly Interiors
Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo is seeking a senior planner designer to join its team in London.
WATG is the world’s preeminent destination and hospitality design firm. We are employee-owned, 76 years’ young and home to nearly 400 creative, globe-trotting professionals located remotely and in our hub offices in California, New York, London, Singapore and Shanghai.
We are known for our signature ‘people and planet first’ approach to design, applying a hospitality ethos to developments of all shapes and sizes. We offer everything from initial feasibility studies through to the finishing touches and we are one of only a small number of design firms globally that operate as an integrated, multidisciplinary practice. Along with our interior design studio – Wimberly Interiors – we specialize in hospitality, entertainment and gaming, urban and mixed-use and high-end residential design.
Independent to this day, we passionately believe that culture and heritage are the roots that lead to long-term resilience for all businesses. 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 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.
When we travel – which we all love to do – we leave a destination with greater respect and understanding of the impact we have on the world, for the space we occupy. As of 2022, our global yet local team, representing more than 45 nationalities and speaking 40 languages, has designed and delivered over 500 built projects in 170 countries and territories. Our spaces and places welcome more than 100,000 guests and visitors every day.
The London office of WATG is hiring a senior planner designer. This position will have a hybrid work schedule with days in the office and work from home days.
Summary of position
The senior planner designer reports to the senior leader and is responsible for the planning, design, coordination and presentation of ideas relating to a variety of tourism, resort, residential, urban mixed-use planning and design projects.
This individual should demonstrate a keen enthusiasm for the interface between land planning, urban design and architecture, since much of their design work will bridge these disciplines.
They should also demonstrate enthusiasm for the execution of world-class presentation materials (for print and screen, including coordinating CGIs and animations).
Should have sound knowledge of master planning and urban design best practice that promotes resilient public realm through landscape design, built form and infrastructure solutions. Team building and motivation are also key responsibilities. The senior planner will typically lead a small team, co-ordinating their efforts with inputs from a wider consultant team. It is essential to share your knowledge with others in support of a continuous learning environment.
Responsibilities:
- establish and maintain positive and productive client relationships, including day-to-day project management
- create, develop and implement concept design solutions based on in-depth site appraisal and option evaluation in collaboration with the while project team
- provide consistent design leadership to ensure clarity of design direction, to meet client’s and projects objectives
- assure that the design solutions meet contractual agreement with the client, managing fee flow, project resourcing, quality control and following project procedures
- monitor concept design through to later stages as required
- manage and minimise project risks
- effectively manage teams to ensure the efficient utilisation of resources to meet project deadlines
- effectively and proactively coach, mentor and provide performance-enhancing feedback to team members
- effectively manage multiple project priorities while consistently achieving high standards and goals
- perform project and other duties as assigned by the senior leader, communicating with them openly and effectively
- assist the senior leader(s) in preparing commercial proposals
Job requirements:
- a degree in architecture and ten plus years’ relevant professional experience
- essential that the candidate will have taken the design lead in both architectural, planning and urban design projects, ideally in the hospitality and residential sectors
- communicating design intent is key, so it is essential to demonstrate proficiency with hand-sketching, 2D space-planning, 3D modelling and the execution of high-quality presentation materials
- a high level of proficiency in both verbal and written English is also essential, including report writing
- occasional international travel is required
- proficiency in freehand drawing, AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, Sketch Up and MS Office preferred
- additional knowledge of other digital planning software like GIS, Infraworks and Autodesk Civil would be useful
About us
WATG is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our team members. Depending on your employment status, WATG benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, leaves of absence, wellness and well-being, and business travel. All full-time employees become Qualified Trust Members upon their two-year anniversary with WATG.
WATG is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. WATG is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. WATG is an EEO/AA M/F/V/D employer.