London, UK
Mid-weight interior architect
at De Gournay
De Gournay is recruiting a mid-weight interior architect to join its team in London, UK.
De Gournay is looking for a highly creative and motivated mid-weight interior architect to join our creative HQ in London. As part of our visual merchandising team, you will contribute to maintaining and evolving the appearance of our global showrooms as well as developing the look and feel of our new openings planned worldwide.
As creators of the finest hand painted and hand embroidered wallcoverings, De Gournay are committed to creating exceptional interiors. All of our products are created entirely by hand and as such our bespoke capabilities are endless. As a family run company, we constantly strive to produce extraordinarily beautiful hand-crafted wallpapers, embroideries, fabrics and porcelain for interiors around the world.
Role
The principal role will be to concept, design and execute De Gournay showroom interiors, pop-ups and exhibitions. Reporting into our head of global VM and working with the senior creative team. Someone with design flair who can bring luxury retail experiences to life throughout our global showrooms in London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Beirut and Shanghai (with more to come).
This role is for an individual with outstanding creativity and passion for architecture who is able to create unique and original interiors. Your sense of style needs to be confident, with the ability to adapt inspiration from different cultures and different time periods. The role requires a detailed, imaginative individual with strong organisational skills and excellent supplier and material knowledge.
You will have a 360 degree approach, managing projects from inception through to installation.
You will frequently work on new challenges and will be supported by a talented team from different disciplines.
Responsibilities:
- create tailored design presentations including CAD plans and moodboards (use of InDesign) for De Gournay showrooms/pop ups/events across the world
- produce design development packages and joinery drawings using AutoCAD
- review and approve shop drawings by consultants
- develop 3D renderings by liaising with our in-house team of artists
- oversee multiple projects simultaneously, while working with project managers, consultants, suppliers and contractors to ensure that projects are delivered on time and on budget
- create showroom interiors and product displays that are innovative and appealing and which maximise sales and branding
- monitor costs and budget for projects
- FF&E specification, with order and installation to timelines
- attend site visits when needed, meeting with suppliers and contractors
- adhere to the VM calendar: including showroom launches and special projects around the world
- monitor the look of our showrooms worldwide to make sure they are always on point
- support the visual quality and standards throughout the showrooms and spaces
- represent the De Gournay interiors’ aesthetic and brand vision through all instalments
- actively build, maintain and grow relationships with existing and new suppliers
Skills and qualifications:
- interior architecture degree level qualification – BA (Hons) or equivalent
- minimum of over four years of experience within a luxury brand or interior architecture firm, preferably focused on high-end retail and/or residential interiors (onsite experience required)
- proficient in AutoCAD
- proficient in 3Ds Max or SketchUp
- proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign are a must, Illustrator is a bonus)
- proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- ability to draw and sketch
- excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages are a plus)
- proficient in understanding and developing technical drawings/packages (plans, sections, details)
- ability to concept ideas (space planning, furniture layouts/moodboards) for presentations as well as closely working with the senior creative directors
- experience in bespoke joinery design and production follow up
- experience in overseeing FF&E specifications of all soft and hard materials/finishes, project schedules and furniture (up-to-date knowledge on industry trends for furniture, lighting suppliers and their products on varied budgets)
- effective negotiation/interpersonal skills and ability to build supplier/brand relationships
- good organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail and problem solving skills
- an eye for design, colour and style
- up to date on market trends and best practices, and an interest in future design trends
- be engaged in ideas and trends across the worlds of retail spaces
- thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and creative environment – ability to work effectively on multiple projects at once
- autonomous yet team player
- passionate and curious about all aspects of arts and design
- hold a passion for interiors and a keen interest in immersing yourself into the De Gournay brand in order to become a leader in product and interior knowledge
- strong communication skills and collaborative/open-minded working style
Location: Chelsea, London.
Schedule: Full time
Start time: Immediate
Salary: Competitive according to level of experience.
Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.