London, UK
Senior FF&E designer
at Kibre
Kibre is seeking a senior FF&E designer to join its London design studio.
Kibre is an interiors and FF&E design studio based in London and West Sussex, working across a range of sectors, residential (build to rent), commercial and hospitality. We provide interior design, interior architecture and FF&E design and specification. We are unique in that all the procurement and installations and delivered in-house.
Kibre is looking for an experienced senior FF&E designer. The role will lead the FF&E side of the business working across all sectors. This will include designing furniture collections on large schemes, gyms, co-working and all forms of amenity and building requirements. The role will work closely with the clients and company owners to develop the team, build concepts and work towards advancing the business. The role is an exciting one requiring the candidate to be creative across a range of aesthetics, work well in a team and be confident with design, spec and the logistical side of the process.
Key responsibilities:
- take the client lead and work with our clients to develop a strong working relationship
- work with the directors, supporting them in new business as a leader in the field
- create and decipher client briefs to ensure clear communication throughout the company
- creation of design concepts and ability to present clearly to clients and investors
- creation of FF&E specifications and FF&E schedules in costings
- coordinating FF&E with the interiors
- oversee the procurement of all FF&E and take responsibility for PO’s specification sheets and deliveries
- work closely with consultants and external suppliers
- work with the wider team in the spatial planning and design of each project
- source and research new suppliers, ascertaining suitability and developing Kibre’s supplier database
- negotiate, coordinate and liaise with suppliers to ensure that all specifications and deliveries meet deadlines and budgets
- oversee the installation of projects, including styling requirements and oversee professional photography
- liaise with our project management and installation teams to ensure smooth delivery and installation of the projects
- support the wider company in its sustainability targets
- report to the design director on tasks and deliverables and line-manage one FF&E designer
Essential qualities and skills required:
- an industry-recognised diploma or degree in interior design, interior architecture or architecture
- proven experience working on both residential and hospitality-focused projects
- an extensive knowledge of and relationships with the suppliers of contract furniture
- in-depth knowledge of products, materials and suppliers
- general knowledge of interior architecture with the ability to read and understand technical drawings, including furniture shop drawings
- proven experience in project management (budgeting, scheduling etc.)
- ability to differentiate the needs of different ‘styles’ and ‘looks’ and deliver those styles without letting personal preferences impact choices
- ability to understand and formulate design decisions and present them for discussion
- ability to use a variety of media in the development and documentation of a design project
- self-motivated with the ability to take responsibility and use initiative to find solutions and alternatives as problems arise
- ability to demonstrate discretion with sensitive and confidential information
- excellent organisational skills and the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines efficiently
- good interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- has a flexible approach to work and willing to assist the wider design team when needed
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- experience as a line manager overseeing junior and intermediate designers
- competent in MS Office, AutoCAD, PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign
- experience using Estimac or similar to schedule FF&E
- legal right to work in the UK
Desirable skills:
- understanding of the financial aspects of running a design project, on time and on budget
- experience in ‘lighting’ as a design element – knowledge of how to use lighting and shadows for drama and impact
If interested, please apply via the ‘apply for job’ button below.