Dezeen Jobs

Sybarite is looking for an associate to join its team in London.

Sybarite are looking for a highly creative and talented associate to work on large scale international retail interior design projects. Based in our London studio, you will work within a multidisciplinary project team to design and realise projects for the most innovative retail operators in the world.

Our studio

Sybarite is a global design agency leading the ever-evolving face of benchmark retail, experiential culture and hospitality. Founded in 2002 as a boutique studio dedicated to luxury retail, Sybarite has since grown into a global design agency with projects ranging in scale from masterplans and architecture to interiors and products. Sybarite’s unique approach is reflected in the studio ethos and appreciation for the finer things in life, whether it be championing cuisine or promoting personal development.

About the role

Sybarite is embarking on a period of transformative change across an expanding portfolio of luxury retail, department store and shopping mall interior design projects.

Working across a diverse range of retail typologies, from flagship mono-brand stores to department stores and destination retail environments including shopping mall interiors at scale, the Associate will balance creativity, technical knowledge and commercial awareness to deliver innovative customer experiences that are both aspirational and commercially successful.

As a senior member of the team, you will provide design leadership, mentor junior designers and act as a key client-facing representative throughout the design process.

Your skills:

• strong understanding of luxury retail interior design and customer experience principles
• experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on complex international retail projects
• excellent space planning and retail planning skills across multiple retail formats
• strong knowledge of interior detailing, materials, finishes, fixtures and furniture
• understanding of retail fit-out, fabrication and construction processes
• ability to manage project programmes, resources and team workloads
• strong presentation, communication and client relationship management skills
• commercial awareness and understanding of project budgets and fee management
• ability to mentor, inspire and develop junior designers
• creative vision with a strong eye for detail and design quality
• Mandarin speaking is advantageous

Tasks:

• champion creative excellence and provide guidance to team
• lead and manage production work on a project
• work with, direct, mentor and assist junior staff
• complement good work and encourage good team spirits
• provide detailed demonstration of design work execution on request by junior staff
• bring fresh and innovative design ideas, providing meaningful insight to enhance overall project approach
• assist in organization of design work and distribution of tasks
• establish an efficient work routine and design workflow across the internal project team
• inform the internal project team about schedules of internal and external design workshops/reviews and allocate tasks for material preparation
• establish contacts and build professional relationships with suppliers/manufacturers
• act as a primary contact for project related design queries addressed by the client or other external parties
• report to senior management on important issues
• provide technical / professional expertise to client issues
• promote positive studio culture. Endorse studio wide initiatives
• face the client and take responsibility for the quality of work delivered by the team
• ensure liaison with technical director for ongoing drawing issues
• work to encourage ‘cross-pollination’ and fluidity across the teams. Present back to Founders weekly

Responsibilities:

• compile and review and itemised list of design stage deliverables for the project
• make decisions on design specifications
• execute the project according to provided briefs and schedules
• ensure team operates to time, cost and quality targets
• assist in recruiting and developing project teams
• take client briefs with support of the associate director
• attend resource meetings in conjunction with the associate director. Assist with resource management, considering fee proposal at all times
• organise a schedule of internal and external design workshops/reviews
• produce and distribute detailed meeting agendas/minutes
• compile meeting notes for the project
• encourage team morale and flag any team issues to associate director
• assist with client admin and communication by working in partnership with associate director
• monitor quality of produced design work, ensuring it follows the directions set by senior management and meets Sybarite’s quality standards
• carry out detailed coordination of project design items with external consultants (e.g. Structural Engineers, MEP, Quantity Surveyors and Lighting Designers) and contractors, facilitating constructive multi-disciplinary design process
• review design work produced by the team, advise on technical issues and mistakes, identify areas for improvement
• report on personal time (timesheets) and expenses within the specified period
• all duties associated with this role shall be carried out in accordance with the organisation’s Quality and Environmental Management Systems, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, and supporting continuous improvement, risk-based thinking, and environmental responsibility

Company landscapes are constantly evolving. As such, the job descriptions and role expectations for each position are not set in stone. They are reviewed and updated regularly to align with the changing requirements and strategic goals of the business. This flexibility allows us to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that our team remains agile and responsive. We value adaptability and encourage our employees to embrace change as part of their professional growth and contribution to the company’s success.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence of their right to work before employment commences.

www.sybarite.com