Director of Operations, Interiors

Promotes design excellence on all Interiors projects by providing overall practice leadership through skills in interior design and management, business development, and staff development.  Member of the regional Practice management team.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Practice / Project Management 

• Provide strategic vision, as well as day-to-day administration of the Interiors group. 
• Responsible for development and successful execution of practice goals, business plan and profitability; aligns efforts with regional and firm-wide business unit plans and goals.
• Ensures Integrated Sustainable Design solutions are incorporated into projects.
• Supervises the production of drawings and documents that convey the design intent.
• Oversees design quality control on all projects.  Implements and utilizes HOK Standards for all projects and processes.  Personally contributes to HOK Standards through new procedure initiation and development. 
• Develops and/or reviews fee proposals and workload projections for assigned projects.
• Works closely with project managers with respect to budget and schedule constraints and identifies opportunities to support project profitability.
• Utilizes and encourages best uses of design technology for presentation and production purposes; champions BIM and Revit technologies.
• Oversees the project team in the documentation of the design from vision sessions through design implementation and graphical or computer generated productions.
• Maintains an appropriate billable and non-billable percentage of personal and departmental time.
• Ensures the availability of adequate and appropriate staff to execute all contracted projects.
• Oversees those that conduct project technical and design reviews.
• Oversees and ensures that construction details, contract documents and post occupancy project oversight and support are implemented.
• Understands and enforces conditions of client contract.  Mindful of additional design services opportunities and fee service augmentation.
• Fosters and maintains a collaborative professional working relationship with management and project team members.
• Fosters a commitment to external and internal client service.

 Marketing / Business Development

• Responsible for the development and execution of marketing strategy; as well as the overall branding and development of HOK’s Interiors practice.
• Identifies new business opportunities while developing current client relationships.  Listen for and seek out new projects which may exist or are being formulated. 
• Participates in selected marketing and business development opportunities.  Acts as key presenter in new project interviews.
• Develops and nurtures positive client, consultant, contractor and jurisdictional/approval agencies to increase stature in the market and community resulting in increased potential business opportunities.
• Assists marketing department in development of marketing campaigns, materials, webinars, etc. and overall proposal preparation.  Provides oversight to marketing staff in the development of standard materials that describe the design portfolio, systems, and processes of the interior’s practice.
• Assists in preparation of award submittals.
• Assists in the preparation of press releases and other materials publicizing assigned projects.

 Design Management

• Works closely with Director, Interior Design to ensure design intent is carried throughout all projects.
• Conducts research and seeks thorough understanding of client needs for project requirements and design solution opportunities.
• Utilizes knowledge of furniture, fixture and equipment, architectural/interior finishes, lighting, art, signage, color and materials to support staff in their effort to carry out designs.  Keeps well connected with manufacturers and design industry to ensure access to newest and most innovative products and services available.  Maintains leading edge prominence within industry.  Keeps abreast of new products, trends, technology, and business sector growth.
• Engages clients in explorations that respectfully challenge their understanding of appropriate design solutions.

• Communicates design intent in a clear and compelling way; demonstrates the incorporation of client’s requirements and goals within design solution.
• Oversees the preparation and delivery of design presentations to clients and drives consultant work to achieve design goals.

 Staff Development

• Leads ongoing design dialogue within the Interiors Practice including design philosophy, approach and processes.
• Acts as mentor by coaching and motivating design teams and individuals; fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust among members of the group as it grows and develops.
• Prepares, delivers, and ensures completion of all staff evaluations; responsible for performance development, compensation decision-making and workload allocation processes of department.
• Supports diversity and develops continuing education opportunities (e.g. site visits, lectures, road trips) to expose design staff to influences which will stimulate design creativity and innovation.
• Participates in interviews and recruiting of professional staff.
• Encourages staff exploration and innovation to achieve project design excellence and continual improvement for the achievement of original design ideas and concepts.
• In smaller offices, may also take on the role(s) of Director of Interior Design and/or the Director of Operations.
• Participates in local or state professional associations, maintains active membership, and attends conferences valued by clients as appropriate. Public speaking and/or publishing may be required.

• Participates with other Directors of Interiors in HOK firm-wide activities. May serve on the HOK Design Board.
• Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.

 EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in interior design or architecture required.  Master’s degree preferred.
• 15 plus years’ experience with large interiors or architectural firm or division and 10 plus years as senior level Interior Designer responsible for the design and project management of l interiors.  Supervisory experience required.
• Published and/or award winning projects a plus.
• Must be professional Interior Designer and have passed the NCIDQ exam or be a registered Architect with current license required.
• If registered Architect, NCARB registration preferred.
• LEED credential required within 12 months of employment.