Commercial Furniture Dealer Senior Designer

Description

About Henricksen

Henricksen (Oak Brook, IL) is a full-service contract furniture dealership specializing in office, healthcare, education, government, senior living, and hospitality spaces. In 1962, Henricksen opened its doors as a small, family-run dealership. Today, Henricksen is a leading national dealership with twelve offices in Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, DC, and Wisconsin, 300+ full-time employees, and annual sales of $300+ million. With 300+ manufacturer partnerships, Henricksen offers an array of products from systems furniture, casegoods, seating, lounge, and conference furnishings to architectural solutions including modular walls, flooring, lighting, sound masking, and technology equipment. Henricksen is one of the largest privately-owned dealer partners of HNI in the United States. HNI’s furniture brands include Allsteel, Gunlocke, HBF, The HON Company, and Kimball International.

Job Summary

This position will be located in either our Chicago or Oak Brook, IL office. The Senior Designer role collaborates with Account Executives, Clients, and Customer Support Teams as an industry expert to design and specify creative, functional, and alternative solutions that meet client expectations and project requirements. They focus on programming, typical development, space planning, finish palettes, drawings, specifications, and field verification's. As a Senior Designer you will engage with clients, the project team, and external partners to develop and execute exceptional design solutions while fostering Design team learning and process execution and enhancement to promote quality project outcomes. Our ideal candidate will contribute to and positively influence the customer experience, culture, and mission.

Responsibilities

• Project Definition and Planning. Participate in and/or facilitate project meetings to establish and maintain clear and reasonable project expectations (e.g., scope, deliverables, timeline, roles and team operations). Contribute to the development and presentation of project design solutions that optimize client space and engagement in response to proposals, contracts, and requirements. Advise on and negotiate project design details in relation to proven practices, standards, and concurrent priorities.
• Design Process Execution. Execute larger and more complex higher profile projects independently with quality and efficient outcomes. Gather programming required to develop/revise schematic designs in compliance with client expectations and project requirements. Outline cost estimates and/or resource needs to execute approved design recommendations and modifications. Develop and revise schedules, documentation, and recommendations in alignment with project requirements. Implement core process with accountability, accuracy, and consistency. Promote information sharing, learning, and process improvement to enhance project and Design team productivity. Develop finish palette for client review as required by project.
• Design Consultation and Collaboration. Engage client real-time to outline and agree on design intent. Create drawings, renderings, and other design deliverables that illustrate and reflect design intent. Advise customer and project team on design applications and opportunities that proactively address programming needs (e.g., collaboration/engagement, ergonomics, technology integration, building codes, and ADA requirements). Coordinate with consultants, project team, and installers to effectively manage changes, field reviews, and installations. Organize and manage project drawings, revisions, and critical project documentation (e.g., key decisions, approvals, signoffs, and meeting highlights). Leverage strategic insights, planning methodologies, and vertical markets expertise related to planning and design.
• Customer Service. Serve as an industry expert to inform and address client inquiries and needs. Maintain a professional and positive demeanor across situations, clients, and vendors. Communicate with transparency and professionalism across project team to promote exceptional client experience. Adapt to project and client needs in alignment with core process and service level expectations. Leverage prior client interactions, projects, and learnings to enhance client experience.
• People and Culture Development. Serve as an informal peer coach to help resolve real-time project-related issues. Perform work and engage in support of organization culture and expectations. Establish and nurture inclusive relationships with colleagues and within project teams. Maintain accountability for ongoing learning and improvements required to perform job. Collaborate and take initiative to support the success and growth of self, others, and the organization.

Requirements

Qualifications – Education and Experience

Required:

• Associate’s degree in interior design, architecture, or related field
• 8+ years’ experience in contract design and/or furniture dealership
• Specification and layout of systems, ancillary furniture, demountable partitions, contract furniture processes from programming to delivery/installation.
• Workplace environment issues (e.g., ergonomics, technology integration, teaming, planning, facility need)
• Building codes, ADA regulations, Electrical Code, etc.
• General knowledge in building practices (e.g., composition of partition types, material thickness of flooring, installation applications)
• High proficiency in AutoCAD, CAP Studio or Project Matrix, Configura CET, and proven graphic layout skills
• Proven track record in customer-facing environment (internal and external)
• Proven ability to execute complex, high-volume projects simultaneously in an organized, creative, and quality-driven way
• Strong learning and coaching capabilities and interest
• Conscientious and flexible, with a strong work ethic and problem-solving and team orientation
• Proficient and effective communicator (written and verbal) across various audiences and situations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office365 applications (including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Preferred:

• College degree in interior design, architecture, or related field from a CIDA accredited program
• NCIDQ and state certifications
• Active membership in relevant associations

Additional Information

Henricksen offers competitive wages based on skills and experience as well as comprehensive benefits packages. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Henricksen is fully committed to cultivating a culture that is inclusive and integrates its Core Values in every action, every interaction, and every decision that is made.