Interior Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Vandelay Companies - Interior Designer

About Vandelay Companies

For over a decade, Vandelay Companies has built a legacy of iconic dining experiences, growing our portfolio across brands and markets nationwide. Guided by a shared vision, our team creates timeless spaces that embody the best of American hospitality – where quality, authenticity and a sense of place unite to leave a lasting impression.

About the Opportunity

Interior design team members will participate in all phases of the design process from pre-design to completion for all restaurant projects under the direction of the director of design and ownership team.  The designer will be responsible for FF&A selections, presentations, and interior design drawings based on the project program, criteria and budget. This person is required to maintain brand standards and budget requirements per project schedule.   

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with pre-design phase determining the project scope, mood boards, brand & programming requirements per project. 
• Research the project location, demographics, brand vision, design trends, and target market to determine guest experience.
• Meet with owner, operations, design, architecture and marketing staff to understand project requirements. 
• Provide design mood boards and sketches that include fabric and finish selections to stakeholders. 
• Provide a design narrative per project.
• Create space planning and design layouts to scale that ensure proper flow and egress through space. 
• Coordinate with architect and/or rendering team as required.    
• Selection of materials, finishes, hardware, furniture, lighting, and fabrics based on aesthetics, durability, cost and maintenance. 
• Coordination with architects and procurement team to ensure all safety, fire, and accessibility - ADA codes are met.
• Produce sketch elevations and section sketches to architecture team for implementation.
• Select finishes, decorative cabinet and door hardware, decorative lighting, and decorative plumbing and plumbing accessories to coordinate with consultants.
• Source & provide FF&A specifications within budget and schedule to deliver to procurement team. 
• Management of design team and interns as required.  
• Work with procurement team to manage vendor relationships, costs, lead times and delivery to site. 
• Review all submittals, shop drawings, cuttings for approval, finishes, seaming diagrams, etc. in a timely manner and issue to purchasing agent.
• Oversee mockup and sample reviews as required. 
• Visit job sites to ensure design intent is being followed. 
• Collaborate with architects and GC to resolve design or construction issues,
• Provide cost estimates throughout each phase of the project in collaboration with architect, GC, and procurement agent.
• Provide value engineering solutions when needed without compromising design aesthetic and integrity.
• Provide complete FF&A specification booklets with revisions as required and GC finish binder/material boards.
• Respond to RFI’s
• Attend punch walk with architecture and design team and provide design comments.
• Attend FF&A installation with design and procurement team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Interior Design 
• 5+ years related hospitality/restaurant
• Excellent communication & presentation skills   
• Financial acumen for interior budgeting and coordination
• Strong creative, multitasking, leadership, and organizational skills for decision making
• Knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards and fire safety regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Design Spec/Spexx Software, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Adobe Creative Suite, and Revit 

Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available
• Professional development and career growth
• Paid Time Off
• Dining discounts at all Vandelay Companies concepts
• All Vandelay Companies restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.