Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager, the Design Manager (DM) is responsible for providing expertise in interior design, including developing concepts, supporting asset enhancement initiatives, and coordinating with external consultants on projects and building works for Taylor’s Education Group properties and beyond. This role requires effective execution of duties with minimal supervision.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS 
    Assist in coordinating the design process for all projects to ensure timely completion within the established schedules. Support schedule management by tracking progress, identifying delays, and implementing recovery plans as required.
    Facilitate clear and efficient communication among project team members, including internal teams, consultants, and contractors, while maintaining accurate documentation of all communications and design-related processes.
    Provide input on design functions by contributing technical expertise, participating in value engineering discussions, and supporting design peer reviews.
    Ensure that all design deliverables meet statutory requirements, building codes, bylaws, and company standards, adhering to best practices throughout the project lifecycle.
    Coordinate and execute interior design scopes, including FF&E, under the guidance of the Senior Manager. Responsibilities include preparing design concepts, drawings, and tender documents, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and overseeing construction phases up to project handover.
    Support post-construction activities, including managing defect liabilities and ensuring resolution of outstanding issues.
    Assist in delivering projects that align with approved budgets, schedules, and quality standards, ensuring expectations are met at all levels.

KEY RESULT AREAS / RESPONSIBILITIES 

DESIGN MANAGEMENT

    Support the Senior Design & Project Manager in managing and coordinating all design-related activities, including collaboration with architecture, MEP, C&S consultants, and specialists such as façade, lighting, landscape architects, and acoustic experts. Ensure a structured approach to achieving fully coordinated designs.
    Facilitate the design process to align with project timelines, promoting clear communication between design disciplines and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
    Organize and lead design workshops, progress meetings, and peer reviews to keep team members informed and aligned on project objectives.
    Monitor the design process to maintain the integrity of the design intent and ensure alignment with the company’s goals, standards, and statutory requirements.
    Identify and address delays by proposing fast-tracking measures or action plans to keep projects on schedule.
    Review designs at each stage, considering health, safety, environmental, and sustainability factors, and provide recommendations to enhance quality and compliance.
    Maintain comprehensive documentation of all design processes to ensure alignment with building codes, regulations, and project requirements.
    Ensure construction documents, including tender drawings, are clear, sufficient, and professionally prepared to prevent complications during tendering and construction phases.
    Oversee the execution of interior design scopes, including spatial planning, furniture layouts, and FF&E specifications, ensuring they meet functionality, safety, and aesthetic goals.
    Develop and present design concepts, including mood boards, sketches, renderings, and technical drawings, to align with client requirements and project objectives.
    Coordinate with project leaders, contractors, and suppliers to implement approved designs, managing procurement, budgeting, and scheduling for all interior works.
    Conduct value engineering exercises to identify cost-effective solutions while preserving design quality.
    Manage post-construction activities, including defect liability reviews and resolution of outstanding issues, ensuring successful project handover.
    Stay updated on industry trends, materials, and techniques, applying innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance project outcomes.
    Collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to integrate interior designs seamlessly into overall project plans.
    Regularly update the Senior Design & Project Manager on progress, challenges, and recommendations to ensure alignment with project objectives.
    Manage the interior design process from concept to construction, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects successfully while adhering to statutory requirements and best practices.
    Monitor and report on project progress, costs, and timelines, ensuring adherence to budgets and schedules while maintaining client satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
    Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.
    Ability to apply a sense of style to create aesthetically pleasing interiors (including FF&E).
    Strong visual design skills including proportion and aesthetics.
    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software, standard interior design software (such as Autocad, Revit, Sketchup, etc). Building Information Modeling (BIM) proficiency will be an advantage. 
    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
    In-depth understanding and familiarity with statutory requirements, building codes, bylaws, and other types of authority requirements or regulations is necessary.

COMPETENCIES (BEHAVIOURAL)

    Technically sound
    Able to work independently but can still excel at teamwork
    Able to conduct presentations or chair meetings in a structured and confident manner
    Skilled at conveying ideas in a persuasive and convincing manner
    Pleasant personality
    Dedicated and trustworthy
    Diligent and self-motivated
    Upholds organizational values
    Has a strong sense of responsibility

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
    A bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Project Management or a related field is generally required for this position, as well as a minimum of eight years of experience is required; a master's degree, relevant certification, and beyond 8 years of experience is often preferred. Proficiency in a variety of office, interior design, 3D rendering, architectural/design, graphics, and project-planning software is needed as well. The candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong time management and leadership skills.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

    Direct interior design or architectural consultancy services (design activities).
    Direct involvement in building projects in the capacity of a consultant (design management activities)

Job Requirements