Design Associate

The “Design Associate” Role @ R. Jack Balthazar

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and will balance multiple projects and aggressive deadlines.  The candidate should have experience in an office setting as well as on event sites, should possess a passion for the creative process, and the drive to learn and work within a team that identifies, creates and produces a spectrum of experiential work.  This person should have (at minimum) introductory knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites (in particular Adobe Photoshop), Sketchup, Vray, and VectorWorks  and will support the design and production team with researching, sourcing, procuring raw materials and finished goods (furnishings, case goods, textiles, accessories, etc); and doing so while effectively managing time constraints and budgetary boundaries. In addition, this candidate should be prepared to contribute in other departments, outside their daily responsibilities, at any given time.

Responsibilities

•  Research design concepts and visions with a resourceful and creative approach
• Attend client and vendor meetings, record accurate notes, photos, and measurements which demonstrate spatial acuity, and deliver a clear and concise recap to the team
• Exhibit an awareness  of event details (as they relate to design) - from project inception, through the design process, production, installation and wrap-up
• Work on multiple event projects simultaneously, keeping current with details and communicate to all relevant affiliates
•  Possess a keen eye for all things design, style, and culture related, with an ability to translate obscure inspirations into event relevance
• Identify, research, and source décor elements efficiently, proficiently and practically 
• Keep updated records of pending orders, incoming orders, backorders, and purchase orders
• Liaise with shipping/receiving to ensure receivables are properly checked in, quality-checked, inventoried, and routed
• Assist in the creation and updating of mood boards, design decks, client deliverables, floor plans, etc
• Liaise with production and fabrication teams (floral, décor, carpentry, furniture, and sub-vendor partners) to assist in the generation of  design concepts 

Skills

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills with intense attention to detail
• Strong  presentation skills
• Effective, reflective listening skills, with the capacity to receive and respond to feedback
• Ability to prioritize tasks (and to solicit guidance when needed) in order to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and to adjust / pivot when needed
• Ability to quickly and effectively learn new tasks, and to absorb new responsibilities
• Demonstrate excellent time management to satisfy the needs and deadlines within a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Behavioral Qualities

• Enthusiasm to gain further knowledge and expertise in event design
• Perceptiveness of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do
• Positive attitude
• Flexibility and willingness to pivot, adjust, and modify projects as needed
• Respectful to all co-workers, colleagues, clients, cohorts
• Reliable, responsible, and dependable

Qualifications

• Introductory knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites (in particular Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator), Sketchup, Vray, VectorWorks, Microsoft Office, and Google Docs Editors Suite
• 1 – 2 years’ experience in the event industry
• Experience working with florals, fabrication, construction, lighting, textiles, furnishings, décor, props is preferred
• Availability on nights / weekends / holidays
• Eligibility to work in the U.S
• Ability to travel
• Valid CADL + clean DMV record
• Must pass background / drug test