Design Project Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Design Project Manager will support the Director of Project Design in the planning, coordination and execution of interior design projects across Kushner's portfolio of multifamily developments, including new construction, repositioning and renovation communities. This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day execution of the design process by coordinating external interior design firms, architects, consultants, vendors and contractors to ensure projects remain aligned with approved budgets, schedules and design standards.

This is a project management role rather than a design production role. While interior design concepts are developed by contracted design firms, the Design Project Manager is responsible for coordinating, tracking and facilitating the execution of those designs from initial programming through procurement, installation and project closeout.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. A background in interior design, architecture or hospitality is strongly preferred to effectively communicate with design consultants, evaluate design intent and understand construction documentation, FF&E and finish specifications.

This position supports the planning, development and execution of the design process from initial project programming through turnover to Operations. Responsibilities include space programming, floor plan and layout reviews, design coordination, finish and material selections, lighting, signage and wayfinding, FF&E procurement, budgeting, installation oversight and final project closeout to ensure each community is delivered in accordance with the approved design vision.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the Director of Project Design in managing multiple multifamily development and renovation projects through all phases of design, procurement, construction and installation.
• Coordinate the day-to-day activities of interior designers, architects, consultants, procurement partners, manufacturers and vendors to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings, programming sessions and design reviews while documenting decisions, tracking action items and coordinating follow-up with project teams.
• Review design presentations, finish palettes, material selections, furniture plans, specifications and renderings for consistency with approved design direction and project objectives.
• Prepare and maintain finish schedules, specification books, FF&E trackers, presentation materials and other project documentation for internal review and ownership approval.
• Coordinate communication between Development, Construction, Operations, Marketing and external design consultants to ensure approved design decisions are accurately implemented throughout the project.
• Track project schedules, design deliverables, procurement milestones and long-lead items while identifying potential schedule impacts and proactively communicating risks.
• Support value engineering initiatives by researching alternate products, finishes and materials that maintain design intent while achieving project budget goals.
• Prepare and maintain FF&E budgets, proposal comparisons, procurement logs, invoice reconciliations and cost trackers; monitor expenditures against approved budgets and identify variances.
• Coordinate FF&E procurement activities including purchase orders, production schedules, lead times, deliveries, warehousing, installation coordination, punch lists and warranty follow-up.
• Review shop drawings, finish samples, product submittals and mock-ups for compliance with approved design documents and project specifications.
• Assist with space planning reviews for amenity spaces, leasing offices, residential units and model apartments, including coordination of low-voltage, technology and audiovisual requirements.
• Coordinate artwork, signage, branding and wayfinding packages to ensure consistency with approved design standards.
• Maintain and continuously update finish libraries, material samples, brand standards and specification documentation across the portfolio.
• Research emerging design trends, products, manufacturers and vendors; prepare recommendations and product evaluations for consideration by the Director of Project Design.
• Conduct market research by touring competing multifamily communities, hotels and comparable developments to identify industry trends and best practices.
• Participate in framing walks, finish inspections, model unit reviews, installation oversight and punch walks to verify design quality and consistency with approved documents.
• Travel regularly to project sites to support installations, quality assurance reviews, project meetings and field coordination. Frequently tour multifamily competitors, hotels, model homes and keep informed on design trends.

PRE-REQUISITES:

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in design project management, interior design, architecture, hospitality or multifamily development.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple concurrent projects and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coordinate among internal teams, ownership, consultants, vendors and contractors.
• Working knowledge of interior construction, FF&E procurement, finish materials and construction documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, finish schedules, furniture plans, specifications and shop drawings.
• Strong analytical skills with experience managing budgets, tracking project costs and preparing proposal comparisons.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp or similar design software is preferred.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Self-motivated, proactive and detail-oriented with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.