FF&E Lead

In a collaborative effort with Studio Design Leaders, Design Leads and Project Orchestrators, the FF&E Lead at Curioso provides dynamic leadership for establishing the strategy and technical delivery of FF&E selections and specifications across all of our projects. As a pivotal client-facing role, it significantly contributes to project organization and workflow efficiency while making sure our FF&E approach is aligned with our client's objectives.

The position ensures the streamlined documentation of FF&E design and the unwavering preservation of the design intent. This position encompasses strategic considerations such as staffing, attention to deadlines, budgeting, addressing client expectations, and nurturing relations with our vendor community, clients, and procurement agents with the ultimate aim of successful implementation.

TO APPLY: Submit your resume and cover letter to joinus@curioso.us with the subject line JOB APPLICATION - FF&E LEAD.

Responsibilities Include:

Creative

  • Lead the FF&E team, inspiring new ideas, helping to source new furniture, antiques and art, and bringing original and fresh ideas to the studio

  • Develop bespoke furniture, including custom casegoods, upholstery, and lighting

  • Ability to deliver a strong pitch or presentation with confidence in public speaking

Management

  • Manage FF&E procurement, orders, and logistics for projects – including PO’s, PO tracking, installation schedules with internal partners, project teams, and vendors – to meet project timelines and “grand opening” schedules

  • Lead project teams to ensure timely and clear communications of FF&E technical requirements to vendors, manufacturers, and fabrication partners.

  • Coordinate between ownership, procurement, and the studio regarding any FF&E-related topics

  • Delegate FF&E-related tasks to designers and provide mentorship throughout the process

  • Ensure FF&E Specifications are maintained with up-to-date information, pricing, vendor contact information, and lead times

  • Document meeting notes/minutes on all FF&E project-related meetings, including client, internal, and consultant meetings

  • Ensure the orderly and complete preparation and distribution of all FF&E project records and materiality

  • Ensure Project Teams are updated on any changes to FF&E specifications such as price increases, discontinued products etc.

  • Oversee the orderly close-out of projects

  • Familiarity with Procurement and Supply-Chain Management (SCM)

  • Create and manage FF&E budgets

Senior Management Support

  • Strategize ongoing process improvements for all FF&E efforts in the studio

  • Identify and define FF&E needs with internal stakeholders for projects as assigned

  • Coordinate FF&E staffing with Studio Orchestrator

  • Oversee the continued enhancement and maintenance of in-house specification-writing software and standards

  • Foster a positive work environment and actively support the professional development of FF&E team members through comprehensive training, development, and mentoring programs

  • Monitor the performance of the project team to ensure adherence to studio standards and quality of design goals

Qualifications

  • Strong knowledge of Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Furniture Design, and FF&E, with the technical understanding to support working across both sides of the business.

  • Strong Project Management, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills

  • Written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships with external partners.

  • Fundamental understanding of design programming, planning principles, materials, and furnishings

  • Highly knowledgeable in furniture manufacturing techniques and methods

  • Ability to take initiative and make well-informed decisions based on experience, standards, and contextual needs

  • Ability to work with multiple project workstreams and within a team environment.

  • Ability to travel to projects and represent Curioso at industry events as necessary

  • Industrial Design experience is advantageous but not mandatory

Experience

  • Accumulated 10+ years of hospitality design experience, including FF&E installation, project management, final review of prototype rooms with ownership/client/stakeholders; full installation of hotel projects before turnover to hotel operator

  • Demonstrated advanced knowledge of the project design process, construction documentation, programming, space planning, furniture specifications, and materials and finishes

  • Proven strength in project budgeting and contract management

  • Established working relationships with clients, purchasing firms, and manufacturer/vendor community

  • Preferred proficiency in CAD, Revit, and Sketchup 

  • Proficient in Bluebeam

  • Proficient in project management methodologies

  • Substantial experience in directing, mentoring, and coordinating project teams

  • Cultivation of a collaborative and professional work ethic

  • NCIDQ, LEED AP, or other relevant affiliations are advantageous but not mandatory

Education

  • Possession of a Professional Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related discipline

Location

  • Chicago, IL, or willing to relocate

TO APPLY: Submit your resume and cover letter to joinus@curioso.us with the subject line JOB APPLICATION - FF&E LEAD