Interior Designer/Space Planner

Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health - Boston, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Boston, MA

About the position

The Department of Operations at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) is responsible for managing and planning facilities across approximately 800,000 square feet of office, classroom, and research space. This includes overseeing all aspects of real estate, facilities maintenance, space management, renovations, construction, security, food service, landscaping, custodial services, emergency planning, environmental health and safety, and strategic facilities planning. The Interior Designer/Space Planner will report to the Director of Construction and Engineering and will play a crucial role in managing design projects, programming, and conceptual layouts for various spaces on and off campus. The position requires proactive collaboration with departments to identify and anticipate space needs, ensuring that project requirements are met on time and within budget. The Interior Designer/Space Planner will manage the space planning and management system (Centerstone), overseeing contracts, user training, data reporting, and ensuring compliance with Harvard University’s space classification standards. This role also involves tracking and reporting space information, validating data quality, and integrating changes into the system for effective portfolio planning. In addition to managing space inventory and furniture requests, the Interior Designer/Space Planner will be responsible for selecting finishes and managing vendor relationships. The role demands high-quality research and analysis, with the ability to synthesize data into clear recommendations and reports. The Interior Designer/Space Planner must stay updated on relevant standards and ensure that all design and planning efforts align with institutional goals and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design projects, including programming and conceptual test-fit layouts.
• Assist with planning and design of office, laboratory, and classroom space on and off campus.
• Work proactively with departments to identify and anticipate space needs and solutions.
• Collaborate closely with campus partners, architects, consultants, and colleagues to ensure project requirements are met on time and within budget.
• Manage and update the space planning and management system (Centerstone).
• Oversee and implement space management policies, guidelines, and standards.
• Track and report space information and strategically assess space to recommend alternatives for space programming.
• Validate and ensure data quality, and integrate floor plans and changes into the system for portfolio planning.
• Provide regular progress reports on portfolio metrics and existing space conditions.
• Lead space inventory, furniture changes/requests, and campus wayfinding efforts.
• Select or manage the selection of all finishes and furniture.
• Manage furniture and finishes vendor relationships and coordinate scheduling and delivery of furniture.
• Support the planning and scheduling of all moves, renovations, or space changes.
• Provide high-quality research and analysis, interpret data, and produce strategic reports and presentations.
• Evaluate new technologies related to space management and make recommendations to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 5+ years of related experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field preferred.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating successful completion of workplace design projects.
• Experience with space management systems, particularly Centerstone, strongly preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam systems management.
• Intermediate/advanced MS Excel skills.
• In-depth knowledge of space information systems and space planning.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working at all levels of an organization.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in interior design with a focus on research laboratory projects.
• Awareness of and aptitude to understand cultural and identity-based differences.
• Knowledge of and commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Skills related to creating and supporting an inclusive environment.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess, 3 personal days, and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs.
• Child and elder/adult care resources including on-campus childcare centers and Employee Assistance Program.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation.
• Tuition Assistance Program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program providing 75% to 90% reimbursement for eligible courses.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and public transportation passes.