Interior Designer/Space Planner

Harvard University - Boston, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Boston, MA

Educational Services

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 directly 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. In this position, the Interior Designer/Space Planner will lead and manage design projects, working proactively with departments to identify and anticipate space needs and solutions. Collaboration with campus partners, architects, consultants, and colleagues is essential to ensure that project requirements are met on time and within budget. The role also involves managing the space planning and management system (Centerstone), overseeing contracts, user training, and data reporting to support sponsored research and campus space planning. The Interior Designer/Space Planner will be responsible for implementing space management policies and guidelines, tracking and reporting space information, and providing regular progress reports on portfolio metrics. This position requires a strong understanding of space information systems and the ability to evaluate new technologies related to space management processes. The successful candidate will also be expected to produce clear and concise reports and presentations, manage vendor relationships, and support the planning and scheduling of moves, renovations, or space changes. Additionally, the Interior Designer/Space Planner must ensure compliance with Harvard University's space classification standards and remain knowledgeable about relevant regulations. This role is vital in supporting the mission of health research and education at Harvard University, contributing to the effective use of space in alignment with academic programming and research activities.

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 synthesize conclusions into recommendations.
• Evaluate new technologies and applications related to space management process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 5+ years of related experience required.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating successful completion of workplace design projects.
• Experience with space management systems (particularly Centerstone or closely related) strongly preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam systems management.
• Intermediate/advanced MS Excel skills.
• In-depth knowledge of and experience in space information systems and space planning.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working at all levels of an organization, as well as with teams and individually.
• Experience in interior design with a focus on research laboratory projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Awareness of and aptitude to understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based differences.
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 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, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program providing 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and half-priced public transportation passes.