Interior Designer

$85,236 - $110,803/Yr

United States Department of Veterans Affairs - New York, NY

Part-time - Mid Level

Onsite - New York, NY

Administration of Human Resource Programs

About the position

The Interior Designer is responsible for the planning, implementation, and operational management of a comprehensive Interior Design program for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) within the New York Harbor VA Healthcare System. This position requires a skilled professional who can provide complete interior design services from concept to installation, ensuring that all design elements meet the specific needs of the organization and its facilities. The Interior Designer will work closely with various stakeholders to influence the design of new construction and renovations, ensuring compliance with regulations and facility design criteria. In this role, the Interior Designer will develop and maintain a schedule of short- and long-range interior improvement projects, preparing budgets, floor plans, and finish schedules. They will also be responsible for ordering furnishings and other design-related items, effectively managing an annual interior design budget that may involve millions of dollars. The position requires a proactive approach to maintaining interior and exterior signage, as well as a resource library of catalogs for various design elements. The Interior Designer will serve as the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), ensuring contractor compliance with design specifications and regulations. They will conduct site visits during construction and prepare evaluations of the site pre- and post-occupancy. This position is not virtual, and candidates must be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and may require travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a comprehensive Interior Design Program for the organization.
• Provide complete interior design services from concept to installation for the organization and its satellite facilities.
• Act as a technical representative for design and finish specifications matters.
• Review Architect/Engineer submittals for compliance with regulations and facility design criteria.
• Influence the design of new construction from conception through activation based on use requirements and availability of furnishings.
• Ensure appropriately designed color schemes are formulated for all renovation and new construction projects.
• Prepare operating budgets, floor plans, space layouts, finish schedules, presentation boards, and accurate cost estimates.
• Develop and maintain a schedule of short- and long-range interior improvement projects through a 5-year interior design plan.
• Originate orders for furnishings, window treatments, paint cubicle curtains, wall coverings, floor coverings, wall art, lighting, ceiling treatments, casework, and other interior design-related items.
• Effectively utilize an annual interior design budget in recurring funds and budgeting projects that may involve millions of dollars in non-recurring funds.
• Prepare interior design budgetary requirements for major and minor construction projects for supplemental and future funding by Headquarters.
• Maintain interior/exterior signage and directional graphics.
• Represent the facility at various design-trade functions and maintain rapport with design-industry vendors and representatives.
• Maintain an interior design file system that includes drawings, specifications, budgets, project information, government contracts, and requests for interior design services.
• Maintain a resource library of catalogs for furniture, window treatments, case goods, wall coverings, paint-cubicle curtains, floor coverings, wall art, and other design-related items.
• Respond to requests and complaints related to interior design and moves.
• Serve as an active participant in all committees that significantly impact the Interior Design program.
• Advise the supervisor of suitable responses to deficiencies in design functions where applicable.
• Serve as the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and administer contracted projects to ensure contractor compliance with drawings, specifications, regulations, and policy.
• Conduct site visits during construction and prepare pre- and post-occupancy evaluations of the site.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the Federal service, including identifying, researching, and creatively solving problems related to interior environments.
• Experience in programming, design analysis, space planning, and aesthetics using knowledge of interior construction, building systems, and components.
• Ability to prepare drawings and documents related to the design of interior spaces to enhance public health, safety, and welfare.
• Experience coordinating and integrating mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering disciplines within the interior context.
• Project management experience, including developing cost estimates, evaluating bid proposals, and reviewing construction documents.

Nice-to-haves

• Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in interior design or related field.
• Passage of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination.

Benefits

• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.