Design Associate Jobs in Middletown, NY (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Senior Design Manager (SDM) is a key leadership role within the Branch Project Development (BPD) Design Team, responsible for overseeing interior planning, design development, client engagement, and coordination across all project phases. The SDM ensures that design solutions align with Raymond James standards, project objectives and client requirements while collaborating closely with Project Management and Workplace Strategy teams. Key Responsibilities Design Development & Technical Expertise Deliver comprehensive Design Development (DD) packages for each project, including approved space plans, equipment and furniture plans, power and data layouts, reflected ceiling plans, finish palettes, images and specifications, furniture details and selections, 3‐D model views, conceptual renderings and visualization materials. Stay informed on emerging AI‐enabled design, visualization, documentation and workflow tools relevant to workplace planning and interior design and evaluate appropriate AI technologies to improve design efficiency, visualization quality, coordination accuracy and client communication. Partner with leadership and cross‐functional teams on responsible adoption of AI tools, supporting continuous improvement of design processes and deliverables. Maintain required software proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit (or SketchUp), Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office. Project Design Leadership Use workplace strategy guidelines and approved programs to develop space plans and layouts that align with Raymond James design standards. Apply new design standards, guidelines and processes consistently across all test fits and design deliverables. Translate client standards into functional design solutions through iterative test fits and provide design direction and recommendations addressing client business needs and space optimization goals. Verify that all preliminary and final design concepts are safe, functional, code‐compliant and aesthetically appropriate. Lead development of finish selections and FF&E standards across multiple project types and create and maintain Revit templates based on approved design standards. Produce conceptual‐level Enscape renderings to support client understanding of proposed designs. Client Management & Stakeholder Coordination Serve as primary design point‐of‐contact for internal and external clients, managing client expectations throughout all phases, facilitating reviews, gathering feedback and obtaining required approvals. Present design concepts and updates in formats that support strategic decision‐making and guide clients in interpreting and applying design standards, branding elements and workplace requirements. Participate in development of client‐specific design standards and branding materials. Cross‐Functional Collaboration & Project Integration Coordinate closely with Project Management to align design milestones with overall project schedules, budgets and deliverable timelines. Participate in project kickoff meetings, site assessments, milestone reviews and construction coordination sessions. Provide timely design documentation to support permitting, vendor coordination and construction activities. Maintain partnership with Workplace Strategy and Design Teams to ensure design consistency across the portfolio. Lead furniture coordination efforts, collaborating with the furniture dealer, architect, contractor and internal teams to ensure accurate layouts, specifications, lead times and installation planning. Oversee art package coordination, curating, reviewing and approving artwork selections that are consistent with branding and design intent. Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement Review and refine test fits, drawings and design deliverables to ensure accuracy and alignment with project goals. Ensure consistent quality across all project types, from minor renovations to full‐scale buildouts. Support standardization of design tools, templates, processes and visual communication standards. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Project Management or related field. 3‐5 years of direct experience in workplace, commercial interior or architectural projects, with demonstrated success managing multiple projects simultaneously. Highly self‐motivated and independent with a proactive approach to driving projects forward, making informed decisions and managing priorities with limited oversight. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders, external consultants, vendors, contractors and branch clients. Strong team coordination and collaboration skills supporting Design Managers, Project Managers and cross‐functional team members to ensure project goals, schedules and deliverables are achieved. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‐paced environment while maintaining accuracy, quality and attention to detail. Strong organizational and problem‐solving skills, with early identification of project challenges and effective solution implementation. Client‐focused mindset with a commitment to delivering a positive experience while balancing business, budget and design objectives. Proficiency in coordinating project documentation, design reviews, vendor communication and project execution from concept through completion. Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners. Hands‐on, execution‐focused position requiring active day‐to‐day project coordination and delivery rather than strategic leadership of a large team. Previous experience working in a financial services firm or other corporate environment is strongly preferred. Licenses & Certifications Architectural license or Interior Design license. LED certification is a plus. Work Requirements Travel: Less than 25% of the time. Workstyle: Remote. Compensation & Benefits Base salary or wages, with potential components such as bonus, equity, and commissions. Eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness, accident insurance, disability benefits, retirement savings, paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave) and parental leave. Specific offerings may vary by position and employment status. Equal Opportunity Statement The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr