Design Manager

Company:

OKO Group is an international real estate development firm established by Chairman and CEO, Vlad Doronin. OKO Group builds on the formidable expertise of Mr. Doronin- a successful and respected international developer, with a track record of more than 75 million square feet of world- class commercial real estate and luxury residential space over a total of 71 buildings.

OKO Group is currently developing several projects in Miami (Missoni Baia, Una, 830 Brickell, Aman Miami Beach) as well as Aman New York City. OKO Group looks to invest in Tier 1 markets within the United States as well as abroad.

Summary:

The Design Manager will play a key role in bringing our visionary projects to life. You will oversee the design process from conception to completion, ensuring that our developments embody the epitome of luxury, innovation, and sophistication. Collaborating with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other stakeholders, you will lead the creation of world-class spaces that exceed the expectations of our discerning clientele. Design Managers are responsible for the design process to insure that projects are designed to GGP standards and are completed within required schedules and budgets. They also assist in conceptual design, due diligence, feasibility and marketing of development projects. Internal coordination with Development, Leasing, National Ops, Asset Management, Mall Management, Tenant Coordination, Business Development, Legal, Global Risk and Development Accounting are required to fulfill these duties.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities:

1.Project Management:

• Lead the design process for residential and commercial real estate developments, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate with architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and consultants to develop comprehensive design concepts that align with the company's vision and brand identity.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and presentations.
• Oversee the management of all design consultants engaged in assigned development projects.
• Handle selection, bidding, and procurement of external design consultants.
• Prepare, submit, and approve Contract and Change Order (CCO) requests.
• Review and approve design consultant’s Application for Payment (AFP).
• Collaborate with Development Accounting to ensure timely and accurate payment to consultants.
• Maintain project schedule through daily communication and regular design coordination meetings.
• Ensure consultant compliance with contractual obligations, GGP policies, procedures, and design guidelines.
• Provide necessary due diligence materials, property information, legal information, and as-builts to consultants as per contract requirements.

2. Design Development:

• Provide creative direction and guidance to design teams, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.
• Collaborate closely with the Development and Construction teams to integrate design solutions that meet functional requirements and regulatory standards while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, identify challenges, and implement solutions to ensure design intent is realized during construction.
• Define project scope and manage consultant teams to achieve objectives.
• Ensure implementation of design intent during construction.
• Aid the Construction Manager in reviewing contractor bids for alignment with design objectives.
• Support the Construction Manager in understanding and executing design intent (CD’s).
• Attend OAC meetings and assist consultants in the RFI process.
• Participate in value engineering of project scope as needed.
• Assist in project closeout, including punch list review and coordination of closeout documents.
• Verify that as-built documents, training manuals, and product information are filed internally
• Evaluate and provide input on tenant letter-of-intent and work letters to ensure terms align with GGP's interests and meet requirements.
• Conduct Due Diligence on existing building conditions to assess the viability and feasibility of proposed concepts, including initial interpretations of codes, regulations, and standards.
• Work with the Planning Department to develop concepts and/or conceptual LOD’s (Level of Development).
• Create conceptual drawings and graphics for effective communication with development and leasing teams.
• Develop conceptual scope of work for Estimating to determine concept hard costs.
• Deliver marketing materials to leasing as requested. Collaborate with internal staff or consultants to produce LOD’s, graphics, or renderings as necessary for leasing purposes.

3. Quality Assurance:

• Establish and maintain quality standards for design deliverables, ensuring that all aspects of the project meet or exceed industry benchmarks and client expectations.
• Conduct thorough reviews of design documentation and participate in design review meetings to provide feedback and resolve issues as they arise.

4. Vendor and Contractor Management:

• Source and evaluate external design consultants, contractors, and vendors, negotiating contracts and agreements to ensure optimal project outcomes.
• Manage relationships with external partners, providing clear direction and support to ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.

5. Client Interaction:

• Act as a primary point of contact for clients regarding design-related matters, presenting design proposals, addressing feedback, and managing expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Cultivate strong client relationships, demonstrating a deep understanding of their preferences and aspirations to deliver personalized design solutions that exceed their expectations.
• Coordinate all project team members, including consultants, contractors, tenant representatives, and inter-departmental staff.
• Facilitate day-to-day communications with the development team to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Manage Soft Cost budget established at project outset.
• Oversee the design process to ensure timely project completion.
• Coordinate entitlement and permitting processes with development, construction, and consultants.
• Generate accurate and timely project status reports and soft cost forecasts.

6. Inter-Departmental Collaboration:

• Collaborate with National Ops to align with overall company goals and objectives.
• Work with National Ops to implement National Purchasing Agreements for vertical circulation, HVAC equipment, roofing, and tile.
• Coordinate with National Ops on selecting and purchasing furniture and amenities.
• Liaise with Mall Management teams to ensure project development and designs align with the property's best interests and overall company objectives.
• Coordinate design intent and construction drawings with GGP Global Risk Review and address insurer’s comments.
• Collaborate with Tenant Coordination to ensure the fulfillment of lease obligations and assist in tenant communications.
• Coordinate with Plans Online to ensure project documents are managed efficiently.
• Align design efforts with Business Development to ensure project objectives meet long-term BD and company goals.
• Work with Leasing to provide graphics and renderings to support marketing efforts, including generating ICSC materials.
• Aid the Legal department in addressing questions and providing necessary information during contract negotiation.
• Assist the Legal department in verifying and fulfilling documentation requests.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities (KSA’s):

• Analytical--Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.

• Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal Skills--Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication--Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication--Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork--Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Quality Management--Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Cost Consciousness--Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity--Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics--Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Professionalism--Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality--Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity--Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Adaptability--Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality--Is consistently at work/worsite and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability--Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience (10years) in luxury real estate development, with a focus on high-end residential and commercial projects.
• Demonstrated proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for design excellence, with a track record of delivering exceptional results that elevate the standard of luxury living and working environments.
• Knowledge of local building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting processes.
• Flexibility to travel as required for site visits and client meetings.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Continually required to sit for extended periods
• The noise level is moderate to high.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Onsite in office experience in Miami, FL 33137: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Acknowledgement:

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an incumbent in this position may be asked to perform. All Employees are required to perform the essential functions, physical demands and intended purpose of their role in a satisfactory manner. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions & physical demands of this role. OKO GROUP LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. OKO GROUP LLC does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws. OKO GROUP LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.