Job Description

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Department Summary

Student Life Capital Projects (SLCP) manages capital projects for University Housing, University Unions, Recreational Sports and Michigan Dining, and includes all aspects of the development and implementation of the full range of design and construction projects ($50,000 - $200,000,000) as well as coordinating with campus constituents throughout all phases of large capital projects.

The SLCP team of 11 professional staff made up of architects, engineers, interior designers, project/program managers, and 3 technical student interns is charged with creating vibrant and engaging student life spaces that improve and enhance the daily living and learning experiences of University of Michigan students.  

Job Summary

Interior Designer - Senior will report directly to the Director of Student Life Capital Projects.  This person will be responsible for performing interior design for Student Life units, including University Housing, University Unions, Recreational Sports and Michigan Dining, on large projects and building complexes ranging from $10,000 - $5,000,000.  Plans, designs and furnishes interiors of residence halls, student unions and recreational facilities.  Formulates designs, which are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to improving the quality of life and learning environment of students.  Confers with client to determine purpose and function of the environment, equipment to be installed and other factors which affect planning interior environments.  Contracts fabrication and installation of finish materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, accessories, window coverings and related items.  Manages moving of staff.   Analyze, compare and evaluate various courses of action with authority to make independent decisions on matters pertaining to the particular projects they are assigned within the scope of their responsibilities free from immediate supervision.   

Interior Design - 40%

• Plan, coordinate and carry out comprehensive and long-range programs for improvement of the interior environment of major areas, including responsibility for new construction and renovation activities of large building complexes, to include multi-year and/or multi-building programs
• Establishes standards for building complexes which include furniture, graphics, signing, flooring and paints
• Recommends priorities to various building project directors and committees regarding facilities, appearance and design
• Interview clients to determine interior design preferences, needs and budget guidelines
• Prepare furniture plans, floor plans and design drawings for architect and Facility Planning Committee approval
• Prepare design specifications, CAD drawings and budget
• Prepares building color schedules, final furnishing layouts, materials presentation, models, working drawings, and renderings as necessary
• Prepare visual presentations to demonstrate ideas and alternatives to clients and present to Department and Divisional Leadership
• Responsible for specification of items which meet fire, health and ADA codes

Cost Estimating and Procurement - 30%

• Prepare complex cost estimates for furnishing, materials and labor and provide value engineering alternatives
• Prepare requisitions, work orders and bid documentation
• Confer with outside vendors regarding furnishings, fixtures and materials
• Approve payments to contractors and vendors

Project Management, Construction Coordination and Move Management - 30%  

• Coordinate interior finishes and fixed equipment with the construction contractor, retained architect, and/or University project director.
• Coordinate deliveries and installation of interior design furnishings, fixtures and equipment
• Coordinate with contractors on installation schedules
• Coordinate with building occupants on space relocations
• Communicates and reports project status to Department Leadership on a regular basis

• Bachelor's degree from a CIDA accredited in interior design program
• 3-5 years professional design experience, preferably in an educational/institutional setting
• Proficient in AutoCAD and CAP and/or CET Software, Adobe Photoshop, Google Sketch Up and Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of the methods and materials in institutional interior design is necessary, including furniture procurement and project management
• Knowledge of commercial building codes and ADA requirements
• Ability to read, write, interpret instructions and speak English
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills; strong presentation and public-speaking skills
• Strong organizational and logistical skills coupled with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse team
• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship
  

• Familiarity with Microsoft Project or other project management scheduling software
• Familiarity with University of Michigan design standards
• Familiarity with  University of Michigan purchasing policies and procedures
  

Underfill Notice: This position will be filled at the Interior Designer Senior salary range of $60,850 - $73,050 as the primary goal.  The requirements listed reflect the Senior level expectation. However, those with lesser experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered if the primary goal is not met.  Lesser experienced candidates will be reviewed at an Interior Designer Intermediate salary range of $48,200 - $57,800.

Position Criteria:

• Excellent communication skills - oral and written. This includes the ability to build and maintain effective communications with campus clients
• Solid interpersonal and team building skills
• Strong creative problem-solving, organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to plan and manage in a highly decentralized, complex matrix organizational environment
• Knowledge of management and organizational development principles and practices
• Ability to synthesize and summarize information, prepare reports and documentation
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organizational environment
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong group facilitation skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and community-building

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility

Incumbent will be responsible for directing capital projects for Student Life units, University Housing, University Unions, Recreational Sports and Michigan Dining.  This includes all aspects of the development and implementation of the full range of capital design and construction projects ($10,000 - $5,000,000) and administering all financial aspects related to the projects.  The person in this role will be responsible for project tracking and analysis, managing the project design and construction process, assuring completion within established schedule and budgetary limits and in accordance with design specifications and regulatory codes. This includes preparing estimates, establishing budgets, preparing and issuing bid packages, evaluating bids and issuing purchase orders, monitoring project costs against budgets, and authorizing contractor/vendor payments.  

Working conditions

40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, flexible schedule between 7:00 AM - 5 PM, in an office setting.  Position will make presentations to Unit Directors and Divisional Leadership.  Position will interact with students in small to large groups meeting after hours (including evenings and/or weekends) on an infrequent basis.  

Physical requirements

May be required to remain stationary for long periods of time.  Ability to visit construction sites wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), move on uneven surfaces, ascend and descend stairs, in cold, hot and possibly inclement weather.  Ability to move and transport up to 25 pounds.   Ability to drive and navigate campus to make site visits to various campus buildings.  

Selected candidates whose start date is after 4/1/2024 or before 8/31/2024 will not be eligible for the university FY 24-25 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.  

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Relocation will not be offered for this position.

#studentlife

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

Connections working at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Job Tags

For contractors, Immediate start, Relocation, Work visa, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift, Monday to Friday,

Similar Jobs