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Position Summary

The Space Planning and Interior Design Manager is responsible for performing a wide range of administrative and professional duties in connection with the design and selection of formal and informal furnishings, finishes and equipment, and the development of space programs and conceptual space plans, to support capital project plan design and construction, and related operational activities for the division of Operations & Facilities. Duties require a high level of expertise in space planning, commercial interior design and through knowledge of finishes and furnishings utilized in higher education settings.

The Space Planning & Interior Design Manager performs a variety of campus interface and technical assignments to aid in the capital improvements daily operations related to space planning, design research and coordination, procurement, installation reviews, and implementing of design standards supporting formal and informal higher education environments. Duties will focus on layouts, finish selections, equipment and furnishings selections for offices, residence hall areas, classrooms and commons areas within our multi-campus facilities. The position will also coordinate interior and exterior signage and wayfinding components, environmental graphics, and operational accessories. Researching, benchmarking, documenting and implementing space standards to aid in space assignment and utilization analysis will also be part of the position responsibilities.

This position is funded by Mercy College’s capital plan, and contingent with on-going capital project plan which is commencing a new multi-year capital plan to support strategic plan initiatives.


Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Aid in the development of specifications and standards for interior finishes, furnishings and equipment to be utilized for campus capital projects and operational activities
• Meet and interface with campus community and project end users to understand design parameters and desired function of areas
• Develop space planning relationship diagrams, standards and concept level design layouts
• Ability to develop furnishings specifications and drawings in a biddable format as per industry standards
• Ability to develop interior finishes specifications and drawings for carpet and flooring systems, wall finish treatments, ceiling finish treatments, window treatments and interior accessories
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of various styles of furniture systems, manufacturers and finishes, and a working knowledge of various interior finish treatments and systems for floors, walls, ceilings and windows
• Produce manual sketches, renderings and layouts; as well as utilizing computer tools and CADD drawing systems
• Coordinate scopes of work, and develop design drawings and budgetary estimates for Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment (FFE) activities ensuring cost and schedule control
• Explores options and makes recommendations for FFE delivery methods, installations and operational training
• Coordinate interior and exterior signage and wayfinding components, and environmental graphics elements
• Establish a close working team relationship with campus departments such as Facilities Services, Purchasing, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs, as well as external agencies and consultants
• Review the work of design consultants and can read and understand construction drawings and specifications
• Review available furnishings, finishes and equipment for aesthetic appeal, durability, maintainability and flexibility. Research industry options available for commercial components/systems and make recommendations
• Review and approve shop drawings and submittals
• Determines code compliance of interior treatments & furnishings and consults with code enforcement agencies regarding interpretation and application. Prepares contract documentation and ensures compliance with applicable regulations
• Monitors FFE installations and performance; may attend project meetings and prepare reports
• Assists in the administrative and project management duties relative to the capital improvement daily operations of the division of Operations and Facilities
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative relationships with all levels of the College community, communicate effectively, and demonstrate flexibility and creativity in accomplishing work and resolving issues
• Experience in preparing and managing project FFE budgets, and the ability to plan, manage, and prioritize projects milestones and other related activities
• Ability to motivate and facilitate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects

Education Qualifications Required

• A bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture or a closely related field, and three years full-time work and/or internship experience relating to interior design and FFE selection of educational, and commercial facilities
• Must possess strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Working knowledge of building and fire codes preferred. CADD and computer design skills, as well as NYS Interior Design license or NCIDC certification a plus