Kairos Investment Management Company is a minority-owned real estate private equity firm founded in 2005 to focus on value-based real estate investments in the lower middle market, often with a long-term investment horizon and contrarian approach. As of March 31, 2024, the Kairos team has transacted on $4.2 billion of real estate, including over 25,000 multifamily units and 23 million square feet of commercial property nationwide, and has $2.4 billion of gross assets under management as of June 30, 2024. Kairos is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Design/Project Manager, the Design Manager will be responsible for tasks such as space planning, interior design, color, finish, and material specifications, as well as project administration and coordination. The preferred candidate is considerate, passionate, and dedicated, aiming to enhance the performance of company assets through well-conceived and executed designs, coupled with problem-solving and creative thinking. The role requires strong multitasking abilities, provocative initiative, reliability, adeptness under pressure, sound judgement, and a consistently professional and supportive demeanor.

The Design Manager will collaborate with various project teams, including investment managers, architects, designers, consulting engineers, contractors, and property management teams. Upholding the highest standards of design principles, ethics, and execution on all projects. The individual will prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of the users.

Job Responsibilities:

Space Planning & Design

Participate in design discussions, collaborate effectively in meetings, present design concepts, and contribute to the development of project scope at various stages of design.
Engage in test-fit and feasibility studies.
Develop full scale designs and produce AutoCAD drawings of floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevation & section drawings, design details, and material/finish specifications.
Produce Photoshop composite of proposed design and presentation images.
Produce 3D SketchUp / Revit models of project spaces and/or architecture with materials, finishes, texture and lighting for project presentations and reviews.
Research and select colors, finishes, materials, fixtures, furniture, and equipment for projects.
Build material/finish presentation boards for projects.
Stay current on the latest design trends and best practices.

Budgeting and Cost Estimates

Understand project scopes, budgets, and cost estimates.
Prepare request for proposal packages to contractors, obtain bids and produce cost estimates.
Collaborate with Sr. Design/Project Manager to review bid proposals, provide bid comparison analysis, and to resolve potential variances to budgets.
Manage vendor invoices for processing payment application.

Coordination & Supervision of Project Construction

Aid in coordination and design review with architectural and engineering consultants throughout various design phases until project completion.
Review and redline architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings for proper design coordination and design intent.
Work with design, construction, and project management teams to value engineer/reselect products and materials as needed, while maintaining design integrity.
Attend construction site meetings and provide notes and follow-up check lists.

Qualifications & Competencies:

Bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or related fields.
5-7 years of practical experience in interior design/architecture.
Multi-family and hospitality project experiences highly preferred.
Retail and office commercial project experience a plus.
Comprehensive knowledge of design principles, aesthetics, and space planning and furniture layout
Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and Microsoft Project.
Strong knowledge of materials, furnishings, and finishes.
Sketching skills a plus.
Familiarity of contract documents and procedures, building code, ADA requirements, occupancy, life and safety requirements.
Well-organized and detailed oriented individual with the highest degree of integrity, motivation and intellectual curiosity.
Skilled in working across heavily matrixed organizations which requires significant influencing and collaboration skills.
Ability to work in Irvine, CA office 5 days a week.
Occasional travel may be required.

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage
Holiday pay (currently observe 11 holidays per year)
16 days per year of paid time off (vacation and sick time)
401k access with company contribution matching

Compensation:

The annual U.S. based wage range for this full-time position is $75,000 - $85,000. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience and will take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of health & wellness benefits. For more information regarding Kairos Investment Management Company benefits, please visit https://kimc.com/careers/

Kairos Investment Management Company jobs

Design Manager