Design Associate

Destination Concepts Inc•San Diego, CA

10d

About The Position

DCi is seeking a Design Associate to help us create unforgettable, brand-driven experiences. From local to global, personal to public, trendy to timeless; we design events that deliver impact and elevate brands. As part of our team, you’ll turn ideas into dynamic experiences through creativity and collaboration. At DCi, you’ll find a supportive, team-oriented environment with approachable leadership and a culture that values innovation plus a dog-friendly office that makes work a little more fun! The Design Associate's focus is to keep DCI on the cutting edge of design making DCI the most creative DMC and building upon its industry reputation for outstanding design, far beyond any competitors. The position supports the Designers with creating and producing event design for the company.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience, in related field such as the DMC or event planning industries
2+ years related experience in DMC, hotels, event planning or within related creative industry
Creative thinker, with an innate creative thought process
Strong communication, presentation and customer service skills
Effective time management
Works well under pressure and meets all deadlines
Must be able to effectively multitask, have very strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and possess a professional appearance and demeanor.
Ability to interface effectively with personnel critical to ensure the efficient development of a proposal, which meets the clients' specifications
Ability to prioritize workload
Flexibility and Teamwork a must
Motivated and forward thinking
Ability to cultivate relationships with various levels of employees, vendors and clients

Responsibilities

Supports the design process for creative projects, often working under the guidance of Senior designers, by assisting with creative design, pricing and creating decor-related proposals
Continuously be on the cutting edge of design always incorporating fresh and new ideas into proposals, simultaneously sharing with other company team members
Responsible for the creation of, redesign, revisions or additions of events/proposals taking into account all design aspects as well as big picture
Key elements of Design Associate understanding and knowledge: Decor including but not limited to: Linens, florals, chairs, lounge furniture, etc Lighting Big picture: ensuring the event is cohesive as it relates to the overall program & budget. Production elements, entertainment, staging, etc
Collaborate on creative solutions for lower cost alternatives when necessary to achieve the proposed look or provide new look altogether, meeting the client's budget by utilizing dollars in an impactful way
Complete working knowledge of strategic design partner inventory items, working with Studio & Inventory partner as needed
Profitability: must understand and manage profitability of the decor aspect of the program & how it relates to the full event during proposal stage of program
Assist with decor site setups as needed/requested by Designers
Vendor Partnerships: Establish new and maintain great partnership/relationships with all vendors. Actively seek out new vendors and discuss with current partners, new, creative, cutting-edge products, including, but not limited to, linens, rentals, floral, staging, lighting, props, etc Obtain decor vendor pricing for all destinations as needed Negotiating best prices/inclusions to keep offerings fresh and different from competitors Maintain and currently update costing for decor-related vendors in all cities we service Obtain, when possible, volume discounts with decor-related vendors