Design + Signage Associate

COPT Defense Properties • Columbia, MD

10d • $75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

A highly proficient, self-motivated professional who consistently upholds high standards, the Design Associate + Signage independently supports all phases of commercial interior design and signage services. This role demonstrates proficient expertise in space planning, design development, and project administration while delivering creative and insightful solutions that meet or exceed project objectives. A successful candidate can efficiently organize and track project details, clearly communicate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with code and company standards. Responsible for the provision and support of interior design and signage services in the following areas: Enhance leasing efforts with tailored design solutions for prospective tenants Deliver innovative interior and signage strategies and maximize asset value and user experience Maintain accurate building plans and documentation to support company-wide accessibility Provide adaptive design expertise for corporate, development, and redevelopment initiatives as needed. The Design Associate + Signage actively partners with colleagues and industry experts to identify best practices and emerging trends, while independently resolving routine challenges and escalating complex issues as needed. Proficiency is further shown through effective prioritization, resource management, and the ability to adapt to evolving requirements, ensuring consistent quality and continuous improvement across all design and signage projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor/master’s degree in interior design or architecture from a CIDA or NAAB accredited program.
• 4-7 years post-graduate professional design related experience within the commercial office industry
• PC proficiency to include, but not limited to, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and web-enabled applications.
• Proficient working knowledge of Revit and AutoCAD required.
• Excellent customer service capability with both internal and external customers as well as various levels of professionals
• Ability to work independently, in a team environment and interact across an organization.
• Skilled in the visual and verbal communication of design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (i.e. adapting to communication styles of others and clearly communicating goals and objectives).
• Demonstrates a high degree of organization, planning, creativity, judgment & time management.
• Willingness and ability to travel to support assigned portfolio.

Nice To Haves

• Graphic design experience is a plus.
• Knowledge and or experience with Building Owners Management Association (BOMA) square foot standard application a plus.
• Proficient working knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop
• Experience with Kahua is a plus.
• Ability to easily adapt to new and changing technology platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manages and executes all phases of commercial interior design services including space planning, schematic design, design development, construction documentation review, and project administration while adhering to applicable life safety and building code requirements.
• Proactively seeks input at key milestones to ensure clarity and compliance and develops and documents innovative design solutions that consistently exceed project objectives, customer needs, and company standards for quality, schedule and budget.
• Independently organizes, tracks, and reports project information with minimal supervision, while providing regular status updates and critical milestones to internal stakeholders.
• Manages project workflows and resources autonomously, prioritizing tasks, allocating resources efficiently and resolving issues quickly and effectively.
• Collaborate with co-workers and industry experts to identify best practices for impactful workplace environments and emerging design trends which support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintains the integrity of square footage data and documentation by effectively applying BOMA standard of measurement, independently resolving typical issues and consulting with others for complex or unusual scenarios.
• Oversee all aspects of signage project management, including planning, procurement, and coordination of signage solutions such as wayfinding, tenant identification, regulatory, and branding signage.
• Ensure consistency and quality across the property portfolio by managing timelines, resources and stakeholder communications throughout each project phase.
• Ensures all signage design and installation methods comply with relevant codes, regulations and company standards while routinely consulting with internal and external teams for interpretation of complex or evolving requirements.
• Independently organizes, tracks, and reports project information with minimal supervision, while providing regular status updates and critical milestones to stakeholders.
• Maintains clear and timely communication with stakeholders, resolving most project issues independently and escalating critical information when broader organizational objectives or significant challenges are involved.
• Coordinates review and feedback process for signage deliverables, independently addressing routine comments and involving key internal and externals stakeholders for feedback that may impact project scope, budget or compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate as-existing building plans, ensuring all modifications and updates are properly documented and accessible.
• Support and enforce compliance with project standards and procedures for Kahua, BIM, and CAD platforms, ensuring all records meet organizational and industry requirements.
• Adhere to, and actively participate in, the development and continuous improvement of data and file management standards and guidelines related to design services.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of process improvement.
• Provide assistance to other departments with special projects as required.
• Represent company culture and promote the company to potential tenants at meetings and industry events.
• Participates in and supports design related professional organizations and community outreach events.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• CDP proudly offers to all employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week market-leading health benefits including medical, dental, vision and prescription, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees