Senior FF&E Designer / Art Consultant in Watford

Full-time 5 days/ 37.5 hours per week / £40,000 - £55,000 GBP or €40,000 - €55,000 EUR, depending on experience plus performance bonus scheme. The role can be remote, or office based is preferred if the candidate is in Bristol, UK or Málaga, Spain.

Introduction

Artelier is a leading international Art Consultancy based in the UK and Spain. Working on the most iconic projects internationally, the company’s portfolio of projects includes public art/exhibitions, private residential, yachts/aviation, corporate and hotels. We are a small team of passionate and dedicated individuals.

We are looking for an exceptionally talented, organised and worldly Senior FF&E Designer / Art Consultant with at least 10 years’ experience of art consultancy / design work, as well as project management delivery for major international projects that are relevant to our sectors. The candidate will take ownership of their projects from concept through to delivery, as well as provide specific art consultancy / design or PM support to wider projects in the company.

Education and experience

• At least 10 years’ professional experience researching, curating, designing, and managing FF&E and Art for international commercial, hospitality, and private projects - not galleries and museums or similar.
• Educated to a minimum of a university degree level in project management and/or an architecture, interiors/design, or an art related subject.

Please note, applicants who do not meet the above essential criteria will not be considered.

Highly desirable criteria

• Track record of delivering large scale and complex international design projects and programmes.
• Experience and evidence of successfully managing budgets over £1m.
• Knowledge of international shipping, imports/exports, and overseas logistics solutions.
• Team leadership and ability to inspire and manage a team of 5 or more.
• Experience of working closely with client team and managing project relations.
• Experience of managing suppliers – preferably with experience of working with artists and galleries.
• Proven technical skills and proficiency with project management software, as well as Adobe Creative suite (Photoshop, InDesign), and AutoCAD.
• Preferably a portfolio of design work and curation for projects – concept presentations through to detailed design, specification and documentation – preferably with art elements.
• Passion for modern and contemporary art, with a genuine desire to expand knowledge in this field.

Key Responsibilities:

Art Research & Curation

• Research artists and uphold an extensive knowledge of contemporary art, craft and design – inclusive of the detailed making processes and materiality.
• Lead a cutting-edge approach to art curation and be ahead of the curve with latest art world and design developments relevant to our industries.
• Responsible for developing sophisticated, well-researched and contextually relevant art concept presentations.
• Refine and evolve the concept presentations through to schematic design mark-ups on floor plans, elevations and renders.
• Prepare detailed design documents and schedules with item specification, procurement details and supplier information.
• Liaise with suppliers to establish stock levels, commissioning details and arrange sampling.
• Attend project sites to curate pieces and sign off final presentation.

Art Commissioning

• Maintain a strong understanding of artistic processes, materials, and production methods to support decision making and quality control.
• Conduct research into artists, materials and techniques, to source the most suitable suppliers for artwork production, framing, and installation.
• Review DD documents and verify artwork specifications in the lead up to supply.
• Manage orders and contracts with artists, and oversee the commissioning process.
• Proactively identify and address potential challenges with specific artworks.
• Troubleshoot solutions to technical or aesthetic issues with artworks, as they occur.
• Collaborate with the artist, to find the best solution.
• Oversee artwork inspections at the studio and storage facility, ensuring quality standards are met; escalate issues to the Director when necessary.

Project Management & Delivery

• Manage project timelines, track progress of artwork orders, and provide regular reports to the Director.
• Liaise with clients to provide regular updates, including schedules, sampling, artwork progress and completion.
• Supervise and support the project assistants and art technicians, to ensure project goals are achieved.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, ensuring projects are delivered within budget.
• This will include obtaining quotes from artists and suppliers, placing orders, and tracking payments.
• Present a financial summary report to the Director upon completion of the project.
• Track client payments, and liaise with the Director, to ensure cash flow.
• Liaise and manage our shipping partners to arrange large complex international shipments.
• This includes obtaining quotes, collating invoices for payment, and preparing all required export documentation.
• Liaise with clients at the delivery stage, to ensure smooth running of the logistics side of projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with trusted logistics and shipping partners.
• Go to site to oversee the installation of international projects, and coordinate the installation teams, to ensure a smooth on-site delivery.

General

• As a small company you will also likely be involved in other more day-to-day and administrative tasks.
• You will be conscientious, highly professional, and confident being in a client facing role.
• Work well in a team and be a personable new addition to our friendly team.
• The role will likely involve travel to key suppliers, as well as to clients and project locations.

How to Apply

The role is for immediate start and we will review applications upon receipt. To apply please email: Cover Letter (1 page – including salary expectation) CV Portfolio. All applications must be emailed directly to Talia with David in CC. Applications uploaded to third party websites, such as Dezeen, and LinkedIn will not be considered.