Senior Design Associate

We’re a national, ASX-listed fitout and construction services specialist with more than 600 people across our 10 branches. Over the 30-plus years we’ve been in business, we’ve delivered more than 7,000 projects (valued at more than $9bn) for our clients across the commercial, education, health, hospitality, government, defence, and retail sectors.

Whether it’s a small interior enhancement, large-scale high-end fitout, or multi-million-dollar new build project, it’s our people’s focus on relationships and commitment to safety and quality that drives our world-class 84+ Net Promotor Score. At SHAPE, we know that putting people above all else and creating a culture of diversity, career development and workplace safety and wellbeing is what ultimately supports our teams to deliver exceptional experiences and build inspiring spaces for our clients.

About the role
The Senior Associate Designer will collaborate closely with the Group Manager - Design and Build, cost planning team, and project team members to lead design initiatives, manage client relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the SHAPE Design team.

This role will use a combination of design expertise, client management skills, and leadership capabilities to deliver innovative and high-quality design solutions for our clients. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Lead design efforts on assigned projects, from initial briefing, concept development to project completion and post occupancy surveys, ensuring design excellence and adherence to client requirements.
• Own, undertake and oversee the production of developed design drawings, specifications, and documentation, schedule etc to support project implementation.
• Develop and implement strategies for mitigating risk in design and construction engagements through detailed and system documentation review and formulation of risk mitigation strategies
• Contribute to buildability, value management and monitor design risks
• Collaborate clients, and the SHAPE team to establish project goals, design budgets, scope, and timelines.
• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication, responsiveness, and exceptional service.
• Lead client design pitches, fee proposals, briefing sessions and workshops.
• Develop Industry leading design concepts, test fits, presentations, and proposals that effectively communicate design ideas to clients and project teams.

About you

• 7+ years of experience in commercial interior design as a Senior Designer with a focus on commercial workplace
• Proven track record of leading design projects from concept to completion, with a strong portfolio showcasing design expertise and creativity.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and other design software as required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong client focus.
• Detail-oriented with a keen eye for high end design, quality, and buildability.
• Value of Design and build projects undertaken from $500k to $20M.
• Professional accreditation or certification (e.g., NCIDQ, LEED, Green Star) is preferred.

Why we’re a great place to work
We’re proud to be recognised for the culture we’ve built by renowned culture and engagement organisations, including Human Synergistics, Australian Financial Review and Great Place To Work Institute. When we ask our people what makes us great, they always say ‘the people’. We work hard but we also support each other every step of the way. On top of this:

• You receive 5 ‘Life Leave’ days every year on top of your annual leave entitlements.
• We offer a tailored skills development roadmap to fast-track your career and support your leadership development.
• You have the potential to share in our business’ success and earn up to 15% of your remuneration through our profit-share scheme.
• You get access to novated car leasing (so you can get around more easily AND cut down on tax).
• We offer free health and well-being programs, including mental health support, fitness activities, annual flu vaccinations, and discounted health insurance.
• You get personalised parental leave benefits to suit your future family.
• Join great social events to build connections with your colleagues, subcontractors, and clients.
• We take inclusion seriously and back this up with our Diversity and Reconciliation Action Plans.

To find out more
Check out our website on www.shape.com.au/careers.
Note to agencies: we have preferred recruitment partners in place and therefore are unable to accept speculative enquiries.