Senior Wayfinding Technical Lead

Roles and responsibilities

• Lead the detailed design and IFC developments of wayfinding projects, ensuring technical accuracy and design integrity.
• Develop detailed project drawings, technical specifications, BOQs, and location plans, ensuring alignment with project goals and client expectations.
• Create comprehensive presentations to effectively communicate technical strategies and design proposals to clients and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate and work closely with wider teams of architects, interior designers, and other stakeholders to propose integrated wayfinding design solutions that meet clients’ requirements.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, creativity, and collaboration.
• Demonstrate expertise in design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Illustrator, to create detailed technical drawings and illustrations.
• Manage project schedules, resources, and workflow to ensure timely delivery of high-quality technical design deliverables.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in wayfinding design, and incorporate relevant advancements into project deliverables.
  

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, urban design, graphic design, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in wayfinding technical design, and signage on various project typologies including masterplans, luxury hospitality, residential, mixed used, retail, commercial, entertainment, healthcare and education
• A robust design portfolio and proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex wayfinding projects from concept to completion.
• Strong technical skills, with the ability to utilize robust expertise in urban planning and interior design to develop and illustrate comprehensive wayfinding strategies and presentations.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Expertise in design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI Tools.
• Extensive understanding of local regulations, codes, and standards governing wayfinding and architecture projects in the Middle East.
• Strong understanding of materials, fabrication techniques, detailed design drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel globally as required to support project needs and client engagements.

Desired candidate profile

1. Wayfinding Design Expertise

• Wayfinding Principles: Knowledge of established wayfinding theories and principles, such as cognitive psychology, visual perception, and environmental design, to design systems that are intuitive and easy to follow.
• Signage Systems: Expertise in designing physical signage and symbols, including directional, informational, and regulatory signage, ensuring clarity and consistency.
• Environmental Graphics: Integrating wayfinding with environmental graphics, murals, or digital displays to enhance navigation and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space.
• User-Centered Design: Ensuring that designs are focused on the user experience (UX), considering factors such as accessibility, legibility, and ease of understanding across different demographic groups.

2. Technical Design and Documentation

• CAD Software: Proficiency in using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit to create technical drawings, layouts, and plans for wayfinding systems.
• 3D Visualization: Ability to use 3D modeling tools (e.g., Rhino, 3ds Max, or Blender) to visualize how wayfinding elements will appear in the space, including dimensions, scale, and interaction with the environment.
• Blueprints and Specifications: Creating detailed design documents, including blueprints, technical specifications, materials, and installation instructions for signage and wayfinding systems.
• Lighting and Materials: Understanding how lighting and material choices affect visibility, legibility, and user experience, including selecting materials for durability and aesthetic appeal in specific environments.

3. Project Management

• Leadership and Team Management: Leading design teams, mentoring junior designers, and collaborating with other disciplines (e.g., architects, interior designers, engineers) to deliver cohesive wayfinding solutions.
• Timeline and Budget Management: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to deadlines, and keeping projects within budget while ensuring design quality.
• Vendor Coordination: Managing relationships with signage manufacturers, installers, and other external vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery of wayfinding components.

4. Collaboration with Stakeholders

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Working with architects, interior designers, landscape architects, urban planners, and engineers to integrate wayfinding systems into the broader design of the space.
• Client Communication: Engaging with clients to understand their needs, budget constraints, and branding requirements, and incorporating their feedback into the design process.
• Stakeholder Presentations: Presenting design proposals, concepts, and progress to clients, senior management, and stakeholders, explaining design decisions and rationale.

5. User Experience and Accessibility

• Inclusive Design: Designing for inclusivity, ensuring that wayfinding systems are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments (e.g., using braille, tactile elements, and contrasting colors).
• Cognitive Load Reduction: Understanding how users process information and designing systems that minimize confusion and cognitive overload, making navigation as effortless as possible.
• International and Multilingual Design: Designing wayfinding systems that are effective across diverse populations, including multilingual signage and culturally sensitive symbols.
• Wayfinding Testing: Conducting user testing and field surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of wayfinding systems and making adjustments based on user feedback and behavioral analysis.