Designer

Primary Objectives of Position:
The Designer'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 is responsible for creating and producing event design for the company.
Major Areas of Accountability:

• Creatively design, price and create décor-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
• Collaborate with team member to offer expertise of design and creativity
• Key elements of Designer understanding and knowledge:
  • Décor 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.
  • Ability to diagram event layouts
  • Production elements, entertainment, staging, etc
• Redirect clients with 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
• Continuously looking for ways to increase revenue, up selling when possible
• Complete working knowledge of strategic design partner inventory items, working with Studio & Inventory partner as needed
• Profitability: must understand and manage profitability of the décor aspect of the program & how it relates to the full event during proposal stage of program
• Pre-site any venues or hotels as needed for décor-driven events
• On Site Designer at client presentations with Account Executive when requested/needed, providing the client with the creative vision of the overall event look(s)
• Coordinate and execute décor site setups as needed/requested by Account Executives
• On Site Designer at events to assist the Account Manager when needed/requested, ensuring delivery of sold overall event look, feel and vision is accomplished
• 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 décor vendor pricing for Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, and additional locations as needed
  • Negotiating best prices/inclusions to keep offerings fresh and different from competitors
  • Maintain and currently update costing for décor-related vendors in all cities we service
  • Obtain, when possible, volume discounts with décor-related vendors
  • Create and maintain Style Sheet Library which includes themed style sheets and new theme ideas. Send out new style sheets monthly, company wide

Knowledge and Skill Required

• 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