About Breather

Breather creates a network of flexible, private office and meeting spaces that our members can reserve and access instantly. We’re a venture-backed company focused on giving people productive, professional space when and where they need it. We’re growing extremely quickly and have huge ambitions, and we want you to help us get there!

The Role

Breather is looking for a Director of Workspace Design to lead its global Design Build team, reporting to the VP of Experience. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to evolve and develop Breather’s design approach and lead a world class creative team while gaining national and international project experience across Breather’s 10 markets. You will be at the center of re-defining the office experience for high-growth companies around the world.

The ideal candidate is both creative and analytical, with a proven customer focus, strong interior architecture experience, knowledge of construction methodologies, and a successful track record of managing project teams in fast-paced organizations. We are open to candidates based in either New York or Montreal. Since our creative team is split between the two cities, this role will demand significant amounts of travel between the teams.

As the Director of Workspace Design at Breather, you will:

• Oversee all facets of workspace design and construction for Breather’s 10-city network;
• Lead UX research to better understand customer needs.
• Design Development -Sign-off on all layouts and FF&E
• Work closely with Construction Project Manager and Real Estate Lead during construction and launch.
• Ensure budgets, timelines and Breather design standards are met.
• Lead and grow a distributed, multidisciplinary team of interior designers and construction project managers, acting as both a manager and a mentor, giving feedback, guidance and aid on design methodology.
• Guide the Design Build team in developing frameworks, systems, and processes for:
• Efficient and effective space planning and space programming, including incorporating and managing functional, project, and code requirements.
• Construction standards and specs across multiple geographies and property types.
• FF&E management in conjunction with Purchasing & Logistics, including developing seasonal FF&E catalogs and programs.
• Project budgeting, cost estimating, reporting and scheduling.
• Selection and management of external architects, contractors, and consultant.
• The efficient management of legacy locations, including working with the Purchasing & Logistics and RE teams to plan for cost-effective retrofits to increase quality and functionality.
• Develop org structures and growth plans that can support Breather’s expansion, and foster a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that will enable Breather to continue to attract top talent.
• Evolve direction and strategy for the Design Build team, refining and developing Breather’s workspace design philosophy with a focus on customer experience, functionality, aesthetics and delight.
• Lead the transformation from a network of office and meeting spaces that function individually, to a network of spaces that work together to create an unmatched flexible office experience.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with internal teams including marketing, operations, sales, and product / technology to advance product development and develop brand standards.
• Collaborate with Breather’s Real Estate, Purchasing & Logistics, and Finance teams to develop and manage budgets and strategic plans.
• Work closely with clients and landlords to evangelize and implement Breather’s design vision.

Helpful Skills & Experience You’ll Need to Succeed:

• 10+ years practical experience in workplace or commercial interior design.
• Knowledge of and experience working with ADA, building codes; zoning a plus.
• Ability to lead ethnographic research projects to understand customer needs.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office. Knowledge of 3D rendering software is a plus.
• Ability to motivate and coach a team, set and communicate goals, provide feedback and delegate.
• High EQ and strong communication skills.
• Licensed Architect or Interior Designer a plus but not a requirement.

• Experience across multiple markets in the US, UK or Canada a plus.

What We Value

At Breather, our company values are not only the principles that link us together in the way we work, but they also keep us aligned on the same path, all working towards connected goals. These standards are what guide us on our collective journey through space(s).

Perks and Benefits

We hope that you're excited by all the possibilities that come with working at Breather! In addition to our unique culture, we also offer these fun perks and benefits:

• Be part of a well-funded, proven startup with big ambitions, competitive salary and company options
• Work when you want, where you want, with the tools you want
• Company-funded travel to conferences & professional development events that interest you and benefit your career growth
• Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage. Oh, and it’s on us
• Free access to the Breather network of over 400 spaces (and growing, fast!)
• Dog friendly office - bring your dog to work, they’ll find plenty of friends waiting to play with them!
• A great referral program - good people know good people!