Job Description

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY

• The Interior Designer plays a pivotal role in supporting the continuous improvement of airport ambiance and enhancing the passenger experience at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other airports managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
• This position is responsible for visualizing design concepts, creating 3D renderings, and developing clear design briefs that facilitate effective decision-making and streamline the tendering process for interior design projects related to airport terminals, retail spaces, lounges, and other passenger facilities.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Design Conceptualization: Collaborate with stakeholders, including airport operators, retail partners, and design consultants, to develop innovative design concepts that enhance the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of airport interiors.
• 3D Visualization: Utilize advanced software tools and techniques to create high-quality 3D renderings, virtual walkthroughs, and visual simulations that accurately depict proposed interior design schemes and spatial configurations.
• Space Design: Develop detailed space plans, layout drawings, and floor plans that optimize the use of available space, improve passenger flow, and maximize operational efficiency within airport terminals and commercial areas.
• Placemaking and Branding: Integrate branding elements, thematic features, and placemaking strategies into interior design solutions to create memorable, cohesive, and immersive experiences that reflect the unique identity and cultural context of each airport.
• Design Brief Development: Prepare comprehensive design briefs, design guidelines, and technical specifications that articulate project objectives, design requirements, material specifications, and performance criteria for tendering processes and project execution.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including architects, engineers, project managers, procurement specialists, and marketing professionals, to ensure alignment between design intent, technical feasibility, budgetary constraints, and project timelines.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough reviews and evaluations of design proposals, construction documents, and contractor submissions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, design specifications, and quality benchmarks.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and industry standards in interior design, airport development, retail merchandising, and passenger experience enhancement to inform design decisions and drive continuous improvement initiatives     
   

Key Challenges

• Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality: Striking the right balance between creating visually appealing designs and ensuring that they are practical, functional, and conducive to efficient passenger flow and operations within the airport environment.
• Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Navigating complex regulatory requirements, building codes, accessibility standards, and safety regulations while designing airport interiors to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Addressing diverse stakeholder needs, preferences, and expectations while maintaining design integrity and coherence across various areas of the airport, including retail spaces, lounges, and passenger facilities.
• Budgetary Constraints: Working within budgetary constraints and cost limitations while striving to deliver high-quality design solutions that meet project objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Integration of Branding and Placemaking: Aligning interior design concepts with airport branding initiatives, thematic elements, and placemaking strategies to create cohesive, memorable, and immersive passenger experiences that reflect the unique identity and cultural context of the airport.
• Tight Project Timelines: Adhering to tight project timelines and schedules while managing multiple design projects concurrently and ensuring timely delivery of design deliverables to support construction, renovation, and refurbishment activities within the airport.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Facilitating effective communication, collaboration, and coordination among multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and airport operators, to ensure alignment between design intent, technical requirements, and project goals.
• Technological Advancements and Innovation: Keeping abreast of emerging technologies, design trends, and innovative materials in the field of interior design to leverage new opportunities for enhancing passenger experiences, optimizing space utilization, and improving operational efficiency within airport environments.

Skills

• Familiar with 3D, Autocad, Lumion, Sketchup and etc
• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations
• Analytical and meticulous 
• Enjoys engaging people
• Must be a team player and able to work collaboratively with and through others
• Design Sensibility: Having an eye for aesthetics and a sense of style.
• Knowledge of Materials: Understanding various materials, their properties, and applications.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity, technical proficiency, and attention to detail in translating design concepts into compelling visual presentations and realistic renderings.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate design ideas, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, sustainability principles, and industry regulations relevant to interior design and airport development.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Relevant Industries

External        

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in interior design, with a focus on commercial, hospitality, or airport projects. Experience in retail design is advantageous.        

Education

External        

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, Landscape or related field. 
• Master's degree preferred.    

Unique Requirement

• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D modeling software (e.g., SketchUp, Autodesk Revit, Rhino), and rendering software (e.g., V-Ray, Lumion).