Design Associate at Destination Concepts Inc – California

Join DCi – A Global Leader in Corporate Event Planning

DCi is seeking a Design Associate to help us create unforgettable, brand-driven experiences. From local to global, personal to public, trendy to timeless; we design events that deliver impact and elevate brands.

As part of our team, you’ll turn ideas into dynamic experiences through creativity and collaboration. At DCi, you’ll find a supportive, team-oriented environment with approachable leadership and a culture that values innovation plus a dog-friendly office that makes work a little more fun!

The Design Associate'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 supports the Designers with creating and producing event design for the company.

• Supports the design process for creative projects, often working under the guidance of Senior designers, by assisting with creative design, pricing and creating decor-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
• Key elements of Design Associate understanding and knowledge:
  • Decor 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.
  • Production elements, entertainment, staging, etc
• Collaborate on 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
• Complete working knowledge of strategic design partner inventory items, working with Studio & Inventory partner as needed
• Profitability: must understand and manage profitability of the decor aspect of the program & how it relates to the full event during proposal stage of program
• Assist with decor site setups as needed/requested by Designers
• 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 decor vendor pricing for all destinations as needed
  • Negotiating best prices/inclusions to keep offerings fresh and different from competitors
  • Maintain and currently update costing for decor-related vendors in all cities we service
  • Obtain, when possible, volume discounts with decor-related vendors

• 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

Employee Benefits at DCi

At DCi, our employees are the source of our success. Our benefit philosophy is to empower and incentivize our team by offering comprehensive plans and choices that protect their health and well-being; and that of their loved ones. We strive to be a preferred employer in our field by providing benefits that support your life inside and outside of work.

Highlights of Our Benefits Package:

• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match (eligibility applies)
• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, DCFSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Team Bonding Events & Wellness Classes

…and so much more!
Benefit eligibility may vary based on employment status and length of service.