ART DIRECTOR

Established in 2012, APPARATUS is a New York-based design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture and objects in immersive environments, threading the historical and the cultural through a modern lens.

APPARATUS is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, Art Director to join our Art Department in a new phase of brand growth. This role provides the opportunity to work collaboratively, explore the visual and narrative, execute from concept to completion, a broad scope of work with which to communicate the APPARATUS ethos across all channels and touchpoints.

In addition to substantive professional experience, the ideal Art Director has an education in the Arts and a passion for contemporary culture, design and fashion that provides a wellspring of creative reference points. A natural confidence in self-expression, written and verbal communication is essential.

The Art Department is led by the VP : Art Department and managed by the Senior Creative Producer. Initiatives and deliverables are informed through close collaboration with both Sales and Brand Departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the VP : Art Department to develop and execute all aspects of brand presentation.
• Develop photographic concepts and oversee photoshoots in collaboration with the
  VP : Art Department and SVP Creative.
• Supervise post-production and delivery of all brand photography and filmography.
• Identify opportunities for creative development and deployment.
• Deliver high-level work and assets aligned with Sales and Marketing objectives and calendar.
• Develop brand presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
• Research market trends and the competitive landscape.
• Maintain a cohesive and consistent brand voice on all channels.
• Ideate original graphics, copy, social media, motion, and other marketing materials.
• Delegate and supervise in-house team and freelance support, when applicable.
• Obtain stakeholder approval by presenting final layouts, storyboards, and illustrations, encouraging feedback, and responding to direction and requests.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in fine art, graphic design, or similar discipline.
• 5+ years as a professional Art Director in the interior design, agency, luxury or fashion sector.
• Strong portfolio showcasing elevated visual design, typography, and conceptual skills.
• Experience gaining consensus among a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Critical thinker who can anticipate roadblocks and proactively address issues.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively; ability to drive for results.
• Solid experience in post-production supervision.
• Strong understanding and focus on social media platforms is imperative.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to deliver within tight timelines.
• Natural creative talent leadership.
• Strong creative POV with an understanding of business objectives.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite with an emphasis on motion.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time studio hours: Monday–Friday generally 10:00AM–6:00PM.
• Longer hours and weekend availability as needed.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Weekly check-ins.
• Annual performance review.

Salary from $110,000

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our New York studio. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER

APPARATUS is New York-based design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture and objects in immersive environments, threading the historical and the cultural through a modern lens. The studio is headed by Gabriel Hendifar, Artistic Director, whose vision drives the studio’s design work.

The Senior Industrial Designer is responsible for engineering the full range of APPARATUS products, including new and existing lighting, furniture, objects, custom fixtures and special projects. We are a studio of continual refinement. This role requires master-level skills in SolidWorks and an extensive background in engineering with specific prior experience in lighting. Candidate must enjoy working in a collaborative environment, have a solutions-based perspective, be flexible and achieve results.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement the vision of the Artistic Director through a broad range of responsibilities including 2D ideation sketching, 3D modeling (SolidWorks), rendering, full scale drawing, prototyping, samples build.
• Lead the design engineering of custom lighting and furniture. Responsibilities include designing, prototyping, red-lining production drawings, components QC, dry-fitting production parts.
• Build and implement expertise to meet design requirements for UL, CB, CE, UKCA compliance.
• Provide timely and accurate redlines and feedback to vendors in new developments and counter-sourcing.
• Collaborate with APPARATUS Interiors department on cross-functional product design needs such as signage, display items, products for spaces and events.
• Accountable for accurate and complete technical drawings that meet evolving internal standards and are clear to globally based vendors and internal manufacturing team.
• Ensure timely updates and accuracy of live models of permanent collection fixtures.
• Lead the standards and organization/file management of the team’s internal server.
• Ensure the Manufacturing department vets all new product design and construction during established checkpoints, implementing their feedback.
• Provide detailed hand-off and of new product from development to production.
• Provide hands-on assistance with gallery installations, product maintenance, photoshoots and trade events.
• Give technical guidance for the manufacturing and sales teams as needed.
• Support management team in leadership and continuous refinement of team practices.
• Mentor junior team members, setting the standard for best practices for the Product department.
• Foster positive and productive work relationships with those inside and outside the organization.
• Consider cost implications of work process and projects to ensure prudent spend.

SKILLS

• Master-level ability: SolidWorks.
• Proficiency in: AutoCAD, Keyshot, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Well-developed aesthetic sense and eye for detail.
• Up-to-date knowledge of lighting and manufacturing technologies.
• Interest in working for an Artistic Director-led company with a specific vision and vocabulary.
• Background in the facilitation/creation of wiring schematics and voltage calculations for LED lighting.
• Broad knowledge of materials and techniques including woodworking, metal machining, casting, welding, plastics.
• Excellent work ethic, demonstrated by a high level of output; ability to self-motivate; ability to manage priorities with a sense of urgency.
• Team player who enjoys the process of creative development and is flexible working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Enjoys working collaboratively, ability to both lead and take direction.
• Ability to respond professionally to critical feedback and proactive in seeking support and help when needed.
• Ability to manage time, communicate about resources and capabilities, meet deadlines, and manage up consistently and effectively.
• Excellent organizational skills and accuracy in detail.
• Solutions-based thinker with a consistently positive attitude.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering including lighting design and manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related.
• Furniture design and engineering experience a plus.
• Experience solving complex problems through use of efficient design.
• Significant experience in interaction with fabricators, vendors, consultants and UL and experience building positive and effective relationships with partners.
• Experience with high-end product and materials.
• Background working in a collaborative team environment that values excellence and efficiency.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time hours: Monday–Friday generally 10:00AM–6:00PM
• Longer hours, evenings and weekend shifts as needed

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Regular check-ins
• Annual performance review

Salary from $90,000

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our New York studio. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER

APPARATUS is a New York based designer and manufacturer of a distinctive catalog of high-end, high-touch lighting, furniture and objects. We produce both in house and with the support of high-quality external partners; our catalog is sold globally.

This role executes complex interior design projects by interpreting the Artistic Director's vision and providing senior-level technical expertise. The Senior Interior Designer handles sophisticated projects independently, delivering high-quality design work while collaborating effectively with project teams to meet design standards, timelines, and budget requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design execution and vision implementation

• Interprets and executes the Artistic Director's vision through all phases of the design process, working both collaboratively and independently.
• Communicates design vision and program to project team members, providing clear direction and task coordination to meet project milestones.
• Supports Director by identifying team or business needs to achieve successful project timelines, scope of work, budgets, and external deliverables.

Technical documentation and construction oversight

• Produces detailed interior elevations, custom millwork, and construction drawings that meet and exceed industry drafting standards.
• Reviews and directs architectural drawing sets, fabrication shop drawings, and construction submittals to ensure design intent is achieved.
• Produces and maintains 3D models for all interior projects, including material and finish updates, custom millwork, and furniture alterations.

Project management and material coordination 

• Coordinates the selection of finishes and furnishings by working with team members to source, coordinate and deliver onsite as required.
• Prepares schemes and project boards for visual reference throughout project timeline, keeping updated samples well-represented with accurate pricing and availability.
• Assists and supports Project Managers with the fabrication development, construction detailing and installation of all decorative furnishings, including upholstery, artwork, accessories, and drapery.
• Organizes and maintains all project folders on internal server, including external correspondence and other relevant materials associated with the success and foundation of every project.

Presentation and meeting management

• Integrates creative design development into well-organized, formatted presentations, schedules, tear sheets, and other internal documents to best represent the company's brand identity.
• Drives successful design reviews and meetings with the Artistic Director with excellent time management, scheduling of calendar and preparation of meeting agendas, staged printed documents, and meeting minutes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in an architectural or interior design firm, including at least 4 years of experience with high-end residential or hospitality.
• Proven experience in a high-paced environment that values consistency, efficiency, and excellence.
• Experience in a business that requires a team to execute the common vision, understands the value of the individual and the team.

SKILLS

• Superior verbal and communications skills with accountability and follow-through.
• Expert knowledge of design history, design trends, and the interiors landscape.
• Working knowledge of how to guide all phases of design from Concept Development to Installation.
• Familiarity with building codes and design industry standards.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, Rhino, V-Ray, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent time-management skills, to work under pressure and deliver projects under tight deadlines.
• Critical thinking with the ability to foresee problems and suggest solutions.
• Lead by example, create a work environment that promotes a high level of engagement, skill-building, and efficiency in productivity and quality.
• Comfortable stepping outside regular duties as needed to adapt quickly to changing plans and priorities in an ever-evolving environment.
• Ability to respond professionally to critical feedback and proactive in seeking support and help when needed.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time in-person hours: Monday–Friday, generally 10:00AM–6:00PM
• Longer hours and weekend availability as needed

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Regular check-ins
• Annual performance review

Salary from $100,000

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our New York studio. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

SENIOR OPERATIONS ANALYST

APPARATUS is a New York-based designer and manufacturer of a distinctive catalog of high-end, high touch lighting, furniture and objects. We produce both in house and with the support of high-quality external partners; our catalog is sold globally.

This role supports the operational and strategic goals of the business by maintaining accurate data systems, producing actionable reports, and responding to reporting and visualization requests across departments. The Senior Operations Analyst works closely with the Sales, Brand, and Manufacturing teams, but primarily supports the SVP of Operations by building and refining reports, and visualizing dashboards that drive business visibility and performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Report Building and Visualization

• Executes reporting requests from Sales, Brand and Manufacturing, transforming raw data into polished and actionable deliverables.
• Builds, refines, and maintains custom dashboards for the SVP of Operations, highlighting key metrics across Sales, Brand, and Manufacturing.
• Designs clear, concise data visualizations to communicate trends and insights to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Data Maintenance and Accuracy

• Gathers and organizes data from multiple sources, including Salesforce (CRM/ERP), Monday.com (project management), and internal spreadsheets.
• Ensures consistency and accuracy of reports through regular audits, validations, and maintenance of source data.
• Updates reporting templates and dashboard views in response to business changes and operational needs.

Cross Departmental Support

• Responds promptly to ad hoc data and reporting needs from internal stakeholders across Sales, Brand, and Operations.
• Works closely with team leads to understand context and goals behind report requests and ensure relevance of output.
• Maintains a library of standard reports to enable consistent cross-functional visibility and reduce redundant requests.

Internal Tools, Training Materials & Adoption Monitoring

• Maintains and updates internal documentation, how-to guides, and training materials for Salesforce, Monday.com, and reporting tools.
• Supports onboarding and internal enablement by providing reference materials and fielding basic tool-related questions.
• Monitors adoption and usage of Salesforce and Monday.com, identifying gaps in process implementation or inconsistent usage.
• Tracks rollout of new features or workflows within platforms and flags areas needing reinforcement or training.
• Gathers feedback from end users to inform updates to training resources and support more effective tool adoption.
• Coordinates with the Operations team to ensure that system documentation aligns with current business processes and platform capabilities.

Support for Operational Projects & Business Needs

• Assists the SVP of Operations and other department leads on ad hoc operational projects, research, and implementation support.
• Contributes to cross-functional initiatives by supplying data, documentation, or project coordination support as needed.
• Adapts quickly to evolving priorities and provides hands-on assistance for business needs as they arise.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in operations, engineering, consulting or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Proven ability to follow through on all initiatives and drive projects forward in fast-paced, high-touch settings.

SKILLS

• Exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Expert database management, data analysis, and data visualization skills.
• High proficiency with project-management and collaboration tools.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities; comfortable navigating ambiguity
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work successfully across diverse teams.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time in-person hours: Monday-Friday generally 10:00AM-6:00PM
• Longer hours and weekend availability as needed

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Regular check-ins
• Annual performance review

Salary from $80,000

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our New York studio. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.