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Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Quality & Material SME (Architecture - Fabric) – Design Stage to join our team!

Fabric Material Evaluation & Approval

• Lead the evaluation and approval of all fabric and textile materials proposed in the design, ensuring alignment with luxury hospitality standards.

• Assess fabric quality based on:

• Fibre composition and weave quality

• Colourfastness and dye stability

• Abrasion resistance testing.

• Fire rating (NFPA 701, BS 5867, EN standards, etc.)

• Acoustic performance where applicable

• Stain resistance, soil resistance, and cleanability

• UV resistance for outdoor fabrics

• Confirm compliance with PIF guidelines, sustainability criteria, and international codes.

Design Coordination & Technical Compliance

• Collaborate with architects, interior designers, FF&E consultants, and specialists to validate fabric selections in line with aesthetic intent, operational needs, and luxury design principles.

• Ensure fabric choices meet the functional requirements for:

• Durability and comfort

• Window treatments (drapery, sheers, blackout layers)

• Acoustic applications on walls or ceilings

• Speciality uses (banquet chairs, spa areas, outdoor environments)

• Validate compatibility of fabric with substrates, cushioning, backing, and installation methods.

Fabric Specifications & Documentation Control

• Develop and maintain the Fabric Specification Register, including:

• Fabric type, manufacturer, composition

• Performance characteristics

• Fire rating data

• Colorways and dye lot references

• Backing details (e.g., FR backing, latex backing)

• Ensure all fabric submissions during design include:

• Manufacturer data sheets

• Performance test reports

• Sustainability documentation (if required)

• Large-format physical samples / mood boards

• Verify alignment of fabric information across FF&E schedules, ID drawings, specifications, and BOQs.

Mock-Ups, Samples & Benchmark Requirements

• Define requirements for fabric mock-ups, including upholstery stitching, seam alignment, cushion construction, pleating, and drapery header details.

• Review sample boards, swatches, and prototype upholstery and drapery mock-ups for quality, comfort, and aesthetic accuracy.

• Establish the standards that will represent the quality benchmark during construction, FF&E fabrication, and installation.

Risk Assessment & Value Engineering

• Identify risks such as:

• Color variation between dye lots

• Long lead times

• Fabric performance issues (pilling, wear, fading, etc.)

• Recommend VE alternatives while preserving design intent and quality.

• Provide mitigation plans, especially for high-use areas or challenging environments.

Stakeholder Interface & Meetings

• Lead fabric-focused technical workshops with the client, design consultants, and PMC teams.

• Present technical evaluations, risks, and recommendations through structured reports.

• Support procurement teams in prequalification of fabric manufacturers and FF&E suppliers.

Pre-Construction & FF&E Readiness

• Ensure all fabric materials are fully approved during the design phase before IFC and before FF&E tendering.  

• Review final upholstery drawings, drapery details, and FF&E specifications to confirm incorporation of approved fabric data.  

• Validate that all fabric selections are coordinated, technically compliant, and ready for procurement and shop drawing stages.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, Textile Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field.

• Minimum 13–15 years of experience, with at least 6 years specializing in fabric materials and high-end interior textile applications for luxury hospitality projects.

• Strong knowledge of textile properties, industry test standards, upholstery practices, and fabric performance requirements.

• Experience working within a PMC environment or high-end design management context.

• Familiarity with Saudi Building Codes and PIF material compliance requirements.

• Proven ability to review and comment on FF&E specifications, ID drawings, fabric schedules, and upholstery/drapery detailing.

• Strong communication, coordination, and report-writing skills.

• Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional eye for detail and appreciation of luxury fabric aesthetics.

• Strong technical understanding of textile performance, durability, and construction.

• Confidence working with designers, consultants, and suppliers to resolve technical issues.

• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple design packages simultaneously.

• Competence with digital collaboration tools (Aconex, Autodesk viewers, FF&E registers).

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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