LPA is seeking a dedicated and proactive Materials Lab Coordinator to manage the Irvine office Materials Lab (formerly referred to as our Resource Library) and support all other LPA offices in maintaining an advanced repository of sustainable materials.
You will have the opportunity to collaborate with product representatives, industry partners, office administration, architects, interior designers, lighting designers, and landscape architects, and implement initiatives to continuously improve organizational policies and processes around the Materials Lab.
You will be a member of the LPA Sustainability + Applied Research team and support the firm’s Sustainable Materials Specialist in establishing a healthier materials library, collecting and maintaining product sustainability data, and providing insight to project teams on materials that align with client sustainability goals.
This is a hybrid position in a free-address office environment. You will be trusted to be in the office at least three days a week, but as much as the nature of the work requires.
Responsibilities:
Build relationships and establish new contacts with industry partners (manufacturer representatives, multi-line representatives, digital marketplace representatives, etc.)
Maintain an organized repository of products, resources, and supplies in the Lab
Maintain an up-to-date address book of product representatives
Coordinate with product representatives for monthly updates and removal of discontinued, non-applicable, or undesirable items due to lack of sustainability criteria
Update and organize finish binders and bins
Support the interior design team in organizing a monthly product fair
Be proactive at administrative tasks including but not limited to materials related set-up and clean-up
Coordinate with office administration to maintain a calendar of product update visits and small-group or whole-firm CEUs or other educational sessions
Support designers in ordering and returning product samples via Material Bank or direct correspondence to product representatives
Support designers by researching products, developing finish palettes and boards (physical and digital), and making material recommendations
Organize recurring meetings with internal market sector designers and leaders to discuss material needs
Consistently collect product sustainability data using LPA tools and forms
Develop an understanding of typical product cost ranges
Develop an understanding of performance criteria for different product types and uses
Support the development of a system and tools for a firm-wide digital inventory of material resources
Articulate LPA’s commitment to the AIA Materials Pledge and The Common Materials Framework to product representatives and in conversation with designers
Become familiar with online product databases and resources including but not limited to Material Bank, Ecomedes, Mindful Materials, Healthy Materials Lab, Habitable Futures Informed Product Guidance, etc.
Become familiar with product transparency documentation, certifications and standards, such as EPDs, HPDs, Cradle to Cradle Certification, Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certificates, Declare Labels, etc.
Seek out and advise others to participate in manufacturer Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs (take-back programs) to contribute to a circular economy
Coordinate with local organizations to donate or recycle materials and divert from landfills
Periodically attend project site visits to gain knowledge in material applications
Represent LPA at industry events such as Neocon
Requirements:
Organization and attention to detail, impromptu problem solving, and sociability are soft skills needed to succeed in this position
At least 3 years of experience in the design industry strongly preferred
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including but not limited to Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Beginner level skill in Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam PDF software
Knowledge of and/or passion for material sustainability
LEED AP, WELL AP, or other sustainability credential preferred but not required
Certificate for a Parson’s Healthy Materials Lab course preferred but not required
Light physical labor which includes being on your feet for hours at a time and lifting and moving objects
LPA is an integrated design firm with offices in California and Texas. We specialize in creating innovative, sustainable environments that work better, do more with less and improve people’s lives. We provide a vibrant and rewarding work environment—one that values and fosters creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, community engagement and ongoing career development and growth. LPA is also committed to diversity, wellness and work-life balance. LPA offers competitive salaries and generous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial, wellness and other work/life plans.
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $95,000 and is eligible for annual bonus. A preference for part-time work can be considered, and compensation adjusted accordingly. If you are hired at LPA, your base salary or adjusted compensation is based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience and/or project complexity. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES AND RECRUITERS:
Please note that LPA does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed contract, LPA will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. In the situation an agency or recruiter submits a candidate or resume without a previously signed agreement and/or without LPA’s request, LPA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of LP