Quality & Material SME (Architecture - Fabric)

Parsons Corporation

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).