Quality & Material SME (Architecture - Veneer)

Parsons Corporation

Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Quality & Material SME (Architecture - Veneer) to join our team

Key Responsibilities (Design Stage)

Veneer Material Evaluation & Approval

• Lead the evaluation and approval process for all wood veneer types, cuts, grains, finishes, and treatment specifications proposed by designers.

• Assess veneer quality based on:

• Species authenticity and sourcing certifications

• Grain pattern consistency

• Color uniformity and batch consistency

• Core material compatibility (MDF, plywood, fire-rated substrates, etc.)

• Technical performance (fire rating, moisture resistance, VOC levels, sustainability ratings)

• Ensure all veneers meet PIF, luxury hospitality, and international standards (e.g., EN, ANSI, BS, FSC/PEFC where applicable).

Design Coordination & Technical Compliance

• Collaborate with designers and consultants to ensure veneer selections align with the project s luxury design intent, durability requirements, and operational needs.

• Validate compatibility of veneer applications with:

• Joinery assemblies and substrates

• Moisture and temperature exposure zones

• Fire rating and safety codes

• Cleaning/maintenance requirements

• Ensure design documentation reflects correct veneer specifications, grain direction, joining profiles, edge treatments, and finishing systems.

Veneer Specifications & Documentation Control

• Develop and maintain the Veneer Specification Register, including details on species, thickness, substrate, finishes, treatments, and manufacturer data.

• Ensure all veneer-related design submissions include:

• Data sheets and manufacturer certifications

• Fire rating and sustainability documentation

• Physical samples and sample boards

• Color/grain batch references and veneer matching requirements

• Verify alignment of veneer information across drawings, schedules, BOQs, and technical specifications.

Mock-ups, Samples & Benchmark Requirements

• Define design-phase requirements for veneer mock-ups, including book-matching, slip-matching, cross-matching, grain direction, and jointing tolerances.

• Review veneer sample boards and prototype layouts to ensure consistency with approved design intent.

• Establish quality benchmarks to be used later during construction and joinery fabrication.

Risk Assessment & Value Engineering

• Identify design-stage risks such as veneer species availability, natural variation, long lead times, and matching limitations.

• Recommend alternative veneer species or finish treatments during value engineering, ensuring no compromise in luxury standards.

• Propose mitigation strategies for performance or sourcing risks.

Stakeholder Interface & Meetings

• Lead veneer-focused coordination workshops with designers, client representatives, and PMC teams.

• Prepare technical reports, issue logs, and recommendations related to veneer selections.

• Coordinate with procurement teams to review prequalification of veneer suppliers and joinery manufacturers.

Pre-Construction Readiness

• Ensure all veneer specifications are fully approved before IFC issuance.

• Review veneer pattern layouts, joinery detailing, and substrate specifications during the final design stage.

• Confirm that veneer design outputs are complete, technically validated, and reflect approved material baselines.

Qualifications & Experience

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

• Minimum 12 15 years of experience, with at least 6 years specializing in veneer, joinery, or high-end interior finishes for luxury hospitality or mixed-use projects.

• Strong knowledge of veneer species, cutting methods, matching techniques, and finishing systems.

• Proven experience within a PMC or design management environment.

• Deep understanding of veneer performance characteristics (movement, moisture behavior, fire ratings, and durability).

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

• High technical competency in reviewing joinery shop drawings, veneer layouts, and interior material specifications.

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

• Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional eye for detail and understanding of luxury aesthetics.

• Ability to influence design decisions and resolve veneer-related technical issues.

• Strong problem-solving and material evaluation skills.

• Proactive and highly organized, with strong documentation control habits.

• Experience with digital collaboration tools (Aconex, Autodesk viewers, material registers).