Takween’s mission focuses on innovative and concrete solutions that have been researched, tested and implemented to meet the needs of communities and their specific built environments to achieve inclusive urban spaces that will thrive for generations to come. With this mission, Takween aims to improve the quality for inhabitants living in cities across Egypt and the Middle East.
Product Designer
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Location
Cairo, Egypt
Department
Project Based (Women-Led Wood Workshop and Showroom)
Closing Date
Thursday, December 12, 2024
About the job
Takween ICD is seeking to hire a talented and creative Product Designer to develop innovative wood-based products that merge contemporary design with cultural heritage. The Product Designer will explore the art of craftsmanship while integrating modern design principles and innovative technology. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability, and is enthusiastic about telling stories through design.
Key Result Areas
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the design process for new wood-based products from concept to final design, ensuring they reflect cultural heritage while maintaining modern functionality.
Research and incorporate traditional techniques, motifs, and cultural elements into contemporary product designs.
Develop and refine product ideas, prototypes, and visuals using sketches, CAD tools, and 3D modeling software.
Explore design solutions that blend cultural storytelling with modern functionality, creating visually stunning products that tell a story.
Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, production, marketing) to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and align with manufacturing capabilities.
Oversee the creation of prototypes, testing, and iterating designs based on feedback and sales.
Conduct in-depth research into various cultural heritages and design styles, identifying trends, symbols, and materials that can be integrated into modern designs.
Stay up to date with design trends, technology, and innovations in wood product design.
Requirements
Qualification:
Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
Experience:
2-7 years of proven experience in product design, preferably with a focus on wood products (home accessories and furniture).
Strong portfolio showcasing a combination of modern, innovative designs with a respect for traditional cultural influences.
Skills:
Proficiency in design tools (AutoCAD, 3D Max, Sketchup, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).
Experience and understanding of materials, especially wood, and familiarity with woodworking techniques.
Excellent sketching and visualization skills.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and supply chain management for wood-based products.
Creative mindset, with a strong ability to communicate ideas and concepts visually.
Experience with 3D printing or other advanced manufacturing techniques applied to wood products.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Familiarity with traditional art and architecture is a plus.
Competencies:
Ability to work under high pressure and carry out multi-tasks in simultaneous projects;
Self-motivation and willingness to learn;
Creativity and ability to seek and explore innovative solutions
Teamwork abilities and work collaboratively with other stakeholders and staff members
Strong planning and organizational skills to cope with expected workload
Accountability and high commitment to the company’s quality standards and code of ethics
Effective communication of ideas and design solutions with clients and team members
Active Listening: in addition to clearly communicating information to others, you must be able to understand what others are sharing with you.
Problem Solving: problems will inevitably arise during most projects. You must be able to quickly identify and then solve them to keep the project moving forward.
Critical Thinking: good problem solving requires the ability to evaluate possible solutions before choosing the most promising one.
Work Location:
The Product Designer will work at Cairo Office.
About us
Takween Integrated Community Development (Takween) is an urban development firm established in 2009 in Egypt by a dynamic team with extensive experience, in response to a foreseen growing demand for innovative urban solutions in a world where it is predicted that by 2030, 60% of the world’s inhabitants will be living in urban centers. Takween specializes in the development of integrated packages in urban development services and solutions to support and complement efforts of tackling urban challenges. Takween provides project planning, design, and implementation services to a range of local and international clients. Takween fields of interventions include integrated urban development and upgrading, heritage management and conservation, community development and mobilization, participatory design and planning, and construction activities.