Set Decorator

Since 2002, Strategic Operations, Inc. (STOPS) has been providing training services and products for the military, law enforcement, first responders, and other organizations responsible for Homeland Security. STOPS is committed to excellence through state-of-the-art live action training support – employing “Hollywood” style special effects, role players, props of all kinds, 3D targets, the re-locatable habitat unit (RHU), and the conversion of shipping containers to create immersive training environments that are the most unique in the industry.

STOPS calls this type of immersion training - Hyper-Realistic® and defines it as “such a high degree of fidelity in the replication of specific conditions in a training environment that participants so willingly suspend disbelief that they become totally immersed and eventually stress inoculated” - all their senses tell them, emotionally and intellectually, that the scenarios are real. It is the ultimate in Theater Immersion Training.

STOPS continues to introduce innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of limited budgets. We are adept at creating real-life training situations/environments or providing safe, sound, and reliable housing for disaster response.

The Set Decorator/Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, coordinating, and arranging set dressing, furnishings, décor, and atmospheric elements that support the creative vision and production requirements of each project. This position works closely with Production, Design, and other stakeholders to develop realistic, visually compelling environments while adhering to approved budgets, schedules, and customer requirements.

The Set Decorator/Buyer researches appropriate furnishings, finishes, props, and decorative elements; coordinates purchases and rentals; and ensures that all set dressing meets established design, quality, budget, and schedule expectations.

• Review scripts, creative briefs, research, customer requirements, budgets, and available locations to determine set decoration and dressing needs.
• Develop set decoration concepts that support the overall creative vision, period, location, and intended atmosphere of each set.
• Research and source furniture, draperies, artwork, lighting fixtures, rugs, accessories, finishes, and other decorative elements.
• Prepare and present drawings, layouts, mood boards, reference materials, and other design documentation for review and approval; incorporate revisions as directed.
• Create and maintain purchasing and sourcing lists based on approved designs, budgets, and production requirements.
• Purchase, rent, or otherwise source set dressing and decorative items while obtaining appropriate pricing and maintaining budgetary controls.
• Research architectural, furnishing, and decorative styles to accurately represent specified periods, locations, themes, or environments.
• Collaborate with Production, Direction, Design, and other department leads to establish budgets, schedules, priorities, and design objectives.
• Coordinate the delivery, staging, installation, placement, and removal of set dressing and decorative elements.
• Direct and coordinate set decoration activities to ensure alignment with approved designs, quality standards, budgets, and production schedules.
• Monitor purchased and rented items and maintain accurate records, receipts, invoices, and related documentation as required.
• Identify cost-effective alternatives when necessary while maintaining the desired aesthetic and quality of the finished set.
• Conduct site visits and work with available locations to determine appropriate set dressing solutions and logistical requirements.
• Prepare rough drafts, scale drawings, floor plans, and other working documents as needed to communicate…