DESIGNER | DESIGN ASSOCIATEJob SummaryAs a Design Associate, you will work with a team of Sales representatives and Project Managers in a highly collaborative manner to research furniture solutions, create project deliverables, and prepare final specifications. You will actively expand your knowledge and understanding of workplace design practices, products, and accessories, and act as a product expert and resource to the Sales and Project Management departments. You will work independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners to develop creative interior space solutions that meet customer needs. This includes engaging with customers to gather project information, perform field verifications, space planning, furniture and material selections, product specification and quality assurance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Provide support on projects to complete assigned deliverables and presentation materials for furniture in accordance with project vision and goals. Deliverables may include product research, lookbooks, budgets, fabric/finish sample options, and more. Conduct product research in support of projects and requests to find appropriate furniture solutions, accessories, fabric, and finish approvals to meet specific budget, lead-time, functional and aesthetic requirements. Produce and present design concepts to customers. Contact vendors for pricing and information and manage all project-related quotes from vendors. Obtain customer approvals for all design development packets prior to commencing final specifications. Perform field measurements and inventories of existing product and incorporate into project design deliverables. Specify furniture required per final furniture layouts and selected finishes. Produce/revise furniture block plans, space plans, finish palettes, furniture specification, and installation drawings. Develop budget spreadsheets. Assist with tracking and managing of critical design-related tasks as they relate to overall project schedules including testing and approval of COM applications, COM reservations, CFA’s finishes and shop drawings prior to submittal to Project Management department Assist with site coordination including field measurements and existing furniture inventory documentation. Demonstrate proficient time management skills; effectively address competing priorities and urgent situations, making sound decisions in short timeframes with appropriate action and guidance from design mentor or project lead
Order Preparation and ManagementPerform double-check for accuracy of ancillary specifications and counts. Liaison with Sales/Sourcing/Design departments regarding new vendor research, documentation, and approval. Negotiate with vendors and suppliers for competitive pricing and discounts. Prepare final, approved ancillary product specifications to be order entry ready.
Industry KnowledgeStay current with design, workplace, and product trends. Participate in product and professional training programs and activities for on-going growth and development.
Software KnowledgeCET (industry specific)SketchUp (industry specific) – not necessary, but a plus!Project Spec (industry specific)Excel and PowerPoint
