Interior Designer

Portland, OR

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Designer is responsible for applying Environments' creative expertise and design services to support new and existing clients. They work independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners to develop innovative interior space solutions that meet customer needs. This includes engaging with customers to gather project information, and performing field verifications, space planning, furniture and material selections, product specification, and quality assurance. This is a creative ancillary design-focused position, with some emphasis on basic technical / systems design.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with project team to qualify aesthetic, performance, budget, and schedule criteria to meet customer's project goals.
• Engage with the customer, A&D partners, and project consultants to clarify project information and uncover customer challenges.
• 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.
• Product and present curated ancillary product and finish packages to include: furniture, textiles, acoustic treatments, technology, branding and graphics, architectural elements, and ergonomic solutions for workplace, education, and healthcare clients.
• 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 validation packages and spreadsheets.
• Estimate budgetary hours and manage and monitor project hours.
• Collaborate with outsourced design service providers as needed, ensuring complete and accurate information and direction is provided.

Requirements

• 3+ years of design experience; experience within a Dealership is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrate an aptitude and experience in curating highly creative ancillary packages with strong visual presentation skills.
• Prior experience with contract furniture products a plus.
• Strong knowledge of interior design field and current practices.
• Strong knowledge of workplace trends (aesthetic, ergonomics, technology integration, workplace culture, etc.).
• Strong working knowledge of commercial furniture vendors, including features/benefits, pricing, application and assembly, specification options, and nomenclature.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to facilitate design development activities with client and client's project team.
• Understanding of contract furniture processes, including specification development, order preparation, project management, order management, and delivery/installation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal dealership sales, project management, account coordination, procurement, and operations/installation groups, client, contractor and subcontractor trades, A&D firms, electricians and client's IT group, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code, etc.
• AutoCAD 2020 and CET experience required; CAP 2020 Worksheet preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and web-support applications.
• NCIDQ or CIDA accreditation preferred.
• Understanding of the complexities and sophistication required to thrive in the dealer environment.
• Fluid interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a wide range of customers, vendors, personnel, and departments.
• Ability to see the big picture and integrate into day-to-day tasks and activities.
• Excellent and effective oral and written communication.
• Prior experience successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment in business transactions, and to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Nice-to-haves

• NCIDQ or CIDA accreditation preferred.