As an Ancillary Designer for Unisource Solutions, you will lead the ancillary scope across projects; curating product stories, developing lookbooks and layouts, and producing complete ancillary specifications for contract furniture. You'll serve as a hybrid bridge between the design and sales teams, acting as the primary ancillary resource for clients, account managers, and vendors from discovery through installation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Pre-Design & Needs Assessment
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Participate in site walkthroughs, field measurements, and analysis of how ancillary spaces (lounge, café, huddle, collaborative zones) will function.
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Contribute to the scope of work: headcount, culture cues, adjacencies, and stylistic direction with an ancillary lens.
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Attend client meetings alongside the Account Manager as the design resource for ancillary scope.
Conceptual Design & Preliminary (ROM) Budget
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Develop lookbooks, mood boards, and initial ancillary product stories that translate client culture into a curated visual narrative.
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Produce Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for ancillary scope using vendor tools, virtual library resources, Spec, and Excel.
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Source across curated vendor options to identify solutions that align to budget, style, and lead time.
Design Development, Revisions & Refinement
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Develop layouts and space plans for ancillary areas; refine plans and product selections based on client feedback.
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Generate 3D renderings and flythroughs (including AI-assisted renderings) to visually communicate design intent.
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Coordinate finish and material selections; maintain a curated sample library ready for active projects.
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Provide alternative design solutions when a primary option doesn't meet budget, lead time, or functional needs.
Approvals & Finalization of Proposal
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Generate complete, order-ready ancillary specifications in Spec (sif): part numbers, finishes, COM/COL, lead times.
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Prepare accurate ancillary quotes and pricing packages; conduct double-checks on specifications, counts, and pricing before submission.
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Lead and support client-facing design presentations through approval process.
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Contribute to bid responses with ancillary-forward solutions.
Procurement, Project Management & Installation
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Manage sample requests, product counts, and inventories aligned to project needs.
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Conduct site visits to verify field dimensions and site conditions during critical project phases.
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Attend punch walks and installations to provide on-site oversight and represent the ancillary scope to clients.
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Support punch-list resolution: missing, damaged, or backordered ancillary components.
Product, Market & Sales Development
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Maintain active manufacturer and vendor relationships; stay current on new and updated ancillary offerings.
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Update and manage Unisource's internal ancillary package and reusable ancillary standards, templates, and pricing guides.
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Attend trade shows and industry events; identify and communicate workplace trends that shape design narratives.
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Support A&D and hospitality outreach to develop ancillary opportunities and pipeline.
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Manage layouts and smaller ancillary-forward projects independently as capacity allows.
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Contribute to DTLA Client Center activation — driving A&D partners in for material and product discovery.
Code Compliance, Product Knowledge & Communication
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Apply working knowledge of building and furniture plan code requirements to ancillary layouts — egress, ADA clearances, life safety.
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Demonstrate strong knowledge of Haworth ancillary lines and applications.
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Maintain active awareness of open-line ancillary manufacturers with comparative analysis on price, lead time, and function.
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Update project status software daily; communicate availability, blockers, and shifting priorities openly with design and sales.
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Manage project folders with current files; archive prior versions per standard naming conventions.
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Champion greater use of technology and AI tools across the ancillary design workflow.
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Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
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2–5 years of experience in contract furniture, ancillary design, commercial interiors, or A&D.
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Strong working knowledge of CET Designer (primary specification platform); proficient in Spec (.sif), In Design, Sketchup and Microsoft Office.
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Familiarity with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 20/20 CAP.
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Working knowledge of Adobe Suite for visual presentations and marketing materials (aspirational; growth expected).
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Active adopter of AI tools for renderings, flythroughs, and design communication.
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Broad ancillary product knowledge across Haworth and open-line manufacturers; a creative eye for fabrics, finishes, and product storytelling.
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Working knowledge of applicable building and furniture plan code requirements.
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Strong client-facing presentation skills; comfortable presenting alongside sales and to A&D partners.
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Established or emerging relationships within the design community (IIDA, NEWH) a plus.
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Excellent organization, interpersonal communication, and vendor relationship skills.
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Outstanding time management; proven ability to juggle multiple projects and bids under deadline pressure.
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Detail-oriented, self-sufficient, and a proactive problem solver.
