Why Join Custer?
Custer creates personalized spaces that elevate well-being, promote innovation, and transform the communities in which we live and work. Established in 1981, Custer has grown beyond West Michigan to become a premier Steelcase dealership and a full-service interior solutions partner serving corporate, education, and healthcare clients. Our team delivers environments that empower people to do their best work - integrating workplace strategy, design, furniture, flooring, and technology to support a better way of working.
As our Fort Wayne region continues to build momentum and expand its presence within the community, we’re seeking a driven Interior Designer to help translate client vision into purposeful, high-performing spaces that reflect our commitment to thoughtful design, technical excellence, and seamless project execution.
Opportunity at Glance
The Interior Designer will bring our clients’ vision to life — translating strategy into thoughtfully crafted environments that inspire, perform, and endure. Based in our growing Fort Wayne region, this role plays a key part in shaping the local client experience, connecting creative design thinking with technical precision to deliver spaces that reflect both client goals and Custer’s standard of excellence.
We’re seeking a design professional who thrives at the intersection of creativity and execution — someone who can confidently lead client conversations, manage multiple complex projects, and collaborate seamlessly with Business Development, Sales, Operations, and trade partners to deliver cohesive, buildable solutions that elevate every space we touch.
Job Responsibilities
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Demonstrates a deep understanding of design thinking principles and applies strategic design methodologies across projects
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Translates abstract concepts and client vision into functional, creative design solutions using a broad range of programming information and tools
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Designs holistically across the built environment — integrating commercial furniture, custom solutions, and interior finish packages to deliver cohesive project outcomes that align with client goals and project scope
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Creates clear, detailed architectural drawings that communicate design intent and support project execution
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Follows established design processes while demonstrating confidence to suggest alternative solutions when appropriate. Speaks up in group settings and contributes meaningfully to team discussions
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Designs with an understanding of applicable codes, life safety standards, and best practices, ensuring compliance in all project deliverables
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Identifies site conditions, raises concerns appropriately, and communicates solutions clearly to clients, project managers, and trade partners
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Demonstrates excellent communication skills, creating clear and accurate drawings for trades coordination and client understanding
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Leads interactive, technology-driven design sessions with clients, delivering persuasive and engaging live design experiences
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Communicates candidly and objectively, setting realistic expectations with internal teams, sales partners, and clients while consistently meeting deadlines
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Displays a high level of attention to detail, proactively raising potential concerns, asking clarifying questions, and seeking feedback for improvement
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Seeks opportunities to grow personally and professionally, bringing ideas and areas of interest to leadership for development
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Organizes and delivers effective digital presentations, showcasing design solutions with clarity and impact
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Identifies opportunities within projects to expand scope and create additional value for the client and business
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Demonstrate attentiveness and responsiveness in communication, maintaining appropriate turnaround times for deliverables
Project Management Expectations
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Actively participate in construction and site meetings, representing the design team and contributing to project coordination discussions
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Collaborate with internal team members to conduct Pre-Install Readiness Meetings to ensure alignment across project stakeholders prior to installation
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Break down large-scale project scopes into manageable work plans, establishing clear milestones, task, assignments, and timelines
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Conduct final audit of all design work prior to order placement to ensure accuracy
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Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at varying stages simultaneously, maintaining focus, organization, and attention to detail across a dynamic workload
Qualifications
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Deep knowledge of the design process, project lifecycle, and contract structures, with a proven ability to evolve operational models and tools that improve the customer experience
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Ability to follow established design and project management processes while demonstrating confidence to suggest alternative solutions when appropriate
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills — able to articulate design ideas clearly and engage confidently with clients, internal teams, and trade partners.
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Strong presenter and storyteller with the ability to represent design vision and Custer’s brand confidently in both executive and public settings
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Experience in client-facing roles, including strategic consultation, presentations, and cultivating long-term business relationships
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects, timelines, and tasks simultaneously across different project phases.
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High attention to detail and accuracy — ensuring design deliverables, specifications, and installation drawings are thorough and complete.
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Adaptable and responsive to dynamic project needs and client expectations, maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
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Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Operations to drive integrated strategies and influence business outcomes.
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Technically proficient in industry-standard software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and project collaboration tools
Education, Experience & Other Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in interior design or related field, required
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NCIDQ certification, highly preferred
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4-6 years of experience in the commercial design industry, required, 6+ years preferred
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Project management experience is a plus
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Willingness to travel to project sites as needed
Compensation & Benefits
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Salary will vary based on factors such as location, qualifications, experience, skill level and competencies.
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The company offers a full range of benefits including: Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off, Holidays, 401(k), and Short- & Long-Term Disability.
