DESIGN ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Design Assistant Overview
Orange Moon Interiors is an award-winning full-service decorating firm in southwest Florida. We are a small team with a passion for functional and timeless interior design. Throughout the design process, we strive to provide an exceptional client experience – we tailor each project to the client’s lifestyle, needs, and design style along with the home’s architectural integrity.
We aim to create an office culture that is open-minded, creative, and welcoming. We pride ourselves on creating beautiful design and providing an exceptional client experience, while equally valuing our team’s effort and work/life balance.
Position Description
The ideal candidate will have the unique opportunity to work closely with both the Principal Designer and the client to provide production support and coordination from initial consultation to final installation. This includes all aspects of the full design and construction process. A dependable, energetic individual with a “can-do” attitude and exceptional attention to detail, the Design Assistant is responsible for supporting the efforts of the design team to ensure the successful completion of the project. This position is part-time to start with the potential of transitioning to full-time.
To apply, please submit cover letter, resume, work examples/portfolio, and three references. PDF attachment or link accepted.
Job Types: Part-time
Pay: $16.00 - $25.00 per hour
Duties + Responsibilities
· Assist in all phases of the design process including client onboarding, design concepting and presentations, AutoCAD drawings/edits, FF&E schedules, site visits, coordination with tradespeople and clients.
· Attend client meetings with the principal Designer to take notes & maintain understanding of project
· Managing client communication, relationships, presentations & proposals at an exceptional service level
· Creating and maintaining well organized client binders including all project specifications, meeting notes, drawings, etc.
· Assist the Principal with research and selections of finishes, tile, wall coverings, fabrics & treatments, light fixtures, furnishings & accessories
· Work with principal designer create digital and physical design boards
· Create and maintain detailed budgets throughout projects
· Creating and amending quotes and purchase orders
· Gather pricing and confirm specifications
· Coordinating with the Designer on furniture and material orders
· Communicate directly day-to-day with subcontractors, vendors, and tradespeople
· Oversee project schedule and ensure optimal progress
· Conduct site visits with the Designer
· Office 365 management: manage emails using the Four D’s (Delete, Do It, Delgate to the right person or Defer it using Tasks). Create Tasks from emails and clean up emails, making sure that there is accountability for each item. Clean up emails by either unsubscribing or creating categories for future reference.
· Take phone calls with professionalism and accuracy.
· Set up design consultations for designers using ‘How to Set Up and Provide a Consultation’ in Asana Business Blueprint.
· Prepare for and attend Consultations with designer.
· Client intake, onboarding and outboarding process (all processes are in Asana). Use Asana to keep projects on target.
· Prepare and pack for field measures to assist Designer. Attend field measures with Designer or Carpenter.
· Submit field measurements to CAD operator for job. Save CAD drawings in appropriate files with communication to Designer.
· Set up/ schedule and prepare for Trade Day’s. Attend Trade Day’s with Designer.
· Prepare and pack for Kickoff meetings and Installation Days (all processes are in Asana).
· Create and organize client files and spec book and keep them updated for accounting and design.
· Use Asana for client email templates and timed emails for project to stay on task.
· Following up with vendors to ensure timely receipt of requested information
· Assisting on-site at installs and photoshoots, receiving deliveries as needed
· Routine trips to work rooms, decorative centers, clients' homes, vendors' offices, etc.
· Assist with product research, sourcing and compilation for Designer(s).
· Manage Preferred Vendor List.
· Open packages and organize office samples.
· Create Excel Finish Selections Spreadsheet and Spec Books for renovation and new build projects.
· Create client project installation video as part of outboarding process.
· Take samples to and from vendors and assist with color selections as needed
· Order samples from vendors online as needed and manage samples.
· Manage vendor website sign-on’s for product resourcing
· Assist Designer with proposals, budgets, reselections, revisions, discontinued items and shipments.
· Prepare for Design Presentation Day
· Track orders, handle shipments and claims with warehouse and vendors.
· Prepare and pack for photo shoot day.
· Keep the office tidy and clean: take out office paper garbage, vacuum, wipe surfaces and keep samples organized.
Minimum Job Requirements
· 1-2 years experience at an interior design or architecture firm preferred; construction experience a plus
· Knowledge of the interior design industry / familiarity with vendors
· Ability to work on multiple projects at once is essential
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Team player with a positive, "can-do" attitude!
· Highly detail oriented
· Self-driven, uses initiative and is always one step ahead
· Ability to multi-task and prioritize work to meet deadlines
· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
· Strong organization and problem-solving skills
· Proficiency in excel/google sheets
· Proficiency in AutoCAD, Chief Architect or Sketch Up is a big plus
· Knowledge of Photoshop and Adobe Creative Suite is a big plus
· Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to showrooms, job sites, etc.
· Excitement about the interior design industry and desire to work in a growing firm with a small close-knit team
Knowledge, Skills + Abilities Required
o Accuracy and attention to detail is absolutely required, as well as a track record of reliability, confidentiality, and conscientious work habits
o Ability to organize and prioritize effectively
o Attention to detail with exceptional level of accuracy
o Ability to interpret data and make cost effective decisions
o Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
o Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with staff and clientele
o Expert level mathematical and organizational skills
o Ability and desire to learn new software
o Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability
o Emotional maturity
o Pleasant and polite phone and email correspondence
o Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
o Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response
o Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Other Requirements
The Design Assistant must live within thirty (45) minutes of Manatee County within six (6) months of the date of hire.
A valid Florida driver’s license is also, required.
Salary Range
$16 - $25 hourly
Schedule:
4-hour shift: 9am – 1pm or 12 - 4pm
8-hour shift: 9am – 4pm
Monday to Friday
Ability to commute:
Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, Ellenton Florida
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Parental leave
Ability to Commute:
- Sarasota, FL 34243 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
